Controversial remarks: GNDU Vice-Chancellor appears before Takht Jathedar Gargaj

Guru Nanak Dev University Vice-Chancellor Dr Karamjeet Singh today appeared in person before officiating Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj to submit his clarification over his controversial remarks allegedly linking Guru Nanak Dev’s philosophy with “Vedanta”.

The Akal Takht announced to go through the reply of Dr Karamjeet in the next meeting of the five Sikh high priests.

The action came after a purported video of the VC allegedly linking Sikhism founder Guru Nanak Dev’s philosophy with the Vedanta in the presence of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat surfaced online.

After the video went viral, the SGPC removed Dr Karamjeet from the panel constituted to frame rules for the appointment and removal of Akal Takht Jathedar on August 1.

SGPC secretary Partap Singh had categorically stated that the video circulating online showed him “expressing views aligned with an anti-Sikh ideology during his conversation with the RSS chief”.

“In light of objections raised by Sikh community, the SGPC removed him from the committee,” he said.

Denying the charge, the VC said some portions of the video were removed to send a distorted message.

“Throughout my life, I never compromised on Sikh ethos. I spoke of setting up a Sikh chair in the university. Guru Nanak’s philosophy promotes ‘Sarbat Da Bhala’ (welfare of all), which was highlighted by me,” he said.

He said, as a baptised Sikh, he highlighted the works undertaken by the GNDU to promote Sikhism, which included digitisation of all Sikh documents available with the university.