Punjab Cabinet minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond appears before Akal Takht in museum controversy
PTC Web Desk: Acting Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, on Monday asked Punjab Cabinet Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond to appoint a Gursikh and an official well-versed in Sikh principles in his department to prevent any future lapses related to Sikh maryada (religious code of conduct).
The direction came after Sond appeared before Sri Akal Takht Sahib to submit his clarification over alleged violations of Sikh maryada in connection with certain images installed at Bhai Jaita Ji Museum. The minister had been summoned following objections raised over the presentation of images, which were termed as being against Sikh principles and sentiments.
Sond submitted a written clarification on behalf of himself and his department to the acting Jathedar. Speaking to the media after the meeting, the minister said during the celebrations marking the 400th birth anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib, the Chief Minister had constituted a committee of Sikh scholars, and all programmes were organised strictly as per their recommendations.
Prior to appearing before Akal Takht, Sond visited Heritage Street and walked barefoot to Sri Harmandir Sahib, where he paid obeisance. He also bowed at Sri Akal Takht Sahib.
During the same proceedings, Chief Khalsa Diwan president and Aam Aadmi Party MLA Dr Inderbir Singh Nijjar also submitted a clarification on behalf of the Diwan. He had been asked to provide a list of initiated (Amritdhari) and non-initiated members of the organisation. Dr Nijjar said the acting Jathedar advised him to encourage all members of the Diwan to adopt the Amritdhari Sikh way of life.
Sond said he appeared before the Akal Takht as a humble Sikh. He was advised to ensure the appointment of an official with adequate knowledge of Sikh tenets in his department. The minister stated that he would urge Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to make such an appointment, adding that the Chief Minister had earlier specifically directed him to ensure that Sikh maryada is strictly observed.
It may be recalled that during a meeting of the five Sikh high priests on December 28, Sond was summoned to appear on January 5. He was asked to clarify issues related to the depiction of images at the memorial of Bhai Jeevan Singh (Bhai Jaita Ji) in Anandpur Sahib, which were alleged to be contrary to Sikh principles, maryada and sentiments.
- PTC NEWS
