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Prof. Darshan Singh ex-communicated, Sikhs sad
WSN Bureau

AMRITSAR: Throwing of all caution of deep and wide ranging ramifications in future to the Sikh community, the five provosts –Jathedars of the Sikh nation today excommunicated a former provost, Prof. Darshan Singh from the annals of Sikhd``om allegedly for his utterances against the tenth Master, Guru Gobind Singh. Coming on the heels of the decision to amend the NanakShahi calendar, it seems that the hold of the schismatic deras is becoming stronger and so is their clout and sway over religio-political developments in Punjab, even though they do not have ground support. Well-meaning Sikhs throughout the world, though silent for the time being are deeply concerned over the developments and are squirming in dismay. Many more are distraught and are unable to come to terms with the developments.

At a meeting which lasted many hours within the sanctum sanctorum of Darbar Sahib, ensconced in the office adjacent to Akal Takht Sahib, the five religious heads, did not give any consideration to various pleas from various parts of the world by Sikh religious, social and political leaders, not to precipitate the matter and evolve such a solution as would not divide the Sikh community. Even attempts by five former Jathedars failed to evince any change of mind.

Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh, Balwant Singh Nandgarh of Takht Damdama Sahib, Iqbal Singh of Takht Patna Sahib, Tarlochan Singh of Takht Kesgarh Sahib and Jotinder Singh from Takht Hazoor Sahib, all joined in the decision, announced in the evening from the portals of Akal Takht Sahib by Giani Gurbachan Singh. It is however reliably learnt that some of the Jathedars had personal reservations.

It remains to be seen how the Jathedars will react to the thousands of Sikhs who have defied the order and invited Prof. Darshan Singh for Kirtan as was exemplified in Raipur, where more than fifteen thousand Sikhs attended.

Rajinder Singh of Shiromani Khalsa Panchayat has remarked, “It is a black day for the Sikhs” Dal Khalsa secretary Kanwarpal Singh stated that it was a sad day. Scores of others have voiced their concern.

31 January 2010
 

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