http://www.tribuneindia.com/<wbr>2010/20100104/punjab.htm#1
Nanakshahi Calender
SGPC panel suggests radical changes
Tribune News Service
Amritsar, January 3
The executive committee of the SGPC today approved radical changes in the Nanakshahi calendar amid voices of dissent raised by three of the 15-member strong SGPC executive and opposition put up by a number of Sikh bodies.
The Nanakshahi calendar, which was adopted by the SGPC in 2003 after having been approved by Akal Takht, will almost resemble the Bikrami calendar if the changes approved by the executive were implemented.
The proposed changes suggested by the SGPC chief Avtar Singh and the orthodox Sikh organisations led by the Damdami Taksal chief, Harnam Singh, however, will come into force as and when these were endorsed by Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh.
Ignoring the opposition put up by three executive members --- the SGPC general secretary Sukhdev Singh Bhaur, Bibi Ravinder Kaur and Karnail Singh Panjauli ---the SGPC executive led by Avtar Singh has recommended that Sangrands along with the martyrdom day of Guru Arjan Dev should be observed as per the "old tradition" (read Bikrami calendar).
Besides, some important days such as the birth anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh, Gurta Gaddi Divas and Jyoti Jot Samaun Divas of Guru Gobind Singh were also likely to be observed as per the Bikrami calendar. According to Avtar Singh, the five Sikh high priests had already recommended that these three historic days should be observed as per the "old tradition."
He, however, made it clear that the proposed changes would come into force only if endorsed by the Akal Takht Jathedar. Till then, the SGPC would be adhering to the existing Nanakshahi calendar and the birth anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh would be celebrated as per the existing calendar on January 5.
"We have to effect some changes in order to keep the panth united. The Sant Samaj is an important component of the Sikh panth. The decision was taken by the majority in the executive. We don't have any pressure from any quarter including the RSS. Those opposing me or those who are planning to gherao my residence are doing it without any valid reason. The Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee leader Parmjit Singh Sarna is a Congress agent and he has proved it by honouring Delhi Chief Minister and Congress leader Shiela Dixit and by backing Prof Darshan Singh. The Nanakshahi calendar will continue to stay," said Avtar Singh while talking to The Tribune.
Executive members including Sukhdev Singh Bhaur, Bibi Ravinder Kaur and Karnail Singh Panjauli tried to persuade Avtar Singh that they could not support any changes as the executive was neither provided with any documents nor any time to study the agenda.
"The president wanted us to endorse the agenda but we declined on the ground that no decision can be taken in haste as it involved a sensitive issue like the calendar which was a treasure of the Sikh nation. But we were not listened to, rued Sukhdev Singh Bhaur while talking to The Tribune. He has already voiced his concern over the proposed changes.
A number of Sikh organisations opposing any changes in the calendar, including the Dal Khalsa, Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee led by Parmjit Singh Sarna, SAD (Panch Pardhani), American Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee and a number of other Sikh bodies have alleged that the proposed changes were part of the "wider conspiracy" to relapse to the old Bikrami Calendar. They have also decided to adhere to the Nanakshahi calendar and have decided to gherao the Ludhiana residence of the SGPC chief on January 12.
Nanakshahi Calender
SGPC panel suggests radical changes
Tribune News Service
Amritsar, January 3
The executive committee of the SGPC today approved radical changes in the Nanakshahi calendar amid voices of dissent raised by three of the 15-member strong SGPC executive and opposition put up by a number of Sikh bodies.
The Nanakshahi calendar, which was adopted by the SGPC in 2003 after having been approved by Akal Takht, will almost resemble the Bikrami calendar if the changes approved by the executive were implemented.
The proposed changes suggested by the SGPC chief Avtar Singh and the orthodox Sikh organisations led by the Damdami Taksal chief, Harnam Singh, however, will come into force as and when these were endorsed by Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh.
Ignoring the opposition put up by three executive members --- the SGPC general secretary Sukhdev Singh Bhaur, Bibi Ravinder Kaur and Karnail Singh Panjauli ---the SGPC executive led by Avtar Singh has recommended that Sangrands along with the martyrdom day of Guru Arjan Dev should be observed as per the "old tradition" (read Bikrami calendar).
Besides, some important days such as the birth anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh, Gurta Gaddi Divas and Jyoti Jot Samaun Divas of Guru Gobind Singh were also likely to be observed as per the Bikrami calendar. According to Avtar Singh, the five Sikh high priests had already recommended that these three historic days should be observed as per the "old tradition."
He, however, made it clear that the proposed changes would come into force only if endorsed by the Akal Takht Jathedar. Till then, the SGPC would be adhering to the existing Nanakshahi calendar and the birth anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh would be celebrated as per the existing calendar on January 5.
"We have to effect some changes in order to keep the panth united. The Sant Samaj is an important component of the Sikh panth. The decision was taken by the majority in the executive. We don't have any pressure from any quarter including the RSS. Those opposing me or those who are planning to gherao my residence are doing it without any valid reason. The Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee leader Parmjit Singh Sarna is a Congress agent and he has proved it by honouring Delhi Chief Minister and Congress leader Shiela Dixit and by backing Prof Darshan Singh. The Nanakshahi calendar will continue to stay," said Avtar Singh while talking to The Tribune.
Executive members including Sukhdev Singh Bhaur, Bibi Ravinder Kaur and Karnail Singh Panjauli tried to persuade Avtar Singh that they could not support any changes as the executive was neither provided with any documents nor any time to study the agenda.
"The president wanted us to endorse the agenda but we declined on the ground that no decision can be taken in haste as it involved a sensitive issue like the calendar which was a treasure of the Sikh nation. But we were not listened to, rued Sukhdev Singh Bhaur while talking to The Tribune. He has already voiced his concern over the proposed changes.
A number of Sikh organisations opposing any changes in the calendar, including the Dal Khalsa, Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee led by Parmjit Singh Sarna, SAD (Panch Pardhani), American Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee and a number of other Sikh bodies have alleged that the proposed changes were part of the "wider conspiracy" to relapse to the old Bikrami Calendar. They have also decided to adhere to the Nanakshahi calendar and have decided to gherao the Ludhiana residence of the SGPC chief on January 12.
