Bureau
Amritsar: During the centenary congregation organized by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) on the occasion of the 300th birth anniversary of the 18th century Sikh General Sardar Jassa Singh Ramgarhia, several speakers emphasized the need for Panthic unity. The congregation was held at the Gurdwara Sri Manji Sahib Diwan Hall, Amritsar, which was participated by a large number of Sangat including prominent personalities of the Sikh community.
Speaking during the congregation, Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib Giani Harpreet Singh said that Sardar Jassa Singh Ramgarhia was a great hero of the Sikh community, who set an example of dedication to the Panth. He said that Sardar Jassa Singh has an eminent place in Sikh history and his life is a source of inspiration for the Panth even in the present. He said that today when the Sikh community is facing big challenges, there is a need to take guidance from the pages of history.
Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh said that it is necessary for different Sikh factions and organizations to unite on one platform. “Mutual differences and interests have to be abandoned for the sake of Sikh existence, integrity, principles, Maryada (code of conduct), and the progress of the community. If the community stays united, differences and challenges cannot spoil anything”, said Giani Harpreet Singh. The Jathedar termed the events organized by the SGPC on this occasion as important for connecting the younger generation with Sikh heritage and history.
Addressing the centenary congregation, SGPC President Harjinder Singh Dhami said that the Sikh community has always been the guardian of right and truth and the life of ancient Sikh warriors is also a guide for the next generations. He said that in the old times if there were differences of opinion among the Sikhs of Guru, they used to resolve them with mutual cooperation and harmony. He said that even today the Khalsa Panth needs to stick together as per the old traditions so that the challenges faced by the community can be tackled with unity. SGPC President thanked the dignitaries, representatives of Sikh organizations, and Sangat present during the centenary congregation. He also congratulated the entire Khalsa Panth on the third birth centenary of Sardar Jassa Singh Ramgarhia. He expressed special thanks for the support offered by the Ramgarhia community during the centenary events.
On this occasion, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) President Sukhbir Singh Badal said that today many forces are engaged to divide the Sikh power, to counter them strengthening the Panthic (community’s) organizations is the great need of the hour. He said that the power of the Panthic organizations is the power of the Sikhs in the country and the world over. If the institutions are strong, then the issues of Sikhs can be solved easily, said Sukhbir Singh Badal. He said that while celebrating centenaries, we get an opportunity to be inspired by the history of our community and elders and these days prove to be a source of inspiration in the next stages of Sikh life. SAD President specifically mentioned the Panthic works done during the SAD government. It has always been the priority of Shiromani Akali Dal to establish various memorials related to Sikh history and preserve Sikh heritage, said SAD President. He appealed to the Sikh community to imbibe the virtues of Panthic welfare from the life of Sardar Jassa Singh Ramgarhia so that the Sikh community will always be in Chardi Kala (high spirit).
Head granthi of Sachkhand Sri Harmandar Sahib Giani Jagtar Singh, Shiromani Panth Akali Buddha Dal chief Jathedar Baba Balbir Singh, Taran Dal Harian Velan chief Baba Nihal Singh, Padma Shri Baba Sewa Singh Khadur Sahib, and JAGO Party chief Manjit Singh GK also addressed the congregation. Before this, hazuri ragi jathas of Sri Harimandar Sahib performed Gurbani Kirtan and dhadi, kavishar jathas (ballad and poetry groups) presented Sardar Jassa Singh Ramgarhia's history through ballads and poetry. Bhog (culmination) of Sri Akhand Path Sahib dedicated to this centenary was held in the morning at Bunga Ramgarhia and the Bunga was formally inaugurated after the necessary maintenance and renovation by the SGPC. During the centenary event, multilingual booklets were also released by the SGPC’s Dharma Prachar Committee on the life history of Sardar Jassa Singh Ramgarhia. On this occasion, various personalities were honored by the SGPC. A picture exhibition organized at Bunga Ramgarhia was also a center of attraction for the Sangat.
During the events, Jathedar of Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib Giani Raghbir Singh, former head granthi of Sri Darbar Sahib Giani Jagtar Singh, chief spokesperson of Damdami Taksal Baba Sukhdev Singh, senior Akali leader Hira Singh Gabaria, SGPC junior vice president Avtar Singh Raya, general secretary Bhai Gurcharan Singh Grewal, senior Members Surjit Singh Tughalwal, Paramjit Singh Khalsa, Sher Singh Mandwala, Malkit Singh Galhal, Bhai Rajinder Singh Mehta, Bhai Ram Singh, Bhai Amarjit Singh Chawla, Bhai Manjit Singh Bhurakohna, Kewal Singh Badal, Gurbakhsh Singh Khalsa, Sarvan Singh Kular, Satpal Singh Talwandi Bhai, Gurinder Singh Matharu, Bhai Ajaib Singh Abhyasi, Sukhwarsh Singh Pannu, Karnail Singh Peer Mohammad, Bibi Joginder Kaur, Bibi Ranjit Kaur Delhi, Satnam Singh Khiva, Sukhdev Singh Riyat, Dal Bidhi Chand Sursingh’s Baba Prem Singh, and many key personalities were present.