Sabha celebrates 101 yrs of caste-free Sikhism

Strap: On Oct 12, 1920, Dalit Sikhs were allowed to offer ‘khule darshan didar’ at the Golden Temple

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, October 12

The Dalit Sikh organisations and the Sri Guru Singh Sabha commemorated the 101st anniversary of a movement that led to establishment of caste-free Sikh society.

The event began with a prayer and a seminar at Bhai Gurdas Hall, followed by a march towards the Golden Temple where it concluded with ‘ardas’ for the upliftment of the Sikh community and humanity.

It was on October 12, 1920 that the Dalit Sikhs were officially accepted to savour ‘khule darshan didar’ (opening doors for prayer) of the Golden Temple and offering ‘karah parshad’, after the intervention of the then enlightened Sikhs, Khalsa College teachers and students. They all marched from Jallianwala Bagh to the Golden Temple to perform ardas and giving them official rights to pay obeisance.

Dr Kashmir Singh Khunda, chief, Dalit and Minority Organisation, said the day holds significance as it had marked the establishment of caste-free Sikh society by eliminating the discrimination.

“This episode had mobilised the Singh Sabha spirit only to pave the way for ‘Gurdwara Reform Movement’ that liberated the religious places from Mahants. Following this, the SGPC was formed,” he said.

Dr Khunda regretted that the caste arrogant people defeat the principle of equality in Sikhism. “Especially in rural belt, upper caste people order social boycott of the Dalits even in gurdwaras. Some Nihang Singh organisations, while giving ‘Amrit sanchar’ defy Akal Takht’s directions of equality,” he said.

Rajwinder Singh Rahi, Dr Khushal Singh and Prof Sham Singh, were also present on the occasion.