Malaysian Sikh delegation meets acting Jathedar of Akal Takht

A high-level Malaysian delegation, led by YB Jagdeep Singh Deo, Deputy Chief Minister-II of Penang, Malaysia, met Kuldip Singh Gargaj, Acting Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib and Jathedar of Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib, at Sri Anandpur Sahib on Sunday.

The delegation comprised Malaysian businessman and community leader Dato’ Prof. Dr BS Bains; historian Simar Singh; Akshay Singh Deo, a member of the family of the former Mirpur princely state; Aryan Menon; Dr Sukhjot Singh; and Sunny Khaira.

The Malaysian delegation discussed the importance of further strengthening cultural and spiritual ties among the global Sikh community, Sikh heritage and religious institutions, Sikhs residing in Malaysia, and the historic Sikh institutions of Punjab.

YB Jagdeep Singh Deo expressed deep respect for the institution of Sri Akal Takht Sahib and appreciated the efforts being made by Jathedar Kuldip Singh Gargaj to promote and preserve Sikhi and Sikh values globally.

The delegation also emphasised the importance of preserving historic Sikh institutions and gurdwaras in Malaysia. In this regard, YB Jagdeep Singh Deo specifically visited Sri Anandpur Sahib to invite Jathedar Kuldip Singh Gargaj to attend the inaugural ceremony in Malaysia following the completion of restoration and preservation works at the historic Wadda Gurdwara Sahib in Penang.