Takht pardons Dhadrianwale, told to abide by Sikh principles
Five Sikh high priests on Wednesday accepted the apology submitted by preacher Ranjit Singh Dhadrianwale after he appeared before the Akal Takht and pledged to abide by Sikh principles.
Between 2019 and 2020, Dhadrianwale was under Akal Takht’s lens following complaints accusing him of delivering distorted sermons on Sikh history and principles.
A sub-committee constituted by the Akal Takht had repeatedly summoned him to explain his statements but he skipped the scheduled meetings on three occasions.
On August 24, 2020, based on the sub-committee’s adverse report, the Akal Takht had issued an edict urging the Sikh community to boycott Dhadrianwale until he sought clemency.
On April 22 this year, Akal Takht officiating Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj had extended an invitation to controversial Sikh preachers, including Dhadrianwale, to appear before the Akal Takht and clarify past controversies.
Responding to it, Dhadrianwale had claimed that his statements were morphed and politically influenced, hinting at his willingness to clarify matters and join the Sikh propagation campaign being initiated by Giani Gargaj.
Acknowledging his past ‘mistakes’, Dhadrianwale submitted a formal apology to the five high priests, clarifying his stance on previous allegations of distorting Sikh principles in his discourses.
The five Sikh high priests accepted Dhadrianwale’s apology letter while allowing him to preach Sikhism solely in the light of keeping the sanctity of Gurmat and Akal Takht-approved code of conduct.
Giani Gargaj questioned Dhadrianwale from the podium of the Akal Takht regarding his controversial remarks on Sikh principles.
In response, Dhadrianwale acknowledged his mistakes and expressed his desire to work within the mainstream of the Khalsa Panth, preaching Sikhism under the umbrella of the Akal Takht.
As a symbolic gesture of acceptance, Dhadrianwale offered a ‘deg’ (karah parshad) worth Rs 501 at the Akal Takht, a traditional act signifying humility and reconciliation.
Penalty for former jathedar
Former Jathedar of Takht Damdama Sahib Giani Gurmukh Singh also appeared seeking forgiveness for being part of the controversial pardon granted to Dera Sacha Sauda head Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh in 2015. His apology was accepted and he was directed to perform sewa of dishwashing at the Golden Temple kitchen and clean footwear at the shrine ‘joda ghar’ for one hour daily for 11 days. He was also asked to recite Gurbani and offer ‘karah parshad’ worth Rs 1,100 at the Akal Takht.
DSGMC ex-chief expresses remorse for remarks
Former Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) president Harvinder Singh Sarna expressed remorse before the five Sikh priests for his “inappropriate remarks” against Sikh scholars and the clergy, which was accepted. He was directed to perform daily recitation of the Japji Sahib and the Chaupani Sahib for 11 days, and offer “karah parshad” worth Rs 501 at Gurdwara Bangla Sahib.
