DSGMC condemns attempt to scrap Nanakshahi calendar

Addressing mediapersons, Paramjeet Singh Sarna, President, DSGMC alleged that on Diwali, the Jathedar of Akal Takht Sahib had called a secret meeting of five Singh Sabhas and attempted to scrap the calendar.

''The meeting did not have an agenda and was convened without consulting anyone,'' he claimed.

Designed by Pal Singh Purewal, the Nanakshahi calendar was adopted by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbhandak Committee (SGPC) in 2003 to determine the dates for important Sikh events. Mr Sarna stressed, ''Our meeting has supported the calendar as it is. We are ready to listen to criticism but those who do not follow the calendar have no locus standi. We are not ready to talk to non-believers.'' The DSGMC passed a resolution expressing anguish over scrapping the calendar which ''is based on the principles of Sikhism and its Gurus.'' Emphasising that the calendar's acceptance was necessary, the Committee said it was ready to discuss any errors in interpretation of religious principles and historical facts. ''If any Sikh individual or organisation has suggestions to improve the calendar, it can formally write to the 11-member committee formed by the Akal Takht Sahib especially for the purpose,'' Mr Sarna said.

Talking to UNI, Sikh Mission International Chairman Manjeet Singh Calcutta said, ''The BJP and RSS do not accept the calendar. It is becoming increasingly evident from the statements of leaders like K S Sudarshan that they support the idea of a Hindu Rashtra which cannot house any minorities.'' ''They want to assimilate us in that Rashtra but we are opposed to such a concept. Every Indian is not a Hindu,'' he added.

The DGSMC appealed to the SGPC to continue printing the calendar.

It would honour Purewal with the title of 'Shaan-e-Qaum' (Pride of the Community) and has requested the Akal Takht Sahib to award him the Panth-Ratna.

-- (UNI) -- 09DI44.xml

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