Former gurdwara chief gets ‘tankhah’

Amritsar, January 23

Master Johar Singh, former president of the Chhota Ghallughara Gurdwara Trust at Qadian (Gurdaspur), appeared before Akal Takht today, seeking atonement.

He was awarded “tankhah” (religious punishment) from the podium of Akal Takht by Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh following a meeting of five high priests.

After holding him liable for “immoral activities” carried on the gurdwara premises under his charge on August 11, 2017, Master Johar Singh was directed to perform one-week ‘sewa’ at the Golden Temple.

Each day for an hour, he would clean shoes, wash dishes and perform “sewa” in the langar hall. After that, he would offer “karah parshad” worth Rs 501 and contribute an equal amount to the “golak” during “ardas”.

Master Johar Singh had earlier refused to acknowledge the summons issued by the Akal Takht Jathedar. But he appeared before the “parallel” Jathedars on October 12, 2017, and underwent the “tankhah” awarded to him for the same offence.

When questioned, he refused to comment on his change of mind. “Akal Takht is supreme. I will soon perform ‘sewa’ as directed,” he said.

The five high priests, meanwhile, warned the management of a Fatehgarh Sahib gurdwara against the lapse on its part while performing “akhand path” during the “shaheedi purb” of Guru Gobind Singh’s sons in December. — TNS