Akal Takht Mandates Amrit Initiation for Chief Khalsa Diwan Executives

Amritsar, July 23(Nazrana News Network)

In a strong reaffirmation of Sikh principles and discipline, officiating Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj, has issued a firm directive to the Chief Khalsa Diwan (CKD), mandating that all its members become Amritdhari (initiated Sikhs) within the next 41 days, i.e., by September 1.

The directive came following complaints against some CKD members who allegedly strayed from the Sikh Rehat Maryada. In response, CKD President Inderbir Singh and 20 executive members were summoned and appeared before the Jathedar at the Secretariat of Sri Akal Takht Sahib. During the meeting, the Jathedar questioned the officials, reviewed their explanations, and cited the organization’s constitution and Sikh code to deliver on-the-spot decisions.

“No member should dye or curl their beard,” said Jathedar Gargajj, warning that non-compliance will result in membership cancellation. CKD members absent from the meeting must appear on August 1 to provide an explanation. To assist in this transition, Panj Piaras (the Five Beloved Ones) will conduct Amrit Sanchar (initiation ceremonies).

Reiterating his stance, Jathedar Gargajj stated, “The constitutional requirement for CKD members to be Amritdhari stands firm and cannot be repealed under any circumstance. No act against Gurmat or Sikh Rehat Maryada will be tolerated.”

Further instructions included establishing schools in Punjab’s border regions to foster Sikh values and provide educational concessions to Sikh families, aimed at addressing issues of religious conversion and strengthening Sikh faith. He also emphasized expanding CKD’s publication ‘Khalsa Advocate’, leveraging digital media to enhance Sikh educational outreach.

Responding to queries about the Punjab Government’s plans for the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Sri Guru Teg Bahadar, Jathedar Gargajj emphasized that the Khalsa Panth must lead such commemorations, with governments playing a supportive, not dominant, role. He endorsed SGPC President Harjinder Singh Dhami’s objection to unilateral event announcements by the government and urged coordinated efforts with Sikh bodies.

The meeting was attended by CKD leaders including Vice President Santokh Singh, Honorary Secretary Ramnik Singh, Local President Kuljit Singh, and executive members Adarsh Pindar Singh, Jaspal Singh, Harvinder Pal Singh, Bhupinder Singh, and others, along with Bagicha Singh, in-charge of the Akal Takht Secretariat.