In present time, every Sikh needs to be Bibeki (intelligent): Giani Harpreet Singh
Sikh community should give united response to attacks by anti-Panth forces: Harjinder Singh Dhami
10 heads of Buddha Dal have honour to remain Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib: Baba Balbir Singh
Amritsar, March 14:
The main congregation dedicated to second martyrdom centenary of Akali Baba Phula Singh, the great general of Sikh community and sixth head of Shiromani Panth Akali Buddha Dal, was marked with Khalsa’s grandeur at historical Gurdwara Sri Manji Sahib Diwan Hall at Sri Darbar Sahib on Tuesday.
Addressing the large congregation on this occasion, Jathedar of Akal Takht Sahib Giani Harpreet Singh said there is a great need to make Shabd Guru (Guru Granth Sahib), Sikh history, Sikh literary work as our guide and to follow the path shown by Sikh Gurus in order to create virtuous life. In this centenary congregation organised jointly by Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee and Buddha Dal, a large number of representative personalities of Sikh community participated.
In his address to Sangat from country and abroad, Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh said that Akali Baba Phula Singh was pillar of the Khalsa rule, and on the occasion of his martyrdom, Maharaja Ranjit Singh had said in grief that a great hero of the Sikh rule has passed away. He said the entire life of Akali Phula Singh was for the welfare of Khalsa rule and the Sikh community and it is very important to convey his history to the present generation. He said that the word Akali perfectly defines the personality of Baba Phula Singh and his appearance as General.
“Being an Akali is not normal, it is a symbol of divine qualities and a creative power. Today, there is a great need to understand the character of Akali Baba Phula Singh and make him part of Sikh consciousness. Sikh youth need more guidance from their history, because in today’s social media era, the narratives being pushed by ignorant people are proving to be very dangerous for society”, said Giani Harpreet Singh.
Emphasizing the need of Sikh lifestyle, Guru’s order and Sikh traditions, Giani Harpreet Singh said that there is a need to give rest instead of mindlessly promoting someone’s ideas. He said for the safety of the Sikh institutions, everyone’s efforts are very necessary. He said whether SGPC or the major sampradas (sects) of the Sikh community, the strength of Khalsa Panth is with their strength. He said in this context that there is a need for the contribution of Akali Baba Phula Singh.
Addressing the centenary congregation, SGPC President Harjinder Singh Dhami said that the history of Sikh community is full of warriors like Akali Baba Phula Singh, but it is sad that today some forces and governments are trying to cause huge damage to Sikh history and institutions. He said that with the aim of weakening the Sikh power, the Sikh institutions are being encroached upon by force of the government. He appealed to the Sikh community to respond with Panthic (community’s) unity to such anti-Panth conspiracies and such insidious attacks.
Head of Buddha Dal Jathedar Baba Balbir Singh 96 Crori said that the Dal is proud of the fact that Jathedar Akali Baba Phula Singh Ji was the sixth Jathedar. The Panthic services performed by him are an achievement of Sikh history. Jathedar Baba Balbir Singh said that the Shiromani Panth Akali Buddha Dal has always been leading the Sikh community and its example is that 10 chiefs of Buddha Dal led the community as Jathedars of Sri Akal Takht Sahib. He said that these centenary events are not going to end here, rather they will continue to be celebrated globally till 2024. He thanked all Nihung Dals, sampradas, kar sewa dignitaries, Sikh organizations and Sangat who cooperated during the events.
Head of Tarna Dal Harian Velan Baba Nihal Singh said that the basis of character of a Sikh is the confluence of Bani and Bana (Gurbani and traditional Sikh attire), but the sad aspect is that today we are moving away from early morning’s Nitnem (daily required prayers) and Gurmat living (life as per teachings of Gurus). For the progress of the Sikh community, determination in Gurbani and Sikh lifestyle is very essential and the community needs to pay special attention to it.
During the congregation, head of Dal Baba Bidhi Chand Baba Avtar Singh Sursingh, Bandi Singh (Sikh prisoner) Bhai Gurdeep Singh Khera, former president of Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) Manjit Singh GK, Sikh scholar Giani Gurbakhsh Singh Gulshan, Buddha Dal kathawachak Giani Sher Singh Ambala, Giani Ranjit Singh Delhi, Giani Bhagwan Singh Johal and Bhai Sarabjit Singh Dhotian also addressed the Sangat with their views.
During the event, the prominent personalities who arrived here were honoured with Siropao (robe of honour), Kirpan (sword), medals, silver commemorative coins and religious books. Before this, hazuri raagi Bhai Karnail Singh, Baba Harjit Singh Mehta Chowk performed Gurbani Kirtan and prominent dhadi jatha of Giani Tarsem Singh Moranwali and kavishar Bhai Gurinderpal Singh Bainka shared the Sikh history with Sangat.
Head granthi of Sachkhand Sri Harmandar Sahib Giani Jagtar Singh, Jathedar of Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib Giani Raghbir Singh, granthi Giani Sultan Singh, Giani Gurmukh Singh, SGPC senior vice-president Avtar Singh Raya, general secretary Bhai Gurcharan Singh Grewal, a large number of SGPC members and officials were present in the congregation.