GNDU VC in Cross Hairs Over Brief to RSS Chief; Rajasthan Clarifies on 'Kirpan'

On 1 Aug, a video went viral in which the Vice Chancellor (VC) of Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU) Dr. Karamjeet Singh could be seen addressing Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat during an education conference on 28 Jul. The seminar was conducted by Gyan Sabha (Knowledge Session)—Education for Viksit Bharat (Developed India), an event organized by RSS-linked Shiksha Sanskriti Utthan Nyas (Endowment for Lifting Education and Culture) and Amrita University at Kochi, Kerala. The event focused on the role of education in building a developed India. In the video Dr. Karamjeet informs Bhagwat about initiatives at GNDU, including the introduction of a compulsory PhD course on Bharatiya parampara (Indian tradition) and the establishment of a Sikh Chair aimed at studying the connections between the Rigveda and the teachings of Sikhi founder Guru Nanak. Indian National Congress Member of Panjab Legislative Assembly Pargat Singh tweeted: ‘it shows how the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Panjab has helped the RSS take control of the entire education system, including universities, in Punjab.' The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has taken note of Dr. Karamjeet briefing the RSS chief and has removed Dr. Karamjit from the committee formed to review the service rules of the Jathedar (leader) of Sri Akal Takht Sahib (Eternal Throne, AT). Though not explicitly stated, the reason for removal could be AT’s 2004 Hukamnama (edict) to not support the RSS. Meanwhile, after stopping an Amritdhari (initiated) Sikh woman candidate from appearing in the Rajasthan High Court (Jodhpur) Civil Judge recruitment exam in Jaipur, now the Rajasthan govt has clarified that ‘Sikh religious symbols are permitted during exams.' Citing a December 2019 circular issued by former Indian National Congress government under Ashok Gehlot, the Bhajan Lal Sharma govt issued a statement that 'the candidates of Sikh religion should be allowed to appear in the examination wearing religious symbols like Kada, Kirpan and Pagdi etc. in various competitive examinations conducted’ by Rajasthan govt institutions (earlier coverage).