SGPC significant changes in leadership by removing Giani Raghbir Singh from his position
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) recently made significant changes in its leadership by removing Giani Raghbir Singh from his position as Jathedar of the Akal Takht and Giani Sultan Singh as Jathedar of Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib. These decisions were attributed to their perceived inadequacies in guiding the Sikh community on contemporary issues. In response,
the SGPC appointed Giani Kuldeep Singh Gadgaj as the new Jathedar of Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib, also assigning him the additional responsibility of acting Jathedar of the Akal Takht. The formal installation ceremony, known as 'Dastarbandi,' for Giani Kuldeep Singh Gadgaj took place on March 10, 2025, at Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib in Sri Anandpur Sahib. This ceremony is a traditional Sikh ritual symbolizing the conferring of authority and responsibility upon the new Jathedar. The SGPC's actions have elicited varied reactions within the Sikh community.
Some factions, including Nihang groups, have expressed opposition to the manner in which the previous Jathedars were removed and have threatened to disrupt the Dastarbandi ceremony. They argue that the process did not adhere to established protocols and lacked broader community consultation. These developments underscore ongoing debates within the Sikh community regarding leadership and adherence to traditional practices. The SGPC's decisions and the subsequent reactions reflect the dynamic nature of religious leadership and the importance of maintaining unity and respect for established customs.
