SGPC launches religious campaign to curb conversions and promote Sikh unity

Amritsar: The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has launched a year-long religious campaign under the guidance of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, beginning from Gurdwara Janam Asthan Bhai Jiwan Singh in village Gaggo Mahal, located in the Ajnala area of Amritsar.

Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib led the campaign. He was joined by Baba Tek Singh, Jathedar of Takht Sri Damdama Sahib.

A large gathering of devotees participated in the special Gurmat ceremony at the gurdwara. Jathas of Ragi, Dhadi, and Kavishar recited Gurbani and shared historical narratives from Sikh tradition.

Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh said the campaign aims to spread the teachings of the Sikh Gurus across villages in Punjab and other states. “The campaign’s goal is to connect the Sikh community with the Gurbani of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, prevent religious conversions, and foster unity among Sikh organizations,” he said.

He added that the programmes would be conducted in phases throughout the year in collaboration with the SGPC. Jathedars themselves will visit village gurdwaras to promote Sikh teachings and encourage those who have drifted away from the faith to return.

“Anti-Sikh communalism in Punjab is a major challenge that must be addressed collectively,” he said. Referring to the historical Singh Sabha movement, he recalled how about a century ago, the Sikh community had united against conversions when four individuals in Amritsar announced their decision to embrace Islam.

He further said that while Punjab faces widespread issues like corruption and drug abuse, Guru Sahib has given the Sikh community the strength to stay spiritually pure and dedicated to a life of simple living and Gurbani.