Amritsar, August 16:
Ardas (Sikh prayer) was held at Sri Akal Takht Sahib in memory of lakhs of Punjabis who lost their lives during the partition of India and Pakistan in 1947. As per the orders of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, a ceremony was held for the first time in this regard last year. In continuation, the bhog (concluding ceremony) of Sri Akhand Path Sahib was held at Sri Akal Takht Sahib today, after which the hazuri raagi jatha of Sachkhand Sri Harmandir Sahib performed Gurbani Kirtan. Bhai Baljit Singh offered Ardas for the departed souls and Giani Gurminder Singh recited the holy hukamnama (edict) from Guru Granth Sahib.
During the event, Jathedar of Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib Giani Sultan Singh said that while thousands of Punjabis lost their lives during the partition of the country in 1947, people also had to leave their lands, properties, and businesses. During the partition of the country, the Sikh community also had to leave their holy Gurdhams (Sikh shrines). Many shrines, including Sri Nankana Sahib, the birthplace of Guru Nanak Dev, remained in Pakistan, and every Sikh wishes to pay obeisance there. He said that today the governments of both countries have completely forgotten the displaced Punjabis while celebrating independence.
Giani Sultan Singh said that in memory of these innocent people who were killed during the partition, it is a commendable step by the SGPC to pay tributes by holding a ceremony at Sri Akal Takht Sahib because the ruling class never remembered those who lost their lives in last 75 years.
Present on this occasion included, SGPC secretary Partap Singh, additional secretary Kulwinder Singh Ramdas, superintendent Malkeet Singh Beharwal, manager Satnam Singh Riar, additional manager Nishan Singh, Bikramjit Singh Jhangi, Nishan Singh Jafarwal, federation leader Gurminder Singh Chawla and the Sangat.