The Akal Takht, the highest temporal seat of Sikhism, has issued a stern warning to the Punjab government regarding planned school events. The controversy centers on fancy dress competitions themed around revered Sikh figures.
Directive Against Depiction of Sikh Figures
Giani Kuldip Singh Gargaj, the officiating jathedar of the Akal Takht, has called for the immediate cancellation of any district or school fancy-dress competitions related to the Sahibzadas (the sons of Guru Gobind Singh), Mata Gujar Kaur, or Baba Banda Singh Bahadur. This demand comes in response to an order from the Punjab Child Welfare Council.
The Akal Takht secretariat in Amritsar released a statement on Wednesday, highlighting that a November 12 order from the Council had recently surfaced on social media. This order instructed all deputy commissioners and district council presidents to organize such competitions.
"Anti-Sikh Directives" and Legal Warning
In a strong critique, Jathedar Gargaj expressed deep concern over the actions of both the central and state governments. "It is extremely concerning that both the Centre and Punjab govts show little seriousness or understanding of Sikh principles, sentiments, and traditions, resulting in officials issuing arbitrary and anti-Sikh directives," he stated.
The jathedar reiterated a core Sikh tenet: all forms of depiction or imitation of Sikh Gurus, their family members, the four Sahibzadas, and Sikh martyrs are strictly prohibited. He warned that those violating this religious principle could face legal action.
Debate Over 'Veer Bal Diwas' Nomenclature
While welcoming the central government's decision to commemorate the martyrdom of the younger Sahibzadas, Jathedar Gargaj raised an important point about the name of the observance. He suggested that the day should be officially declared as "Sahibzade Shahadat Diwas" (Sahibzadas Martyrdom Day) instead of "Veer Bal Diwas" (Brave Children Day).
He clarified that the name "Veer Bal Diwas" was not approved by the Akal Takht, indicating a disconnect between the government's initiative and the formal sentiments of the Sikh religious authority.
This development underscores ongoing tensions regarding the representation of sacred Sikh personalities and highlights the Akal Takht's vigilant stance on protecting religious protocols and sentiments from what it perceives as governmental overreach or misunderstanding.
