SGPC haste to amend NanakShahi calendar raises eyebrows
January 2nd, 2010 - 10:06 pm ICT by ANI ( 11 comments )By Ravinder Singh Robin
Amritsar, Jan 2(ANI): The Sikh Diaspora has raised eyebrows over the working of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbhandhak Committee (SGPC) regarding amendments made in the NanakShahi calendar without taking the community into confidence. It is also pertinent to mention that the Akal Takht, the highest temporal seat of the Sikhs, sent its proposals to SGPC to discuss the necessary action to make amendments in the calendar.
The SGPC has also called an emergency meeting of its executive members on Sunday to make certain amendments.
Talking to ANI, President of SGPC Avtar Singh Makkar said that the decision taken in the meeting would be for strengthening the Panthic unity. Pal Singh Purewal, a Canadian Sikh who is the founder of the calendar, questioned the urgency behind the modification of the NanakShahi calendar and said that the proposed changes will push the calendar to Bikrami pranali and it will be a retrograde step.
“If these changes are accepted then it will be a misnomer to call it NanakShahi calendar,” Purewal said. He also appealed to the Jathedars of the Takht Sahib and the SGPC to act in a calm and considerate manner on this issue and not to take any decision in haste. Purewal further said that he is willing to come and answer any concerns in a joint meeting of Singh Sahiban, SGPC Executive Committee, Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee, and representatives of other Panthic organizations and Sant Samaj. Meanwhile, a Washington based senior Sikh leader Dr. Amerjit Singh said that after the worldwide acceptance of the Nanakshahi calendar, it has made life much easier for Sikhs everywhere, as the dates of Sikh holy days no longer change from year to year as they used to under the Hindu Bikrami calendar.
“Gurpurbs (celebrations devoted to Gurus) now always fall on the same date, every year. More than that, the Nanakshahi calendar is now seen by the Sikhs all over the world, as a symbol of Sikh pride and separate religious identity, which is anathema to the Hindutva elements,” Dr. Amerjit Singh said. He also warned the Badals, that the Sikh diaspora will not tolerate any compromise by them on vital Sikh issues like the Nanakshahi calendar, and strongly urged the executive committee members of the SGPC that they should stand firm on decisions already made regarding the NanakShahi calendar. Parmjit Singh Sarna, President of Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC), said that haste that SGPC was showing to amend the NanakShahi calendar was suspicious.
He said that it would be a sin if SGPC would amend the calendar without taking the community in confidence and added that by making amendments without the community consensus would weaken the unity. Dr. Pritpal Singh, convener, American Gurdwara Parbhandhak Committee (AGPC) said that if the Sant Samaj and other who pressuring for the changes in the name of Panthic Unity first accept the “Rehat Maryada” (code of conduct) issued from Akal Takht. The Sikh Diaspora demands that the SGPC should invite Pal Singh Purewal, chief architect of the NanakShahi calendar, to an OPEN discussion that will thrash out any doubts over NanakShahi calendar. (ANI)
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- Sikh bodies divided over change in Guru Tegh Bahadur martyrdom date - Nov 24, 2010
- Sikh Diaspora objects as SGPC makes changes in NanakShahi Calendar - Jan 11, 2010
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- Incumbents win Fremont Gurdwara Elections, support former version of Nanak Shahi Calendar - Mar 15, 2010
- Amended Sikh calendar released in Amritsar - Mar 14, 2010
- Devotees visit Amritsar's Golden Temple on Baisakhi - Apr 14, 2011
- Akal Takht approves changes in Nanakshahi calendar - Jan 04, 2010
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- Ardass Diwas held at Akal Takht for the first time in 26 years - Mar 04, 2011
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Tags: akal takht, amritsar, avtar singh, considerate manner, executive members, eyebrows, holy days, makkar, misnomer, nanakshahi calendar, purewal, retrograde step, sahib, sgpc, shiromani gurdwara, sik, sikh gurdwara, sikh leader, sikhs, worldwide acceptance
January 2nd, 2010 at 11:16 pm
SGPC haste to amend Nanak-Shahi calendar raises eyebrows
http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/india-news/sgpc-haste-to-amend-nanakshahi-calendar-raises-eyebrows_100298081.html
The arguments advanced by Sardar Pal Singh Purewal, a Canadian Sikh who is the founder of the calendar are very valid and he must be heard and his version of incorporating any amendment or tempering of the NanakShahi calendar should be considered thoroughly before the final decision in this case.
Akal Takht to decide future course of action today
http://sikhsangat.org/2009/12/akal-takht-to-decide-future-course-of-action-today/
“Under the circumstances, the written version of the objections, if any, against the Nanakshahi calendar, must be brought on record first and looked into by the Akal Takht, the highest temporal seat of the Sikhs, and the SGPC, the apex religious body independently and impartially, before conducting any conclave required to discuss in detail to satisfy the ego of Sikh organisations and, attempt to tamper with the calendar”.
Submission by Balbir Singh Sooch, Advocate, Ludhiana-Sikh Vichar Manch
January 3rd, 2010 at 9:34 am
Impartial Attitude Expected
The Biased Demand and Similarly, Any Biased Decision in Such Cases Could Be Disastrous For the Unity and the Centralization of Sikhs
Please be impartial.
Any biased decision in such cases could be disastrous for the unity and the centralization of Sikhs.
When in such or the similar cases, the demanded opportunity of hearing and decision expected were with a biased mind and the conclusion expected was also already given like earlier noticed in a demand, “that Punjab Government should be dismissed and fresh elections should be held as present government has lost the confidence of the people of the state of Punjab” then, it means there was no further scope left, what for, the inquiry be held in such cases”?
As was in the light of above observation, “SIKH INSAAF LEHAR” to highlight the injustice was seemed nothing but was only a demand to bring the another party in power, rest to say that ‘the injustice done to Sikhs and the failure of the successive governments to protect the interests of Sikhs and Sikhism from Anti-Sikh elements’ were only politics and an eyewash tactics being played by such pressure group(s), politically aligned to some party of their liking.
Such demands were never raised impartially as experienced that’s why were serving no purpose to protect the interests of Sikhs and Sikhism from Anti-Sikh elements as stated above.
The similar should not be the position of organizations opposing the tempering of the NanakShahi calendar.
Submission by Balbir Singh Sooch, Advocate, Ludhiana
January 3rd, 2010 at 11:13 pm
SGPC executive approves amendment in Nanakshahi calendar
It seems SGPC was really in haste to amend the Nanak-Shahi calendar and took the benefit to do so, of the weak, the unrealistic and the immature opposition. The submission to adopt the principle of the impartial attitude before tempering the Nanak-Shahi keeping in view the following highlighted issues in mind was ignored by SGPC:
1. The arguments advanced by Sardar Pal Singh Purewal, a Canadian Sikh who is the founder of the calendar are very valid and he must be heard and his version of incorporating any amendment or tempering of the NanakShahi calendar should be considered thoroughly before the final decision in this case.
2. “Under the circumstances, the written version of the objections, if any, against the Nanakshahi calendar, must be brought on record first and looked into by the Akal Takht, the highest temporal seat of the Sikhs, and the SGPC, the apex religious body independently and impartially, before conducting any conclave required to discuss in detail to satisfy the ego of Sikh organisations and, attempt to tamper with the calendar”.
3. Any biased decision in such cases could be disastrous for the unity and the centralization of Sikhs.
4. Whenever in such or the similar cases, the demanded opportunity of hearing and decision expected were with a biased mind and the conclusion expected was also already given like earlier noticed in a demand, “that Punjab Government should be dismissed and fresh elections should be held as present government has lost the confidence of the people of the state of Punjab” then, it means there was no further scope left, what for, the inquiry be held in such cases”?
5. As was in the light of above observation, “SIKH INSAAF LEHAR” to highlight the injustice was seemed nothing but was only a demand to bring the another party in power, rest to say that ‘the injustice done to Sikhs and the failure of the successive governments to protect the interests of Sikhs and Sikhism from Anti-Sikh elements’ were only politics and an eyewash tactics being played by such pressure group(s), politically aligned to some party of their liking.
6. Such demands were never raised impartially as experienced that’s why were serving no purpose to protect the interests of Sikhs and Sikhism from Anti-Sikh elements as stated above.
7. The similar should not be the position of organizations opposing the tempering of the NanakShahi calendar.
8. Now, the approval of Sri Akal Takhat is only a formality and a mockery.
Submission by Balbir Singh Sooch, Advocate, Ludhiana-Sikh Vichar Manch
January 4th, 2010 at 7:40 pm
The Jathedar of Akal Takhat Sahib did feel necessity to call a meet of the Jathedars of the five Takhats again
As was expected, after getting the approval of the executive committee of the Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC) on amendments in the Nanakshahi calendar, Sri Akal Takht Jathedar ratifies SGPC decision on the Nanakshahi Calendar.
It seems the executive committee of the Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC) approved the amendments in the Nanakshahi calendar without suggesting any change in the decision taken earlier by the Jathedars of the five Takhats.
For the reason, it was obvious, Giani Gurbachan Singh, the Jathedar of Akal Takhat Sahib did not feel necessity to call a meet of the Jathedars of the five Takhts again, but arranged for a quorum by inviting four Granthis of Darbar Sahib to endorse the decision in this case as reported.
Balbir Singh Sooch-Sikh Vichar Manch
January 4, 2010
January 5th, 2010 at 12:37 pm
WILL SIKHS UNITE WITH HINDU NATION?
1. Were the SGPC chief, Avatar Singh Makkar, and the Damdami Taksal chief, Harnam Singh Dhuma expert to approve the modifications in the Nanakshahi Calendar?
2. Did the so-called Sant Samaj and the similar others supporting the amendments in ‘The Nanakshahi calendar’ ever followed the Sikh Rehat Maryada i.e. Sikh Code of Conduct of Sri Akal Takhat Sahib?
3. Was the Sikh Vichar Manch wrong to state at this junction also, “The opposition was dummy of the Sikh bodies or created by SGPC itself from the within as usually happen in such cases –‘The justification and defence of SGPC to change ‘The Nanakshahi calendar’ to the Bikrami calendar in face of the opposition, looked as of the dummy Sikh bodies or created by SGPC itself from the within as usual, were eyewash only’. All BJP and Congress roads and their pressure groups (Both are one and the same thing) lead to the Indian central agencies and the Sikhs including SGPC and the state government of Punjab have no option to exercise in such matters or in the Sikh affairs of importance, the rest all is politics and useless to discuss?”
January 6th, 2010 at 10:58 am
INFERENCE: The SGPC is neither political nor working for the cause of religion and humanity, but only managing Goluk i.e. offerings of Guru
An analysis- News
From the following statement of the SGPC president Avtar Singh Makkar, the inference can safely be drawn that the SGPC is neither political nor working for the cause of religion and humanity, but only managing Goluk i.e. offerings of Guru
1. The amendments have ruffled feathers in political circles only.
(Political circles to Makkar seems meaning by the splinter groups or the same and or some individuals working under different heads, alleging themselves political as well as religious groups for their own reasons, always wish to remain in news or directed to do so by “some powers”)
2. Organisations working for the cause of religion and humanity have welcomed the new calendar, said SGPC president Avtar Singh Makkar.
(Organisations working for the cause of religion and humanity to Makkar seems the reserve vote banks like Sant Samaj and the similar others of the respective ruling party in power who never follow the Sikh Maryada i.e. Sikh Code of Conduct of Sri Akal Takhat Sahib)
NEWS-Makkar justifies changes in Nanakshahi calendar
For News reference: Please click to read
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2010/20100106/punjab.htm#11
Makkar justifies changes in Nanakshahi calendar
January 6th, 2010 at 10:59 am
An analysis- News
INFERENCE: The SGPC is neither political nor working for the cause of religion and humanity, but only managing Goluk i.e. offerings of Guru
From the following statement of the SGPC president Avtar Singh Makkar, the inference can safely be drawn that the SGPC is neither political nor working for the cause of religion and humanity, but only managing Goluk i.e. offerings of Guru
1. The amendments have ruffled feathers in political circles only.
(Political circles to Makkar seems meaning by the splinter groups or the same and or some individuals working under different heads, alleging themselves political as well as religious groups for their own reasons, always wish to remain in news or directed to do so by “some powers”)
2. Organisations working for the cause of religion and humanity have welcomed the new calendar, said SGPC president Avtar Singh Makkar.
(Organisations working for the cause of religion and humanity to Makkar seems the reserve vote banks like Sant Samaj and the similar others of the respective ruling party in power who never follow the Sikh Maryada i.e. Sikh Code of Conduct of Sri Akal Takhat Sahib)
NEWS-Makkar justifies changes in Nanakshahi calendar
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2010/20100106/punjab.htm#11
Makkar justifies changes in Nanakshahi calendar
January 6th, 2010 at 10:57 pm
Whatever may be the politics!
The forces (openly working to harm the community) and the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) especially Sardar Parkash Badal and his family, both were benefited in the past at the cost of sacrifices of common Sikhs as experienced.
SAD defends changes in Nanakshah Calendar
Versus
The time has come for all the panthic leaders to work for giving a crushing defeat to those elements in Punjab, in country and abroad, who were working to harm the community on the directions of those forces which attacked Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Sri Darbar Sahib, were actively involved in Sikh carnage and are now active to harm the interests of the Sikh community to fulfill their nefarious designs.
1. The above argument could not be taken lightly. The attitude of the forces i.e. elements in Punjab, in country and abroad was known to all Sikhs as to how they played and continuing so in the hands of forces which attacked Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Sri Darbar Sahib, were actively involved in sikh carnage and are now active to harm the interests of the sikh community to fulfill their nefarious designs.
2. It was also said that Nanakshahi calendar is a calendar of Sikh community which has full right to amend and update it according to the changing need of the time and no interference of the external forces would be tolerated in this matter.
In view of the above arguments against the forces said to be working to harm the community and their (the forces) agitation were never or are no way harmful to the vote bank of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD).
Sometime, Sikhs minds get puzzled politically and start thinking, whether the forces (Openly working to harm the community) were always not kept, hired and paid to play such dramas by “some powers” in order to enhance the non-Sikh communal vote bank in favour of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) especially Sardar Parkash Badal and his family?
Who knows, what was and is politics in it?
Whatever may be the politics!
The forces (openly working to harm the community) and the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) especially Sardar Parkash Badal and his family, both were benefited in the past at the cost of sacrifices of common Sikhs as experienced.
Who were or are managing such dramas?
To my mind, that could not be without the direction and support of “some powers”
http://www.punjabnewsline.com/content/view/22360/38/
SAD defends changes in Nanakshah Calendar, says important for Panthic Unity
Opinion by
Balbir Singh Sooch, Advocate, Ludhiana
January 6, 2010
January 7th, 2010 at 9:42 pm
The “some powers” may follow some another route in the Sikh politics after the disclosure of their nefarious designs and the dirty Indian politics by the Sikh Vichar Manch.
The Sikh Vichar Manch is now of the opinion that the “some powers” wouldn’t misuse his men directly to abuse, criticize or to use the similar language like ‘Badalshahi On Nanakshahi’ and so on against Sardar Parkash Singh Badal and his family alone as was the part of politics with regard to Sikh affairs conspiringly earlier, and, as now it appears from the language used in the latest article, ‘Sikh Nation has One Granth, One Panth and One Rehat Maryada’ in view of the following disclosure of their nefarious designs and the dirty Indian politics by the Sikh Vichar Manch.
”
SIKH POLITICS OR THE DIRTY INDIAN POLITICS
Who Knows Who Is Who? What an Indian Politics?
Akal Takht puts final seal on changes in Nanakshahi calendar
Badalshahi On Nanakshahi
Changes in Nanakshahi Calendar will further divide the Sikhs, says Dal Khalsa
‘Sikh Youth Of Punjab’ launches recruitment drive PunjabNewsline.com
Akal Takht Jathedar ratifies SGPC decision on Sikh calendar
Universally accepted Sikh Calendar can not be altered without universal … SikhSiyasat.Net
Changes will further divide the Sikhs, says Dal Khalsa
Akal Takht gives final nod to Nanakshahi Calendar amendments Zee News
New changes in Nanakshahi Calendar will Unite Sikh Community
SAD defends changes in Nanakshah Calendar, says important for Panthic Unity
SGPC haste to amend NanakShahi calendar raises eyebrows
Whatever may be the politics!
The forces (openly working to harm the community) and the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) especially Sardar Parkash Badal and his family, both were benefited in the past at the cost of sacrifices of common Sikhs as experienced.
SAD defends changes in Nanakshah Calendar
Versus
The time has come for all the panthic leaders to work for giving a crushing defeat to those elements in Punjab, in country and abroad, who were working to harm the community on the directions of those forces which attacked Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Sri Darbar Sahib, were actively involved in Sikh carnage and are now active to harm the interests of the Sikh community to fulfill their nefarious designs.
The above argument could not be taken lightly. The attitude of the forces i.e. elements in Punjab, in country and abroad was known to all Sikhs as to how they played and continuing so in the hands of forces which attacked Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Sri Darbar Sahib, were actively involved in sikh carnage and are now active to harm the interests of the sikh community to fulfill their nefarious designs.
It was also said that Nanakshahi calendar is a calendar of Sikh community which has full right to amend and update it according to the changing need of the time (For playing plotics on the same issue again as usually happens in India) and no interference of the external forces would be tolerated in this matter.
In view of the above arguments against the forces said to be working to harm the community and their (the forces) agitation were never or are no way harmful to the vote bank of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD).
Sometime, Sikhs minds get puzzled politically and start thinking, whether the forces (Openly working to harm the community) were always not kept, hired and paid to play such dramas by “some powers” in order to enhance the non-Sikh communal vote bank and support in favour of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) especially Sardar Parkash Badal and his family?
Who knows, what was and is politics in it?
Whatever may be the politics!
The forces (openly working to harm the community) and the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) especially Sardar Parkash Badal and his family, both were benefited in the past at the cost of sacrifices of common Sikhs as experienced.
Who were or are managing such dramas?
To my mind, that could not be without the direction and support of “some powers”
http://www.punjabnewsline.com/content/view/22360/38/
SAD defends changes in Nanakshah Calendar, says important for Panthic Unity
Opinion by
Balbir Singh Sooch, Advocate, Ludhiana
January 6, 2010
http://www.sikhvicharmanch.com”
But, the “some powers” may follow some another route in the Sikh politics to see the similar politics in action hereafter.
By Balbir Singh Sooch, Advocate, Ludhiana
January 7, 2010
http://www.sikhvicharmanch.com
‘Sikh Nation has One Granth, One Panth and One Rehat Maryada’
http://worldsikhnews.com/6%20January%202010/Sikh%20Nation%20has%20One%20Granth%20One%20Panth%20and%20One%20Rehat%20Maryada.htm
January 9th, 2010 at 3:46 pm
The Indian Spoiled System
Think Twice Before Toeing, Narrating or Propagating Your Line and One-sided Stories
1. Would the Sikh Sangat world wide be ready to see ‘The Indian Spoiled System’ with the help of spectacles and the eyes of Sikh Vichar Manch before giving your advice and suggestions, to the thieves, the rulers or the persons in queue to be so, by attending their seminars, conferences, meetings, Dharnas etc?
2. Are you so powerful and prepared to question their (the thieves, rulers or in queue to be so) very inception and at whose instance and at whose cost, they were and are in field? In short, question them, who are they?
3. Are you, yourself not one of the thieves, the rulers or the persons in queue to be so?
4. Will ever be any meaningful effect of your independent advice and suggestions on them?
5. If you are independent and or mentally powerful and prepared to know, question and competent to do the analysis of all this, would ever you be invited and or tolerated to address such seminars, conferences, meetings, Dharnas etc conducted by them?
6. I don’t think you can answer, independently, positively and conclusively in view of the ground realities prevailing in India.
7. Then, to whom to suggest or advise for reforms in ‘The Indian Spoiled System’?
Please do link and read and comment independently-Thanks
Sikh Politics Or The Dirty Indian Politics
http://www.sikhvicharmanch.com/Religiou%20Politics-Sikh%20Politics%20Or%20The%20Dirty%20Indian%20Politics.htm
ਚੋਰ ਅਤੇ ਕੁੱਤੀ
http://www.sikhvicharmanch.com/Punjabi/Poem-%20Chor%20ate%20kuti.htm
Balbir Singh Sooch, Advocate, Ludhiana
January 9, 2010
January 15th, 2010 at 10:52 am
NEW RLIGIOUS APPROACH:
Hate Speech Can Be Countered with Truth, Leadership
Promoting Respect for Religious Differences
Freedoms of Religion and Speech Are Indivisible, Interdependent
Free Speech Must Be Balanced Against the Rights of Others
Feature: Protecting Religious Freedom Without Limiting Free Speech
Uncomfortable Free Speech Part of Religious Freedom
http://www.america.gov/st/democracyhr-english/2010/January/20100107122816maduobbA0.7642328.html?CP.rss=true
THE ARTICLES-PROTECTING RELIGIOUS FREEDOM WITHOUT LIMITING FREE SPEECH
The spirit of the articles-The articles seem written, are idealistic in nature, sacrificing the line of religious conservatism, fundamentalism, ignorance in order to enhance the mutual understanding for peaceful living with religious freedom of speech without coercing opponents to change or convert, hurting the individual and the collective sentiments of human beings, provided they made to understand the expressions of the articles in right spirit to practice the terminology in reality as positively appears from the titles of articles on the first look itself.
Comments by Balbir Singh Sooch, Advocate, Ludhiana-Sikh Vichar Manch