Punjab Tourism Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond appeared before Sri Akal Takht Sahib, paid homage, and clarified actions over memorial controversy.
Following instructions from Sri Akal Takht Sahib ,Jathedar Sahib, Punjab’s Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Tarunpreet Singh Sond, appeared before the Sahib on Monday to provide a clarification on behalf of his department. The minister made deg at Sri Darbar Sahib, went barefoot there, and then paid respects at Sri Akal Takht Sahib as a sign of humility and reverence.
At the Sri Akal Takht Sahib Secretariat, Sond presented his explanation to the Singh Sahiban. He told the media following the proceedings that Sri Akal Takht Sahib is the highest institution among Sikhs and that all of the Singh Sahiban’s directives are binding on everyone and are comparable to divine commands.
ਅੱਜ ਕੈਬਨਿਟ ਮੰਤਰੀ @TarunpreetSond ਸ੍ਰੀ ਦਰਬਾਰ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਵਿਖੇ ਨਤਮਸਤਕ ਹੋਏ। ਉਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਜੱਥੇਦਾਰ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਕੁਲਦੀਪ ਸਿੰਘ ਗੜਗੱਜ ਨਾਲ ਮੁਲਾਕਾਤ ਕਰਦਿਆਂ ਲਿਖਤੀ ਸਪਸ਼ਟੀਕਰਨ ਪੇਸ਼ ਕੀਤਾ, ਜਿਸ ‘ਤੇ ਜੱਥੇਦਾਰ ਜੀ ਨੇ ਵੀ ਸੰਤੁਸ਼ਟੀ ਜਤਾਈ। pic.twitter.com/HpgbQZSSRd
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He clarified that the Bhai Jaita Ji Memorial at Sri Anandpur Sahib was built by the Punjab government in honor of the 350th anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji’s martyrdom. He was called when the Jathedar Sahib objected to a painting that was on display at the memorial. In response to the protest, Sond stated, the relevant image was fixed that same day. Nonetheless, he personally arrived before Sri Akal Takht Sahib as the department director to provide an official explanation.
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The minister reported that after hearing his explanation, the Singh Sahiban ordered that the Gurus’ and martyrs’ respect and dignity should never be compromised, and that the Sikh religious code of conduct (Maryada) be strictly adhered to in all departmental endeavors. A scholar who is knowledgeable with Gurmat ideology should be assigned to the department, the Singh Sahiban also suggested.
Sond stated that Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann would be made aware of the issue and that precautions would be taken to guarantee that there is never another lapse of this kind, whether intentional or not. The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) and Sri Akal Takht Sahib must be consulted before beginning any program or work pertaining to religion, he continued, in order to ensure that Sikh customs and sentiments are fully honored.