Akal Takht Jathedar calls for peace on Gurpurb eve

GS Paul

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, November 24

Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh today participated in the nagar kirtan (religious procession) and delivered his customary message on the eve of birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev.

The jathedar had been avoiding public gathering for the past some time in view of widespread resentment against him over the recent controversial decisions.

Recently, he had to face opposition from several Sikh activists who showed him black flags and raised slogans against him while he was delivering his customary address on the Bandi Chhor Divas on November 11.

Since then he had again started avoiding public gatherings. There were speculations that he might not participate in the Gurpurb celebrations as was the case on Guru Ram Dass birth anniversary on October 29. He was then represented by Golden Temple’s head granthi.

The jathedar today performed the “ardas” before the nagar kirtan, led by Panj Pyaras, culminated.

He then delivered his address from Akal Takht secretariat urging people to celebrate Gurpurb with utmost zeal and enthusiasm tomorrow.

He condemned racial and class discrimination and appealed to the people to follow the path shown by Guru Nanak Dev.