The Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC) took multi-fold decisions during a meeting held at the beginning of the year 2023 in January. SGPC is an Indian organisation in charge of the management of gurdwaras (Sikh places of worship) in the states of Punjab and Himachal Pradesh, as well as the union territory of Chandigarh. The SGPC is also in charge of Darbar Sahib in Amritsar. Let’s look at some of the recent initiatives taken by the organization in detail:
Decision to provide Rs 20,000 honorarium each month to 9 Bandi Singhs serving a long sentence
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has resolved to pay 9 Bandi Singhs (Sikh prisoners) serving long sentences in various prisons across the nation Rs 20,000 each month as an honorarium. The 'Bandi Singhs' are Sikh inmates jailed for various offences committed during the days of militancy in Punjab but have already served the minimum sentence and are eligible for release for good behaviour under the terms of the law.
The nine 'Bandi Singhs' who will receive the honorarium include Bhai Lakhwinder Singh Lakha, Bhai Gurdeep Singh Khera, Prof Devinderpal Singh Bhullar, Bhai Balwant Singh Rajoana, Bhai Paramjit Singh Bheora, Bhai Jagtar Singh Hawara, Bhai Jagtar Singh Tara, Bhai Gurmeet Singh and Bhai Shamsher Singh. However, Bhai Rajoana has been receiving it already for some time.
In a statement to the media, SGPC President Harjinder Singh Dhami said the government's injustice to Sikhs who have been imprisoned for three decades is a major breach of human rights, and this voice will now be amplified on worldwide platforms. He further said that since 1984, SGPC has stood strongly with the persecuted Sikhs and is dedicated to doing so in the future as well.
Additionally, it has been decided to raise the issue of Sikh prisoners who are still imprisoned despite having served their sentences with the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and the United Nations Organization (UNO). The signature campaign initiated by the SGPC for the release of Sikh prisoners will be intensified, and Sikh jathebandis, educational institutions, Singh Sabhas, and people working for human rights will be included, as well as this campaign being brought door to door.
Furthermore, the SGPC President stated that the fight for the liberation of Sikh prisoners will be waged at all levels and that governments will be compelled to listen to the Sikh community's voice. He also said that a 6-member Legal Advisory Board, comprised of advocates Puran Singh Hundal, Paramjit Singh Thiara, Baltej Singh Dhillon, Bhagwant Singh Sialka, Amarjit Singh Dharni, and Arshdeep Singh Kaler, has been formed to provide legal assistance to the families of Sikh prisoners.
Filing petition against Gurmeet Ram Rahim
In the list of initiatives taken by SGPC, the Sikh organisation has also resolved to file a writ petition in the High Court against Dera Sirsa head Gurmeet Ram Rahim, who is guilty of murder and rape. This is in response to the government’s support towards him. Dhami said that hosting Ram Rahim, a paroled criminal, as a state guest by the Haryana government is an insult to the judiciary. Also, granting him repeated paroles and waiving his 90-day sentence is unacceptable in a civilised country.
Dhami also stated that the legal processes against Ram Rahim in sacrilege instances are ongoing, hence it is not possible to rule out the prospect of his coming forward and affecting these delicate matters. He stated that the SGPC will file a writ petition with the High Court over this grave matter, and if necessary, will also approach the Supreme Court.
Central Sikh Museum to showcase Maharaja Ripudaman Singh Nabha and Baba Chanda Singh Kattu Wale's portraits
The SGPC’s election commission has also decided to display the portrait of Maharaja Ripudaman Singh Nabha and Baba Chanda Singh Kattu Wale in the Central Sikh Museum. Maharaja Ripudaman Singh Nabha is a notable figure in Sikh history. He backed the Gurdwara Reform Movement and was instrumental in getting the Anand Marriage Act approved in 1909. In addition, when the Saka (massacre) of Sri Nankana Sahib occurred, Maharaja Nabha joined actively in protests by donning black turbans at the request of SGPC.
Baba Chanda Singh Kattu Wale is a revered figure in Sikh history who has contributed to preaching the Sikh faith. Displaying his portrait in the Central Sikh museum is an act of honouring his legacy for the time to come.
Environment protection initiative
While taking steps to uplift the Sikh community, SGPC has also taken initiatives for environment preservation. They have decided to run a robust environmental protection programme. The SGPC President said that they have already established heritage forests on the one-acre property belonging to various Gurdwara Sahibs. The decision has been made to plant trees in all educational institutions and Gurdwara Sahibs that fall under the SGPC in order as a part of this campaign. Additionally, booklets promoting clean soil, air, and water will be prepared and distributed in lakhs to spread awareness.
Condemns Punjab government’s decision to change Amritsar’s Panj Piara health centres to Aam Aadmi clinics
SGPC has also issued a resolution firmly denouncing the Aam Aadmi Party-led (AAP) Punjab government's tampering with monuments related to Sikh history. The Punjab government, which is currently run by Bhagwant Singh Mann, has been cautioned to stop exploiting Sikhs' religious feelings for political motives.
On the celebration of the 300th anniversary of Khalsa Sajna Diwas in 1999, the Akali administration constructed five health institutions at various locations in Amritsar under the name Panj Piaras. This includes the Bhai Daya Singh Ji Urban Primary Health Centre in Mustafabad, the Bhai Dharam Singh Ji Urban Primary Health Centre in Ranjit Avenue, the Bhai Himmat Singh Ji Satellite Hospital in Ghanupur Kale, the Bhai Mohkam Singh Ji Satellite Hospital in Sakatri Bagh, and the Bhai Sahib Singh Ji Government Hospital in Fatehpur.
President Dhami stated that they have been renamed as Aam Aadmi Clinics by Bhagwant Mann, and boards proclaiming the name change have been up all over with his pictures It is disrespectful to the Sikh community, and has hurt their sentiments.
After Sikh gurus, Panj Piaras are greatly revered in the Sikh community. The SGPC President said that Bhagwant Singh Mann has damaged Punjab’s heritage and history. He questioned whether Bhagwant Singh Mann is superior to the Panj Piaras since he has been renaming the monuments in his party’s name. SGPC has warned the Punjab government to reverse this step immediately, and that if it is prolonged, the government will be held responsible for escalating the brewing Sikh anger.
The formation of the International Sikh Advisory Board
The SGPC has also formed a 13-member International Sikh Advisory Board, with the possibility of adding more members from other countries in the future. President Dhami stated that the Sikh community is currently spread around the globe and that this advisory board would work on Sikh issues on a worldwide scale.
The 13 members of the International Sikh Advisory Board include Inderjit Singh Bal from Toronto, Canada; Dalbir Singh from Yuba City, United States; Gurnam Singh Panwan from the United States; Jatinderpal Singh from California, United States; Darshan Singh Dhaliwal from Rakhra, United States; Balwant Singh Dhami from United Kingdom (UK); Dr Kanwaljit Kaur from United Kingdom; Gurmeet Singh Randhawa, the Chairman of Sikh Council from United Kingdom; Harpal Singh of Khalsa Darbar from Canada; Rajbir Singh from Surrey, Canada; Nirmal Singh Chandi from Canada; Gurcharanjit Singh Lamba from USA; and Malkit Singh Dhami from Vancouver, Canada. The SGPC President also stated that shortly, representatives from Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and other nations will join this advisory group.
The SGPC’s election commission who were a part of the meeting where all these crucial decisions were made included SGPC senior vice-president Baldev Singh Qaimpur, junior-vice president Avtar Singh Ria, general secretary Bhai Gurcharan Singh Grewal, EC members Mohan Singh Bangi, Sher Singh Mandwala, Jarnail Singh Kartarpur, Malkit Singh Changal, Surjit Singh Tughalwal, Bawa Singh Gumanpura, Bibi Gurinder Kaur Bholuwal, Gurnam Singh Jassal, Paramjit Singh Khalsa, Baba Gurpreet Singh Randhawa, secretary Partap Singh, OSD Satbir Singh Dhami, additional secretaries Kulwinder Singh Ramdas, Sukhminder Singh, Gurinder Singh Mathrewal, Simarjit Singh, superintendent Malkeet Singh Beharwal, and assistant secretaries Shahbaz Singh, Gurdial Singh, and Gurcharan Singh Kuhala.