Amritsar – Acting Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gurgajj, has condemned Punjabi University Patiala for showing “utter disrespect” to the Gurshabad Ratnakar Mahan Kosh, the monumental encyclopaedia authored by renowned Sikh scholar Bhai Kahn Singh Nabha. He said the incident reflects an anti-Sikh mindset and is deeply offensive to the community.
Calling the Mahan Kosh an irreplaceable treasure of Sikh literature, Jathedar Gurgajj emphasized that it contains rare references to Gurbani from Sri Guru Granth Sahib along with historical and ancient knowledge that continues to guide researchers and scholars. He said tampering with such a heritage work amounts to disregard for Sikh history.
The Jathedar recalled that Punjabi University had earlier released a flawed version of the encyclopaedia, which drew strong protests from Sikh scholars and institutions. The Punjab and Haryana High Court later banned the edition. Instead of working with the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) to make corrections, the university published the text unilaterally and allegedly used objectionable means to cover its errors. According to him, these actions reflect poor judgment and insensitivity towards Sikh heritage.
He also highlighted concerns about the condition of rare Sikh manuscripts in the Dr. Ganda Singh Punjabi Reference Library at the university. Reports suggest that proper preservation measures have not been taken and that valuable texts have gone missing or been mishandled. Jathedar Gurgajj demanded that the university explain how it plans to safeguard Sikh manuscripts and literature in its collection.
Following student-led protests, an FIR has been lodged against the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Registrar, Dean (Academic Affairs), and the Head of the Publication Bureau. The Jathedar urged Punjab Police to carry out a full investigation and ensure strict action against those responsible.
He further directed the Head Granthi of Gurdwara Sri Dukhniwaran Sahib, Patiala, to oversee the respectful removal and disposal (Sanskār Seva) of the flawed encyclopaedia copies from the university campus, with assistance from the SGPC. A detailed report of this process has been ordered to be submitted to Sri Akal Takht Sahib.
As an act of repentance, Jathedar Gurgajj also instructed the university administration to hold a Sri Akhand Path Sahib at the campus gurdwara, followed by Ardas for forgiveness. He appealed to Sikh students and organizations to maintain peace during the ongoing developments.
