Amritsar: Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee president Harjinder Singh Dhami on Monday said religion in its true form never changes and remains eternal, asserting that what is often described as religious conversion is, in reality, “conversion driven by greed”.
Addressing mediapersons, Dhami said religion grows through principles and humility, not through inducement or coercion. He added that every individual has the right to live according to their faith, but changing religion through temptation or pressure is wrong.
Reaction to Amit Shah’s remarks
Reacting to Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s recent statement on religious conversions in Punjab, Dhami said mere statements would not suffice and concrete action was required. He urged both the state and central governments to rise above politics and address the ground realities.
He said the SGPC has deployed volunteers in border areas who are reaching out to households to spread awareness based on Gurmat principles.
Sikh history rooted in equality
Referring to Sikh history, Dhami said Guru Nanak Dev and Guru Gobind Singh empowered the downtrodden and upheld dignity and equality. He said the selection of the Panj Pyare at the time of the formation of the Khalsa Panth stands as testimony to Sikhism’s foundation on equality and high ideals.
Concern over gurdwara properties in Pakistan
Dhami also expressed concern over the reported sale of properties linked to gurdwaras in Pakistan. He said that during his visit to Gurdwara Nankana Sahib on the occasion of its centenary, he had raised the issue of gurdwara assets and management with Pakistani authorities.
He appealed to the Pakistan government to ensure protection of religious places and their properties.
SGPC chief spokesperson Bhai Amarjit Singh Chawla, Jathedar Ram Singh, former minister Sohan Singh Thandhar and former manager Karam Singh were also present on the occasion.
