Damdami Taksal rejects new jathedar appointments, calls for panthic unity and transparent processes

AMRITSAR: The prominent Sikh seminary, Damdami Taksal, rejected the appointment of Bhai Kuldeep Singh Gargaj as the officiating Jathedar of Akal Takht and the Jathedar of Takht Kesgarh Sahib, as well as the appointment of Baba Tek Singh Dhanola as the Jathedar of Takht Damdama Sahib, Talwandi Sabo.
They appealed to the worldwide Sikh community to boycott them, arguing that their appointments were made against panthic traditions and Sikh sentiments. They sought Damdami Taksal Chief Harnam Singh Dhumma to lead the Panth in resolving the current crisis.
During a panthic gathering held under the aegis of Harnam at Anandpur Sahib, various resolutions were adopted, including the rejection of the newly appointed Jathedars and an appeal to the Executive Committee of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) for the reinstatement of Giani Raghbir Singh as Jathedar of Akal Takht, Giani Sultan Singh as Jathedar of Takht Kesgarh Sahib, and Giani Harpreet Singh as Jathedar of Takht Damdama Sahib, Talwandi Sabo.
Notably, Giani Harpreet Singh was terminated, while Giani Raghbir Singh and Giani Sultan Singh were relieved as Jathedars by the executive committee of the SGPC and are still continuing to serve as Head Granth and Granthi of the Golden Temple.
The gathering expressed appreciation for the three members of the SGPC executive committee who opposed the removal of the Jathedars. "These members were highly appreciated for upholding the feelings of the Sikh community," said Harnam Singh.
Notably, Jaswant Singh Parain, Amrik Singh Vichoya, and Paramjit Singh opposed the decision in the executive committee for the removal of Jathedars.
Another key resolution focused on the need for a formalised, written procedure for the appointment and removal of Jathedars. The gathering called for the involvement of all Sikh organisations, sects, and intellectuals to establish a transparent and respected process that would preserve the honour and dignity of the Takhts, said Dhumma.
An appeal was issued to the Sikh sangat to meet with their respective SGPC members before the upcoming budget session on March 28 to discuss their stance on rejecting the recent decisions regarding the removal of Jathedars.
In yet another resolution, the gathering appealed to Harnam Singh to take the lead in resolving the present panthic crisis, calling on him to unite the Sant Samaj, Sikh sects, spiritual leaders, and organisations to guide the Panth through these challenging times.