Akal Takht's officiating Jathedar censures alleged disrespect shown by Punjabi University, Patiala, towards Gurshabad Ratnakar

AMRITSAR: The officiating Jathedar of Akal Takht , Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj, has taken serious note of the alleged disrespect shown by Punjabi University, Patiala, towards the Gurshabad Ratnakar Mahankosh authored by the great Sikh scholar Bhai Kahn Singh Nabha.

Giani Gargajj, in a release issued on Friday , termed this act highly condemnable and a clear expression of anti-Sikh mentality.He said that the Gurshabad Ratnakar Mahan Kosh compiled by Bhai Kahn Singh Nabha is an extremely significant Sikh heritage, containing references from the Gurbani of Guru Granth Sahib and important details about ancient history and sources. He said this work is a priceless treasure of Sikh literature, which continues to guide researchers interested in Sikh history.The officiating Jathedar recalled that earlier Punjabi University had published versions of the Mahankosh allegedly containing errors, which were strongly opposed by Sikh scholars and institutions."The matter even reached the Punjab and Haryana High Court, which then ordered a ban on its publication" said he . He emphasized that if the Punjabi University administration truly intended to respectfully handle Sikh literature, it should have coordinated with the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) to make proper arrangements, instead of acting contrary to Sikh tradition and maryada (conduct).

He said that the Punjabi University first acted unilaterally by publishing the Mahankosh allegedly with errors despite opposition from Sikh scholars, and now, in an attempt to cover up its mistakes, has adopted a highly objectionable approach which the Sikh community will never tolerate.This, he said, reflects the poor intellectual understanding of the Punjabi University officials and their lack of sensitivity towards Sikh heritage and literature.Jathedar Gargajj said that earlier, concerns had also been raised regarding the poor upkeep of rare and highly important Sikh literature at the Dr. Ganda Singh Punjabi Reference Library in Punjabi University.Jathedar Gargajj further said that following protests by Sikh students and organizations, an FIR has been registered against Punjabi University’s Vice Chancellor, Registrar, Dean of Academic Affairs, and the head of the Publication Bureau. He asked the Punjab Police to investigate the matter seriously and ensure strict punishment for the guilty.He also directed the Head Granthi of Gurdwara Dukhniwaran Sahib, Patiala, to personally oversee the respectful 'saskar sewa' of all copies of the Mahankosh present at the Punjabi University campus where this objectionable act occurred, with assistance from the SGPC. He instructed that after the completion of saskar sewa, a detailed report be sent immediately to Akal Takht .Additionally, Jathedar Gargajj advised the Punjabi University administration to begin Akhand Path inside the campus Gurdwara Sahib as an act of repentance, along with Ardas (Sikh prayer) for forgiveness before the Guru Sahib. He also appealed to all Sikh organizations and students to remain peaceful.