AMRITSAR SAHIB, Punjab—Led by Sri Akal Takht Sahib appointed Jatheder Giani Gurbachan Singh, Panj Singh Sahiban (Supreme presidium of Sikhs) today announced to set up special committee to settle down the long pending issue of Nanakshahi Calender. The decision of constituting the panel was taken in a special meeting which lasted for five hours.
The committee will be asked to submit the report by mid December this year, Poh 1, Nanakshahi Year 547.
Talking to reporters after the meeting, Giani Gurbachan Singh said the committee has been constituted to end confusion on the Calendar and ensure Panthik unity. The committee will comprise two representatives of Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, one of Takht Sri Patna Sahib, Takht Sri Hazoor Sahib and Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee each, architect of original Nanakshahi Calender Pal Singh Purewal (Canada), Dr. Gurcharanjit Singh Lamba, Dr. Anurag Singh (Ludhiana), Col. Surjit Singh Nishan, two representatives of Sant Samaj, 1-1 of Nihang Singh Jathedandis and Nirmal sect each. Sikhs based in USA, Canada, Australia, UK and Europe will also be asked to send their single representative each.
This committee will be asked to send its opinions and suggestions till Poh 1, Nanakshahi Year 547 to Sri Akal Takht Sahib as per Gurbani and historical sources. After thorough discussion on the report, Akal Takht will send its decision to SGPC for implementation.
On being asked repeatedly as to which Calendar will be released on March 14, 2015 for next Nanakshahi year, Giani Gurbachan Singh said that he has already directed SGPC to release the calender as per Gurbani and historical sources.
It is noteworthy that issue of Nanakshahi Calender is considered as one of the most sensitive issues in the Panth. After discarding original Nanakshahi Calender and implementing an amended version on request of Giani Harnam Singh Dhumma, the Panth has been divided on this issue. Since then, one section of the Panth including Pakistan Gurdwara management Committee has been following original Nanakshahi Calender and remaining section follows amended Nanakshahi Calender.
