SGPC Now Morally & Spiritually Bankrupt: Bibi Jagir Kaur
SGPC President Acting as Badal’s Spokesperson: Bibi Jagir Kaur
Former president of the Sri Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC) Bibi Jagir Kaur hit out at incumbent Harijinder Singh Dhami in an interview with Bhawna Malik. The only woman to head the SGPC accused Dhami of working at the behest of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD).
Qn. The recent viral audio clip allegedly attributed to SGPC president is heard targeting you. What you have to say?
Jagir Kaur: I am pained, hurt, and shocked by the language used by Dhami, a person who is heading the body that is considered as the Sikh Mini Parliament.
Qn. What exactly provoked Dhami against you?
Jagir Kaur: (Former Punjab Chief Minister) Sukhbir Singh Badal along with other Akali leaders, who had been found guilty, were asked by the five Singh ‘Sahebans’ of Sri Akal Takht Sahib to resign within three days after the punishment (Tankah) of doing ‘Sewa (service)’ had been meted out to them.
How can Dhami single handedly revoke this decision and extend it by another 20 days. It’s a cardinal rule that only five ‘Singh Sahibans’ can collectively pronounce a punishment or revoke it in the presence of the Sangat (community) after deliberations.
Qn. Did you raise this issue with the SGPC president?
Jagir Kaur: No, I was replying to a question asked by a journalist and expressing my shock on this U-turn by Dhami. His decision is arbitrary and against values, ethos and the and usual practices followed by Shri Akal Takht Sahib.
The same journalist asked Dhami about this and quoted my displeasure over the issue. Dhami appears to have lost his cool and abused me. The audio clip went viral within minutes.
Qn. The Punjab Women Commission Chairperson has called Dhami to explain his conduct. Have you given any complaint?
Jagir Kaur: No, I didn’t give any written complaint. The Punjab Women Commission took the decision suo motu. Dhami submitted his written apology and said that he lost his cool and mental balance and also that he was in an abnormal mental condition.
I also went to meet the chairperson of the commission. I have asked them to take legal action against Dhami as his conduct is unpardonable.
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Qn. Why do you feel Dhami is unpardonable?
Jagir Kaur: What does abnormal condition mean. He is heading an institution that has the responsibility of guiding the community in not only religious but also social concerns for betterment of the Sikh community. If he is saying that he indulged in an abnormal behaviour he is unfit to continue as president.
Secondly, it is only in Sikhism that women were recognised as voters much before Independence as SGPC has 104-year-old history. Sikhism speaks for equality, humility, and service to humanity.
Guru Nanak in Asa Ki Var says “So kyon manda akhiye, jit jamhe rajaan (Why call her bad, who has given birth to the kings.)”
The values, valour, morals and ethics of Sikh psyche do not ascribe to such language and conduct. The SGPC is not a political party. It represents religious-spiritual spirit of the Sikh psyche.
Dhami must not forget that I have been the only woman president of the SGPC for four years. For the last 28 years, I have also been a member of the SGPC.
This entire controversy is not about me. Dhami has hurt and shaken the sanctity of the SGPC body while also hurting the Sikh sentiments.
Qn. With the Akali leaders being declared ‘Tankhayiya (religious offenders)’ and the ‘Sudhar Lehar’ committee now dissolved, do you see any revival of the SAD (Shiromani Akali Dal)?
Jagir Kaur: The Sikhs have lost faith in the SAD leadership. No doubt, we have voters from every religion. But the Sikh spirit that was guided by the divine principles of Sri Guru Granth Sahib has lost its sheen.
Rebel leaders are willing to rejoin the SAD but the youth have to be brought back. We must organise a membership drive on a large scale and stand united and firmly on the principles of Sri Guru Granth Sahib.
The SAD as a political party was formed with this in mind. Akali is not just a name; it’s a thought process and a mission.
Qn. How do you see Sukhbir Singh Badal as a political leader?
Jagir Kaur: Sukhbir must understand that the SAD stands on principles. It’s not anybody’s personal property. He must resign and work towards the revival and renewal of the SAD and also the SGPC.
The president of SGPC must not be Badal’s spokesperson and must not indulge in vendetta politics. Sikhism is Kirdar (character).
Qn. What do you mean by vendetta politics?
Jagir Kaur: Giani Harpreet Singh, Jathedar of Sri Dumdama Sahib, was one of the five Singh Saheban who pronounced a tankah on Akali Leaders. See, how he is being targeted on the social media.
His family is being dragged into controversy while also being accused of having illicit relations. It’s all happening because of the vendetta politics. The Sikh religious bodies must be free and fair.
Qn. Is there any positive outcome of this pronouncement of Tankha on the Akali leaders?
Jagir Kaur: Yes, certainly. It has set an example that there is one institution under whom all the Sikhs get united and also listen to the advice given or even the punishment is accepted.
Akal Takht Sahib is not an Akhara or a local Thana. Its supremacy and sanctity must be understood and respected.
Qn. The hunger strike by Jagjit Singh Dallewal at Khanauri Border has entered the 28th day while he also fainted. Your thoughts.
Jagir Kaur: It’s the failure of the leadership from the AAP, the Akalis or the Congress. The leaders are unconcerned and insensitive. Dallewal is also an Akali.
Why farmers who feed the world have to sit on hunger a strike. The Akalis have become morally bankrupt. Where is Harsimrat Kaur Badal now, who speaks about Nanhi Chhah – saving and educating girls. Aren’t Dallewal’s wife and children part of her drive.
The only hope is prayer. The Ardas that each one should be morally and spiritually awaken and join together in the pious movement of reviving the SGPC. In Sikhi, we use the term ‘Surjit Karo (reawaken and be victorious)’.
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