Akal Takht Sahib Archives - National Times

18 Jan

Bhagwant Mann’s Remarks on Sikh Institutions Rekindle Controversy in Punjab

Gurpreet Singh0 CommentsPunjabAkal Takht Sahib, Bhagwant Mann, jathedar controversy, SGPC, Sikh institutions

Amritsar: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has once again sparked controversy with sharp remarks targeting Sikh religious institutions, raising questions over the functioning of jathedars and the leadership of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), despite having recently assured restraint on such statements. Addressing a state-level programme at the grain market in the Majitha constituency of Amritsar, Mann made comments that were perceived as objectionable by religious and political circles. His remarks questioned the process through which jathedars are appointed or removed and how religious pardons are granted or withdrawn, triggering strong reactions from panthic organisations. The controversy has gained…

15 Jan

Akal Takht Orders Forensic Examination of Viral Video Linked to Punjab CM

Gurpreet Singh0 CommentsPunjabAkal Takht Sahib, forensic investigation, Punjab Chief Minister, viral video probe

Amritsar (Gurpreet Singh): The Acting Jathedar of Akal Takht Sahib on Thursday announced that a forensic probe will be conducted into a controversial video circulating on social media in connection with Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, even as the Chief Minister’s explanation on related concerns has been accepted. After holding a meeting with the Chief Minister, the Acting Jathedar told reporters that the video will be subjected to scientific examination at two recognised forensic laboratories, the names of which have been sought from the Chief Minister. He said the objective of the investigation is to establish facts with complete transparency…

28 Dec

Anand Karaj Only in Gurdwaras, AI-Based Films on Sikh Themes Banned: Panj Singh Sahiban Issue Firm Directives

Gurpreet Singh0 CommentsPunjabAkal Takht Sahib, Anand Karaj rules, Panj Singh Sahiban, SGPC approval, Sikh maryada

Amritsar, December 28, 2025: In a major step to protect Sikh religious traditions and maryada, the Panj Singh Sahiban on Sunday announced a series of strict resolutions following a high-level meeting held at Sri Akal Takht Sahib under the leadership of Acting Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj.Addressing the media after the meeting, the Acting Jathedar declared that Anand Karaj ceremonies will be permitted exclusively within Gurdwara premises. He clarified that conducting Sikh marriage ceremonies in parks, hotels, resorts, or any commercial or open venues will no longer be allowed, and the Sikh sangat has been directed to strictly adhere to…

06 Aug

Akal Takht Sahib Announces Religious Punishment For Punjab Education Minister Harjot Bains Over Religious Sentiment Controversy

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsPunjab, TrendingAkal Takht Sahib, Harjot Bains, Punjab

Amritsar (Gurpreet Singh): Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains appeared before Sri Akal Takht Sahib on Tuesday to express regret over the recent controversy surrounding a government-organized event in Srinagar commemorating the martyrdom of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. The controversy stemmed from cultural performances, including Bhangra, that took place during the tribute event. The presence of folk music and dance in a program meant to honour the Sikh Guru drew widespread criticism from Sikh bodies and religious scholars for undermining the solemnity of the occasion. Minister Bains acknowledged his lapse in judgment and admitted that he was present when…

01 Aug

GNDU Vice-Chancellor Removed from SGPC Panel After Controversial Interaction with RSS Chief

Gurpreet Singh0 CommentsPunjabAkal Takht Sahib, Dr. Karamjit Singh, GNDU Vice Chancellor, RSS Chief, SGPC

Amritsar, August 1, 2025 — The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has removed Dr. Karamjit Singh, the Vice-Chancellor of Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU), from a key committee following a controversy surrounding his alleged remarks during a conversation with Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief.The decision came in the wake of a viral video circulating on social media in which Dr. Singh was reportedly seen expressing views perceived as anti-Sikh during his interaction with the RSS leader. The footage sparked immediate outrage within the Sikh community, prompting strong reactions from various quarters.SGPC Secretary S. Pratap Singh confirmed the development and stated…

07 Jul

Global Sikh Council Slams Patna Sahib Granthis for Declaring Sukhbir Badal “Tankhaiya”, Warns of Threat to Sikh Unity

Gurpreet Singh0 CommentsPunjabAkal Takht Sahib, Global Sikh Council, Patna Sahib, Sukhbir Singh Badal, Tankhaiya

Chandigarh, July 7, 2025: The Global Sikh Council (GSC), an apex body representing Sikh institutions worldwide, has come out strongly against the recent unilateral move by five Granthis of Takht Sri Harmandir Sahib, Patna Sahib, who declared Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal a “Tankhaiya,” or one guilty of religious misconduct.Terming the declaration a grave violation of Sikh Maryada and Panthic protocol, GSC President Dr. Kanwaljit Kaur issued a statement condemning the action as an attempt to undermine the supreme authority of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, the highest temporal seat of Sikhism.“Only Sri Akal Takht Sahib has the…