Sangrur/Mastuana: The second day of the ongoing deliberative conference focused on restructuring the legal and policy framework of the Shiromani Akali Dal was marked by intense discussions and thoughtful participation. The event is being held at Sant Teja Singh Hall, Mastuana Sahib (Sangrur), organized by Akal College Council Mastuana Sahib with the support of various Sikh organizations. The core theme of the conference is how to revive the Akali Dal in alignment with Panthic principles and a clearly defined legal-political framework.
On August 2, the second day of the event drew serious speakers and an attentive audience, with many notable personalities traveling from near and far to participate. Veteran thinkers who had once been part of the Shiromani Akali Dal openly highlighted the party’s flaws.
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The day began with Naam Simran (meditative recitation), followed by a welcome address by S. Jaswant Singh Khaira, Secretary of Akal College Council, who briefly explained the objective of the conference to the attendees. The stage was moderated by Bhai Malkeet Singh Bhawanigarh and Bhupinder Singh Grewal.
Opening the discussions, S. Davinder Singh Sekhon stated that leadership by individuals disconnected from Sikh values had led to the decline of the Akali Dal. Mandeep Singh Sidhu (brother of late Deep Sidhu) and SGPC member Dr. Kiranjot Kaur emphasized that without genuine Sikh spirit, the revival of Akali Dal is impossible.
From the five-member reform committee, S. Iqbal Singh Jhunda remarked that no single body, including the SGPC, has the authority to decide on the appointment of the Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib without a consensus of the global Sikh community. Dr. Kanwaljit Singh stressed that no structure can be formed without first defining a clear policy. Dr. Tajinder Kaur called for a framework that ensures leadership accountability in both the SGPC and the Akali Dal.
Prof. Mahinderpal Singh and Sukhwinder Singh Bhagiwander from Akali Dal (Amritsar) underlined the importance of Sikh character in Akali leadership. Sukhdev Singh Phagwara and Parmpal Singh Sabhra raised concerns over elections in Gurdwara management, calling them problematic. Referring to Sant Attar Singh Ji, Sukhdeep Singh Meeke suggested further dialogue to resolve the internal contradictions within the Akali Dal.
The day concluded with Baba Hardeep Singh Mehraj extending heartfelt thanks to all the speakers and participants.
A large number of prominent individuals from villages and cities gathered to listen to the panelists, including Labh Singh, Hardeep Singh Maharaj, Mithu Singh Kanheke, Pardeep Singh Iyali, Kanwaljeet Singh Tibba, Boota Singh Ranshih, Swaran Singh Damdama Sahib, Satnam Singh Rattoke, Nirmal Singh Saron, Balwant Singh Sidhu, and others representing various institutions and Sikh personalities.
