Sikh scholars blame SAD, SGPC for crisis

ANANDPUR SAHIB: Sikh scholars invited to SGPC's "intellectual meet" in Anandpur Sahib on Friday criticized both the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee and Shiromani Akali Dal (Badal) for the present "religious" crisis.
The scholars were invited to the meet by the SGPC with the expectation that they might provide an intellectual cushion to the Akalis and Sikh clergy.However, four of the five Sikh academicians who spoke at the event were critical of the three Takhts in Punjab.
In all, 300 academicians, most of whom are employees of SGPC, turned up for the event. Some of them even went on to demand that jathedars of the three Takhts be replaced immediately.
Renowned Sikh scholar Harpal Singh Pannu, the former head of department of religion at Punjabi University in Patiala, said both SAD president and SGPC chief should tender a public apology to the Panth for pushing Sikh clergy into a "ridiculous" position and for unceremoniously suspending Panj Pyaras (five beloved ones). SGPC president Avtar Singh Makkar and SAD troubleshooters Prem Singh Chandumajra and Daljeet Singh Cheema were present when Pannu made the remark.
"President of Akali Dal has pushed the Sikh clergy into a ridiculous position. SGPC president Makkar has committed a blunder by suspending Panj Pyaras. Without any hitch, both should tender apology to Panth. Panth will forgive you. Otherwise, anger will keep simmering. I am your well-wisher. That's why I am conveying this to your," said Pannu.
Apart from Pannu, eminent historian Sukhdial Singh, professor, department of historical studies; Sarabjinder Singh, professor and head, Sri Guru Granth Sahib Studies; Paramveer Singh; associate professor of religious studies (all from Punjabi University), and Amarjit Singh, professor, Guru Centre of Sikh Studies, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar spoke at the meeting.
Prof Sukhdial said the pardon to Dera Sacha Sauda chief was taken in good spirit. "But they way it was executed proved to be dear to Akalis. What nominated Panj Pyaras had done is commendable. Jathedars of the three Takhts can't work now. They have lost credibility. Now they should be retired," he said.
Prof Sarbjinder said the Sikh clergy cornering independent Sikh academicians was a major reason behind the crisis. "Today, you want that your MLAs should educate masses about institutions like Sarbat Khalsa, Akal Takht and gurmata (guru's resolution). This is not possible. The first jathedar of Akal Takht, Giani Teja Singh Bhuchar, after assuming charge, had sent letters to Sikh academicians and asked them to keep framing guidelines for Akal Takht. But where is that practice today? Sikh intellectuals are cornered. It seems that intellectuals are being invited today for the first time after 1920; that is a gap of 95 years," he said.