Amritsar, March 10 – The newly appointed Jathedar of Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, formally assumed office today in the presence of the Panj Piaras (five beloved ones) of Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib (Sri Anandpur Sahib ) during Amrit Vela (earlier in the morning).
In a press statement issued by the SGPC here today stated that upon his arrival at Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib, Giani Kuldeep Singh paid obeisance before officially taking charge. Prior to the ceremony, Head Granthi of Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib, Giani Joginder Singh, offered Ardas (Sikh prayer), following which the Panj Piaras presented a ceremonial turban to Giani Kuldeep Singh. On this occasion, Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) secretary Partap Singh and Takht Kesgarh Sahib manager Malkit Singh also presented turbans in his honour. Additionally, the Granthis of Takht Kesgarh Sahib honoured him with siropas (robe of honour).
In his address, Giani Kuldeep Singh called upon the entire Sikh community to unite under one Nishan Sahib in light of the current Panthic situation. He expressed his gratitude to the ten Sikh Gurus and Guru Granth Sahib for bestowing upon him the honour of serving Takht. He humbly acknowledged his privilege of receiving this sacred responsibility despite being born into a simple Sikh family. Reflecting on his journey, he shared that he began his life as a Pathi before dedicating himself to religious preaching, a commitment he vowed to continue in service of the Guru’s Panth.
Discussing the religious, social, and political challenges facing the Panth, Giani Kuldeep Singh highlighted that many of these issues stem from a disconnect with the Guru’s teachings. He lamented the growing religious disunity among Sikhs, emphasizing that internal divisions and ideological differences have created significant rifts. He criticized the lack of cohesive religious and political leadership, which has led to a culture of undermining one another instead of resolving issues collectively. In these difficult times, he stressed the urgent need to establish platforms for dialogue based on mutual trust in the Guru.
Politically, he noted that the Sikh community faces significant challenges. On one hand, an atmosphere of fear has been created among minorities in the country; on the other, political power is being wielded against Sikhs through black laws and stringent legal provisions such as UAPA and NSA, leading to prolonged incarceration of Sikh youth. He condemned the government’s failure to deliver justice even 40 years after the 1984 Sikh massacre. Due to the fragmentation of Sikh political influence, long-imprisoned Sikh prisoners are denied bail, while anti-Sikh Dera elements are given undue privileges.
Giani Kuldeep Singh further expressed concern over the demographic and political shifts in Punjab. He warned that the Sikh population is being forced to migrate, while a deliberate effort is underway to make Sikhs a minority in Punjab by settling large numbers of non-Punjabi populations. He criticized Punjab’s political leadership for prioritizing the votes of certain Deras and immigrant communities over the needs of the state’s Sikh population, attributing this to the deep divisions within the Sikh community.
On the social front, Giani Kuldeep Singh lamented the severe challenges facing Sikh society, particularly the drug epidemic, which continues to claim the lives of Sikh youth. He accused successive governments of failing to curb the drug trade, noting that, rather than declining, substance abuse has continued to rise, resulting in the tragic deaths of thousands of young men and women. He attributed this crisis to the erosion of religious values due to materialism and emphasized that the only remedy lies in reconnecting with Sikhi. Expressing deep concern over religious conversions, he stressed the need for a robust grassroots-level religious awareness and preaching campaign. To address this, he pledged to launch an effective outreach initiative in collaboration with Sikh saints, scholars, sect leaders, and intellectuals.
He urged Sikhs to draw inspiration from the great Gursikhs who upheld Sikhi through their thoughts, words, and actions during the turbulent times of the 18th century. Remembering the luminaries who shaped Sikh character, he mentioned Baba Sahib Singh Bedi, Akali Jathedar Phula Singh, Baba Ram Singh, Sant Attar Singh Mastuana Wale, Baba Nand Singh, Sant Kartar Singh Khalsa Bhindranwale, Sant Baba Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, Sant Baba Harnam Singh Rampur Khede Wale, Baba Daya Singh Sursingh Wale, Bhai Kahn Singh Nabha, Giani Dit Singh, Bhai Vir Singh and Prof Puran Singh. He called upon contemporary Sikh preachers and leaders to emulate their unwavering commitment.
Speaking on the state of Sikh political leadership, he stated that the expectations placed upon today’s Sikh politicians should align with the integrity and principles demonstrated by the leaders of the 20th-century Akali movement. Addressing the edicts taken by the five head ministers (Jathedars) on December 2 regarding the leaders of the Shiromani Akali Dal, Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh affirmed that the Hukamnamas issued from Akal Takht Sahib, in accordance with Gurmat (teachings of Sikh Guru), remain unalterable. He warned all concerned parties to refrain from making inflammatory statements on this matter. He also pointed out that while the edicts of December 2 included a directive for Panthic unity, neither of the involved parties has taken any initiative toward its implementation. Moving forward, he stated, the claims of the concerned parties will be reviewed to ensure that the edicts are acted upon.
Finally, extending his congratulations to the Sikh community on the unique festival of Hola Mohalla—an occasion that emanates from the soul of Sri Guru Gobind Singh—Jathedar Kuldeep Singh Gargaj urged Sikh youth to enhance the grandeur of this festival by immersing themselves in the love of the Guru. He encouraged them to celebrate Hola Mohalla with the fervor and devotion of Seva, Simran and Sikhism by gathering on the sacred land of the Khalsa.
On this special occasion, he appealed to Patit (with shorn hair) Sikh youth to honor the spirit of Sri Anandpur Sahib by adorning turbans instead of tying handkerchiefs or other coverings on their heads. Giani Kuldeep Singh also expressed his hope for the cooperation of all organizations, Dal Panth, Taksals, and Sikh leaders. On this occasion, SGPC assistant secretary Gurcharan Singh Kuhala, chief gurdwara inspector Jagdish Singh Buttar, additional manager of Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib Hardev Singh and others were present.
