Mastuana Sahib / Sangrur: A three-day discussion (Vichar-Goshti) focusing on the revival of the Shiromani Akali Dal and its constitutional, policy and structural reformation commenced on Friday (August 1) at Sant Teja Singh Hall, Mastuana Sahib (Sangrur). Organized by the Akal College Council Mastuana Sahib with the support of various Sikh organizations, the event is dedicated to the centenary commemoration of Sant Attar Singh Ji.

The discussion opened in a deeply reflective atmosphere, starting with Naam Simran. The introductory address was delivered by S. Jaswant Singh Khaira, Secretary of the Akal College Council, who explained that Mastuana Sahib had played a significant role in Akali struggles around 1920. Given the current critical state of the Akali Dal, he emphasized the need to introspect on why the party has declined and how it can be reformed.

Former acting Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Giani Harpreet Singh, stated that the Akali Dal’s crisis stems from internal deterioration, which cannot be solved by simply replacing individuals. A long-term solution, he suggested, lies in shifting the ideological mindset according to Panthic traditions.

Former SGPC President S. Gobind Singh Longowal acknowledged that, in pursuit of political power, Akali leaders had abandoned key commitments such as the Anandpur Sahib Resolution and the party’s founding principles.

From a religious standpoint, former Jathedar Giani Keval Singh stressed that the management of Akal Takht Sahib should not be under SGPC control, and that the entire Sikh Panth should make collective decisions to preserve its sovereignty. He added that Akali Dal workers should have direct oversight over party presidents.

Senior Akali leader S. Parminder Singh Dhindsa remarked that the party lost public trust by discarding the tradition of collective leadership (Panj Pradhani) in favor of power centralization.

Parmjeet Singh Gazi, Editor-in-Chief of Sikh Siyasat, argued that the party must clearly define its objectives, scope, and organizational structure. Without transparency, even sincere individuals would be unable to properly manage the Akali Dal.

Representing Central Sri Guru Singh Sabha, S. Khushhal Singh noted that while the term “Akali” is profound and meaningful, it has been tarnished by poor conduct.

SGPC member Bhai Malkeet Singh Changal criticized the dominance of politics within the SGPC and advocated separating religious bodies from political influence. He warned that personal interests have eroded internal dissent within the committee.

Sikh thinker Bhai Gurmeet Singh from Ranchi asserted that if Akali Dal continues to contest assembly or parliamentary elections, it should completely withdraw from Gurdwara management. He stressed that the party must shift from personality-centric to principle-centric politics.

Former Sikh political prisoner Bhai Diya Singh Lahoria emphasized the need for truly religious individuals in the SGPC who have no ambition for electoral politics, and identified the hunger for power as the main reason for Akali Dal’s decline.

SGPC member Bhai Teja Singh Kamalpura stated that Sikh religious and social decisions must always be aligned with Gurmat principles.

The session was moderated by Dr. Gurveer Singh Sohi. Panelists including S. Jaswant Singh Khaira (Akal Council) and Bhai Malkeet Singh Bhawanigarh (Sikh Jatha Malwa) engaged the speakers with pointed questions to further clarify key issues.

A large and diverse audience attended the seminar’s first day, including political and non-political figures, common citizens, students, and scholars from various regions. Notable attendees included Akal College Council members Gamdoor Singh, Siyasat Singh Gill, and Dr. Gurmeet Singh; from Ludhiana: S. Avtar Singh Gill, Baldev Singh Bhammabaddi, Harpal Singh Khaira, Kulwant Singh Saron, Nirmal Singh Saron, and Balwant Singh Sidhu; Bhai Gurjeet Singh Duggan, Bhupinder Singh Grewal, Harpreet Singh Longowal, S. Karamjeet Singh Gaggarpur; from SAD Amritsar: Jathedar Harjeet Singh Sajuma and S. Bahadur Singh Bhasaur; Prof. Jaspal Singh; Labh Singh Sangrur (Guru Gobind Singh Study Circle); Inderpreet Singh Sangrur; Prof. Manpreet Singh Gill; and Satpal Singh Sangrur (Sri Guru Singh Sabha, Sangrur).