Nanakshahi calendar author accuses Sant Samaj of vested interests
Yudhvir Rana,
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/...-of-vested-interests/articleshow/27318519.cms
Paul Singh Purewal, author of Nanakshahi calendar (NC), has accused Sant Samaj of vested interests for raising the demand to revert to the traditional Bikrami calendar after 10 years. The Canada-based Sikh scholar told TOI over phone that it would be a retrograde step to switch back to Bikrami calendar from Nanakshahi calendar. "There were scientific reasons why Sikhs chose the latter over Bikrami calendar. It will be against Gurbani too," he said.
Influential Sikh religious body Gurmat Sidhant Parcharak Sant Samaj, headed by Damdami Taksal chief Harnam Singh Khalsa, had approached Akal Takht Jathedar seeking major changes in Nanakshahi calendar on the basis of 'Kavi Churamani' Bhai Santokh Singh authored 'Sri Gur Partap Suraj Granth.'
The Bikrami calendar, which was rejected by a section of Sikhs by adopting the Nanakshahi calendar, has similar religious days as mentioned in 'Sri Gur Partap Suraj Granth.' However, Purewal said those opposing the Nanakshahi calendar were totally ignorant, while adding that the Sant Samaj was a minor section of the Sikh Panth and was not the whole community. "But there is awareness among Sikhs living outside India and they are committed to the Nanakshahi calendar," he said.
Sensing a conspiracy behind raising demand of making major changes in the Nanakshahi calendar, Purewal alleged, "Last time changes were made in the calendar only due to political reasons and for votes. But this time I don't know who is behind it, but everybody knows that BJP had opposed the Nanakshahi calendar."
Supporting Purewal's views, another Sikh scholar Prof Balwant Singh, who was member of the team set up for finalization of Nanakshahi calendar, said, "Sant Samaj members have no scientific reason behind their move. It is their vested interest only that they want to go back to the Bikrami calendar."
Prof Balwant said the Indian calendar had an error and there was a need to correct it. Citing an example, he said, "Baiskahi was celebrated on April 13, 1919 which coincides with the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. But in 2012, Baisakhi was celebrated on April 14 due to an error in the calendar."
Yudhvir Rana,
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/...-of-vested-interests/articleshow/27318519.cms
Paul Singh Purewal, author of Nanakshahi calendar (NC), has accused Sant Samaj of vested interests for raising the demand to revert to the traditional Bikrami calendar after 10 years. The Canada-based Sikh scholar told TOI over phone that it would be a retrograde step to switch back to Bikrami calendar from Nanakshahi calendar. "There were scientific reasons why Sikhs chose the latter over Bikrami calendar. It will be against Gurbani too," he said.
Influential Sikh religious body Gurmat Sidhant Parcharak Sant Samaj, headed by Damdami Taksal chief Harnam Singh Khalsa, had approached Akal Takht Jathedar seeking major changes in Nanakshahi calendar on the basis of 'Kavi Churamani' Bhai Santokh Singh authored 'Sri Gur Partap Suraj Granth.'
The Bikrami calendar, which was rejected by a section of Sikhs by adopting the Nanakshahi calendar, has similar religious days as mentioned in 'Sri Gur Partap Suraj Granth.' However, Purewal said those opposing the Nanakshahi calendar were totally ignorant, while adding that the Sant Samaj was a minor section of the Sikh Panth and was not the whole community. "But there is awareness among Sikhs living outside India and they are committed to the Nanakshahi calendar," he said.
Sensing a conspiracy behind raising demand of making major changes in the Nanakshahi calendar, Purewal alleged, "Last time changes were made in the calendar only due to political reasons and for votes. But this time I don't know who is behind it, but everybody knows that BJP had opposed the Nanakshahi calendar."
Supporting Purewal's views, another Sikh scholar Prof Balwant Singh, who was member of the team set up for finalization of Nanakshahi calendar, said, "Sant Samaj members have no scientific reason behind their move. It is their vested interest only that they want to go back to the Bikrami calendar."
Prof Balwant said the Indian calendar had an error and there was a need to correct it. Citing an example, he said, "Baiskahi was celebrated on April 13, 1919 which coincides with the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. But in 2012, Baisakhi was celebrated on April 14 due to an error in the calendar."
as they have power in the form of followers.
