Issue fresh edict for caste-free society, demand Sikh panels

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, October 12

Several Sikh and Dalit organisations today appealed to the Akal Takht to issue a fresh ‘hukumnama’ (edict) for the establishment of a caste-free Sikh society, during the centennial celebration of allowing Dalits entry into the Golden Temple, at an event held at Bhai Gurdas Hall here.

The occasion was commemorated by reciting the Sukhmani Sahib prayers and holding a seminar at the hall, followed by a march towards the Golden Temple complex, where it concluded with the ‘ardas’.

On October 12, 1920, the Dalit Sikhs were officially accepted for ‘khule darshan didar’ (opening doors for prayer) of the Golden Temple, and offer ‘karah prasad’ after the intervention of some enlightened Sikhs, Khalsa College teachers and students.

Gurpreet Singh, president, Global Sikh Council, said, “The 100-year-old event paved the way for the Gurdwara Reforms Movement that liberated the religious places from the Mahants and led to the formation of the SGPC.”

“The community needs to be morally upright. We have urged Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh to issue a new ‘hukumnama’ against the caste practice in Sikhism,” he said.