Historic Decisions by SGPC Under Advocate Dhami’s Leadership to Mark Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s Sacrifice

Amritsar, July 28 Jugraj Singh Sandhu

 The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), under the leadership of President Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami, convened its executive committee meeting today and passed several major resolutions to mark the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji.

One of the key decisions was to formally urge the Indian government to release long-serving Sikh prisoners, commonly referred to as "Bandi Singhs," as a tribute to the ninth Sikh Guru's supreme sacrifice for religious freedom. Advocate Dhami reminded the media that during Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s 550th birth anniversary in 2019, the government had announced commutation of sentences for certain Sikh prisoners, but the order has yet to be implemented. He emphasized that executing such decisions now would be a meaningful homage to Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji.

In an effort to preserve the legacy of the Guru, the committee has also approved the establishment of the "Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Chair" at the Sri Guru Granth Sahib World University in Fatehgarh Sahib. The chair will focus on academic and spiritual research on Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s life, travels, philosophy, and martyrdom.

The SGPC also decided to extend humanitarian services by initiating Langar (free community meals) for patients and the underprivileged at Guru Nanak Dev Hospital in Amritsar. The meals will be supplied twice daily from the Sri Guru Ramdas Langar Hall.

Continuing its commitment to educational support, SGPC’s Directorate of Education will now prepare students for the National Defence Academy (NDA) examinations. Selected candidates will receive free graduation education along with a monthly stipend.

Advocate Dhami also condemned a recent incident in Rajasthan where a Sikh girl was reportedly barred from entering an exam hall due to her religious attire. He highlighted the constitutional rights of Sikhs to wear the five articles of faith and warned of legal action, referencing past cases taken to the Supreme Court.

In international matters, SGPC appealed to both India and Pakistan to reopen the Kartarpur Corridor, which has been closed due to diplomatic tensions. He emphasized that the corridor is a vital symbol of peace and shared heritage for Sikhs globally.

Furthermore, following a request from the management of Takht Sri Hazur Sahib, SGPC will be sending 200 sacred Saroops (copies) of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji to serve the Sikh community in southern India.

Lastly, the committee passed a condemnation resolution against the violation of Sikh religious decorum by the Language Department of Punjab during a recent event in Srinagar.

The meeting was attended by senior SGPC officials including Vice Presidents, General Secretary Sher Singh Mandwala, and various committee members and legal advisors.