Bir Singh meets Akal Takht Jathedar, apologises for unintentional mistake at Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji's martyrdom anniversary event
PTC Web Desk: Singer and lyricist Bir Singh, embroiled in a controversy, on Friday called on acting Jathedar of Akal Takht, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, to offer an apology for his unintentional mistake at a religious event commemorating the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, organised by the Punjab Language Department in Srinagar.
The incident occurred during a cultural event held in Srinagar as part of the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. Singer Bir Singh, who had flown in from Australia, was unaware of the full details regarding the event’s religious nature. Upon arriving, he was informed that the programme had both spiritual and entertainment segments. During his performance, Bir Singh mistakenly deviated from the religious context of the event.
Realising the mistake, Bir Singh expressed his remorse for the unintended error. He stated that it was a miscommunication between his management and the event organisers, who had failed to provide him with a complete briefing about the religious significance of the programme. Bir Singh clarified that his intention was never to disrespect the event’s sanctity.
During a media interaction, Bir Singh further elaborated, stating that prior to the programme, some Kashmiri attendees had requested him to perform a song as part of their joy, which led him to take the stage without realising the full nature of the event. He expressed his sincere regret, stating, “When I realised the mistake, I halted the programme and led everyone in reciting ‘Slok Mahalla Nauva’ with due reverence.”
Following the incident, Bir Singh sent a written clarification to the Jathedar of Akal Takht Sahib, acknowledging that his actions were due to an oversight. He also pledged to accept any form of service or penance for his mistake and announced plans to personally visit Akal Takht Sahib, which he did in the evening.
Earlier, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president, Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami, condemned the event, criticising the Punjab Government’s Language Department for allowing entertainment performances at a religious function. Advocate Dhami stated that such performances were a violation of the religious decorum associated with Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji's martyrdom, as they undermined the sanctity and seriousness of the occasion.
The Punjab Government’s Language Department, responsible for organising the event, has not yet released an official statement regarding the controversy. However, the incident has sparked a broader debate.
- PTC NEWS
