—In a meeting held at Sri Akal Takht Sahib, the Five Singh Sahibs passed a resolution banning constructions of Gurdwaras on basis of caste. The meeting was presided by Giani Gurbachan Singh (Akal Takht Sahib), Giani Iqbal Singh (Patna Sahib), Giani Tirlochan Singh (Keshgarh Sahib), Giani Balwant Singh (Damdama Sahib) and Giani Mal Singh Ji (Granthi, Sri Harmandir Sahib). The meeting was held after numerous complaints had been received by Akal Takht Sahib from Sikh Sangat requesting action on Gurdwara’s serving to people of specific castes.
Ban on Gurdwaras Based on Caste
Giani Gurbachan Singh alleged that he had received complaints that some Gurdwaras bar people of other castes to even enter the premises. He labeled this as utterly disappointing and held that anyone could pay homage at any Gurdwara and no member of the committee should bar anyone from doing so.
All Gurdwaras belong to the Sikh Sangat, regardless of their caste of background. The foundation of Sikh religion was laid to counter the caste system which was prevalent amongst Hindus; however ignorant people have failed to recognize the ills of the caste system and have started practicing it as a part of the Sikh religion.
“Nihang” Dharam Singh Excommunicated
The notorious self-styled Nihang – Dharam Singh was sacked from the Khalsa brotherhood for uttering words of dishonor towards Guru Granth Sahib Ji. This self-styled preacher had appeared on public radio and uploaded videos on the internet which were deemed blasphemous. Despite being ordered by the Akal Takht Sahib to appear and clear his stance, he failed to do us and thus Akal Takht Sahib announced he was excommunicated.
Satkar Committees to Be Preapproved by Akal Takht Sahib
It was declared that Sikh Sangat should only work with those satkar committees that have approval letter by Akal Takht Sahib. Sikh Sangat should not provide financial help or hand over any aged saroops or pothis to undocumented members of any Satkar committee.
Other decisions taken at the meetings are as follows –
- Ban on usage of Gurbani for election campaigns or as part of party logos,etc.
- Gurdwaras should share financial records publicly. Failure would lead to strict action.
Will this also mean a end to Gurdwara’s named after casts…? Such as Ramgharia Sikh Temple ect….if so this is a very positive step in eradicating cast system in Sikhi which should not exist at all..
AT last may thank Sri Akal Takhat on caste system .