DSGMC Urges Sikh Institutions for Unified Commemoration of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur’s 350th Martyrdom Anniversary
-Kalka Appeals to SGPC to Avoid Holding Separate Events
New Delhi, July 16
Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) President. Harmeet Singh Kalka today urged all Sikh institutions and sampradayas to come together to collectively commemorate the 350th martyrdom anniversary of the Ninth Guru, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji.
Speaking at a press conference held at the DSGMC headquarters at Gurdwara Rakabganj Sahib, Kalka announced that preparations are underway to mark the occasion with deep spiritual fervor, involving Sikh institutions, children, Singh Sabhas, Istri Sabhas, and NGOs.
“I personally spoke with Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) President Harjinder Singh Dhami and invited him to a meeting. He sent Gurcharan Singh Grewal, a senior leader and former General Secretary of SGPC, as his representative. The meeting took place in a highly positive and cooperative atmosphere,” said Kalka.
He informed that it was decided during the meeting that a Nagar Kirtan (religious procession) would commence from Anandpur Sahib, Punjab, where Kashmiri Pandits had approached Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib for protection against the tyrannical Mughal rulers who were forcing them to convert to Islam.
Kalka emphasized, “It is clear that the site of the Ninth Guru’s martyrdom is Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib at Chandni Chowk, New Delhi, and his cremation took place at Gurdwara Rakabganj Sahib. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the DSGMC to lead the commemoration of this historic milestone.”
He noted that traditionally, the Gurdwara body associated with the location of a significant Sikh centenary takes the lead in planning the event, with other Sikh institutions and Gurdwara bodies providing support. “It was agreed that the SGPC will organize the Nagar Kirtan in Punjab, which will then proceed to Haryana under the Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee. Upon entering Delhi, the DSGMC will take charge of all arrangements,” Kalka added.
However, he expressed concern over the SGPC’s recent decision to hold separate commemorative events before the martyrdom anniversary on November 25. “I appeal to the SGPC to refrain from such divisive practices, which seem to be influenced by former DSGMC President Paramjit Singh Sarna,” said Kalka. He pointed out that S. Sarna, who now advises the SGPC and opposes the DSGMC, had previously opposed the SGPC during his 12-year tenure as DSGMC President. Kalka urged the SGPC to make decisions independently of Sarna’s influence.
Responding to a question during the press conference, Kalka shared that the DSGMC has planned programs such as Istri Satsang, events by Singh Sabha Gurdwaras, children’s workshops, seminars, and Sarv Dharam Sammelans, which will see collective participation from all Sikh institutions. He added that the Government of India and the Delhi Government will actively support these initiatives.
