SGPC marks death anniversary of former Akal Takht Jathedar

The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) today began a ‘Path’ of Guru Granth Sahib to commemorate the death anniversary of former Akal Takht Jathedar Gurdev Singh Kaunke. The ‘Path’ will culminate with the

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offering of its bhog on January 1.

Gurcharan Singh Grewal, former general secretary of the SGPC, highlighted Jathedar Kaunke’s significant contribution to the Sikh community, particularly his role in the reconstruction of the Akal Takht building following the 1984 Operation Bluestar.

He also announced that the SGPC would hold a special ceremony on January 1 to mark Kaunke’s anniversary and invited the sangat to participate in the bhog of the ‘Path’.

Jathedar Kaunke’s tenure as acting Jathedar of the Akal Takht began in 1986 after Jasbir Singh Rode, nephew of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, was jailed. Kaunke was appointed by the Sarbat Khalsa.

On December 20, 1992, he was taken into custody by SHO Gurmeet. However, he was released following the tragic death of his grandson, thanks to the intervention of local villagers. Unfortunately, Kaunke was re-arrested on December 25, 1992, and was never seen again.