Amritsar: Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami, President of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), has addressed Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s recent statements regarding sacrilege laws, asserting that the final authority on such matters rests with the Akal Takht and its Jathedar. Dhami emphasized that while there is no objection to implementing stricter laws to punish those who desecrate the Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, any decisions involving broader religious nuances must involve extensive consultation with Panthic organizations and scholars.
In a significant cultural announcement, the SGPC has finalized plans to commemorate the 650th birth anniversary of Guru Ravidas Ji with a series of grand religious events. A three-day celebration is scheduled for February 18, 19, and 20, 2027. Although the final venue is under consideration, Sri Anandpur Sahib is currently being explored as a potential host. The celebrations will feature a massive Nagar Kirtan originating from Guru Ravidas Ji’s birthplace, with a dedicated team of SGPC officials appointed to manage the logistics of the procession.
To further honour the legacy of Guru Ravidas Ji, the SGPC plans to hold six seminars across various educational institutions in Punjab focusing on Gurbani and lifestyle. Additionally, a 202-page research book detailing the saint’s life and teachings will be published in Punjabi, Hindi, and English for distribution during the festivities. Beyond these celebrations, Dhami also voiced serious concerns regarding reports of Sikh students being asked to remove religious symbols like the ‘Kara’ and ‘Kirpan’ at examination centres, stating that the SGPC will rigorously pursue this matter with government authorities to prevent future occurrences.
