Sanghchalak: We recognise Sikhism

Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, October 23

Terming the statements that the Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS) and its offshoot Rashtriya Sikh Sangat do not acknowledge independent identity of Sikhs as a misleading propaganda, the Punjab Sanghchalak Brijbhushan Singh Bedi today issued a statement saying that the RSS clearly recognised Sikhism as a separate religion.

The Prachar Vibhag of the RSS, referring to this statement of Brijbhushan Singh Bedi, has stated that the Sangh’s viewpoint had become clear in 2001 itself when a meeting was held between the then Vice-Chairman of the Minority Commission, Trilochan Singh, and Madhav Govind Vaid of the RSS.

All-India spokesperson for the RSS at that time Madhav Govind Vaid in a written document given to Trilochan Singh had authenticated the fact that Sikhism, like Buddhism and Jainism, is a recognised Indian religion.

Bedi has stated, “This thing is well-known but still a misleading propaganda is being done on this issue targeting the Sangh. Therefore this propaganda that the RSS and Rashtriya Sikh Sangat do not acknowledge the independent identity of Sikhs is contrary to the facts and misleading. The Sangh has full faith and reverence for Sri Guru Granth Sahib and Gurbani. The Sangh has always been a contributor to the worldwide propagation of Gurbani. That is why the Sangh celebrates with great fervour the Gurpurbs of Gurus and other festivals of the Sikh religion in its shakhas and programmes. For the supreme sacrifice of the Gurus and for what the Sikhs have done for the nation, dharma and humanity of the country, and its countrymen, will always be beholden to them. The Sangh has always held them in high esteem and will continue to do so.”