Sri Akal Takht Sahib to Take Strict Action on Unauthorised Publication of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji’s Birs Abroad

Sri Amritsar, August 11: Kanwar Partap Singh / Tajeemnoor Kaur—Bhai Sawinder Singh, coordinator and member of the official committee of Sri Akal Takht Sahib in the USA, today met Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj. During the meeting, the two held detailed discussions on several important matters concerning Sikhs residing in the USA and gurdwara sahibs there that are currently pending before the Secretariat of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, and also set future priorities.
The meeting discussed seriously several issues, including the unauthorised publication of sacred birs (scriptures) of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji by some individuals in China and other foreign countries and their sale to Sikh devotees; arrangements for providing sacred birs to Sikhs living abroad; violations and negligence concerning Sikh rehat maryada (code of conduct) in the management of gurdwaras; unnecessary disputes among Sikhs; and the submission of incorrect and misleading information to Sri Akal Takht Sahib to level allegations against one another. It was also emphasised that, in view of the need for Panthic unity at present, it is essential to keep the Sikh Sangat focused on and dedicated to Sri Akal Takht Sahib.

Jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj said that in the past, some individuals had unauthorisedly arranged for the publication of sacred birs of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji in China and other foreign countries, against which strict action had been taken by Sri Akal Takht Sahib. He said information was now again being received that groups of individuals in the USA and UK were engaged in the same activity. “Sri Akal Takht Sahib will take serious notice of this and strict action will be taken,” the Jathedar said.
He said that, anywhere in the world, no individual or organisation other than the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has the authority to independently publish or print sacred birs of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. He added that all information received regarding the unauthorised publication of sacred birs abroad would be thoroughly investigated and strict action will follow.
Jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj said there was an urgent need for Amritdhari Gursikhs dedicated to Sri Akal Takht Sahib to become involved in the management of gurdwaras, with a healthy combination of experienced elders and youth in their administration.
He said cases were being reported from abroad where gurdwara management committees did not comprise practising Gursikhs and where rehat maryada was being violated, hurting the sentiments of the Sikh congregation. According to Gurmat principles, he said, gurdwaras cannot be anyone’s private property and must be managed collectively by the Sikh Sangat.
He directed Sikh Sangat abroad to run gurdwara affairs through Sikh inspiration, mutual love and respect rather than allowing disputes and unnecessary conflicts to dominate their functioning.
He also directed gurdwara managements abroad not to take punitive or restrictive action against any Sikh who raises an issue concerning the management. Such action, he said, would violate Sikh principles and the directives of Sri Akal Takht Sahib. Instead, issues should be resolved through dialogue with the concerned Sikhs, and if a resolution could not be reached, the matter should be brought to the attention of Sri Akal Takht Sahib. He said Sri Akal Takht Sahib would take strict decisions in the future to ensure that gurdwara managements function according to rehat maryada.
He said that action will also be taken against those who send incorrect information to Sri Akal Takht Sahib.
Jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj also said he would visit the USA in the coming period and hold discussions with the Sikh Sangat there.
The Jathedar appreciated Bhai Sawinder Singh for the services being rendered by him and honoured him with a Siropa.
In-charge of the Secretariat of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Bagicha Singh, Media Adviser Jaskaran Singh and staff member Harjodh Singh, were also present on the occasion.