Sri Akal Takht Sahib (Eternal Throne, AT) pronounced tankhah (salary, implying punishment) for a number of individuals on 9 Dec. Former AT Jathedar (leader) Giani Gurbachan Singh publicly sought forgiveness for pardoning Dera (Sect) Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim in September 2015 leading to a furore in the Sikh community. The Panj Piare (Five Loved Ones) ordered him to perform two days of langar sewa (community kitchen service) and recite prescribed prayers for two days. Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU) Vice Chancellor Karamjit Singh apologized for his comments to Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat. He was asked to perform a two-day langar sewa at Darbar Sahib (Golden Temple), Amritsar, and clean footwear for an hour daily; perform five days of prescribed prayers; read Bhai Kahn Singh Nabha’s book Ham Hindu Nahin and distribute 500 copies of the book. Punjab Language Department director Jaswant Singh Zafar apologized over the dance and song program during the 350th martyrdom anniversary event of ninth Sikh Sovereign Guru Teghbahadur in Srinagar. He was asked to perform two days of langar sewa and cleaning footwear at Gurdwara Dukh Nivaran Sahib, Patiala; perform four days of prescribed prayers and distribute 100 copies of principal Satbir Singh’s books. Senior Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Virsa Singh Valtoha apologized for making derogatory remarks in October 2024 against the jathedars. He was asked to perform three days of langar sewa and clean footwear for an hour daily at Darbar Sahib, Amritsar; perform similar service for two days at Darbar Sahib, Tarn Taran, and one day each at Takht Sri Damdama Sahib and Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib. SAD has lifted its 10-year ban on him. Preacher Harinder Singh of Nirvair Jatha (Group) UK apologized for his comments on the first Sikh Sovereign Guru Nanak. He was asked to strictly adhere to Panth (Sikh Collective) approved maryada (code of conduct) and deliver sermons that strengthen the faith. He was asked to perform two days of sewa; recite prescribed prayers for 11 days. All were asked to offer USD 12 for karah prasad (traditional offering) (earlier coverage).
Like what you're reading? Subscribe to our top stories.
Liv Forum provides a digest of analysis on major issues facing Indian (East) Panjab and Sikhs globally.
In accordance with our Privacy Policy, we will never share or sell the information of our subscribers.
