Amritsar (November 28, 2009): According to some media report SGPC president Avtar Singh Makkar has declared that there is no move to ‘withdraw’ the Sikh Calendar known as Nanakshahi Calendar. It is expected that the controversy is set at rest at least for the time being but it is notable that Makkar has also declared that SGPC shall form a committee comprising representatives of SGPC, Takhats, Sikh Organizations, whether opposing or supporting the Calendar, and Sikh Scholars to discuss that suggest the action to be taken regarding ‘proposed amendments’ to the Calender.
It is notable that SGPC is often accused for not paying any heed to take any decisions on crucial Sikh issues keeping them within the Sikh Circles.
Recently, SGPC had requested the Punjab Government, which claims to be secular in nature and has nothing to do with internal matters of any religion or faith, to make a law announcing the SGPC as sole organization authorized to publish Birs of Sri Guru Granth Sahib. “It was a critical point. Unanimous norms could have been laid in this regard, had the SGPC and Jathedar Vedanti taken the initiative in this regard. But it is unfortunate that SGPC and the Sikhs have opened another way of State interference to Sikh affairs by requesting the Punjab Government to pass ‘Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satikar Act’.” said Parmjeet Singh Gazi, President of Sikh Students Federation.
“Panthic organizations have to remain vigilant this time as the SGPC at the behest of Hindu lobby may attempt to change the Sikh Calendar in order to make it fit for Brahmincal outlook.” said leaders of various Pantic Organizations, when contact by SikhSiysat Network.