DSGMC President Raises Concerns Over Conversions in Punjab
New Delhi, June 9
The President of the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC), Harmeet Kalka, today expressed grave concerns about conversions from Sikhism to Christianity in Punjab’s villages.
Speaking at a press conference in New Delhi following a meeting with DSGMC members, Kalka urged all committee members to stay vigilant and monitor any attempts at religious conversions in their respective areas. General Secretary Jagdip Kahlon, along with other office bearers and members, was present during the conference.
Citing reports, Kalka revealed, “It is alarming that out of Punjab’s 12,500 villages, Christian committees have been established in 8,000, with large-scale conversions underway. There are 65,000 Christian preachers active in the state.” He questioned the role of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), accusing it of failing in its duty of Dharam Parchar (religious propagation).
Kalka noted that DSGMC has launched a Dharam Parchar Lehar in Punjab, recently baptizing 2,500 individuals as Puran Sikhs. However, he admitted that DSGMC’s resources pale in comparison to those of SGPC. “In my view, SGPC should take a more proactive role in bringing back those who have strayed onto a different path,” he said.
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He further criticized SGPC President Harjinder Singh Dhami, suggesting he could have played a key role in curbing conversions, but lamented that leaders of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), which Dhami represents, are preoccupied with criticizing other Sikh organizations.
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Addressing a recent protest outside Gurdwara Rakabganj Sahib by SAD leaders, including Paramjit Singh Sarna and. Manjit Singh G.K., Kalka condemned the demonstration, stating it violated the maryada (code of conduct) of the revered site. “The protest was against the government’s nomination of DSGMC members. They should have demonstrated outside the Civil Secretariat or the Director Gurdwara Elections office, not at the sacred Gurdwara Rakabganj Sahib,” he said.
Kalka pointed out that since DSGMC’s inception in 1971 and its first election in 1974, followed by elections in 1979, 1995, 2002, 2007, 2013, 2017, and 2021, members have consistently been nominated by the state government.
