Panthic unity common theme at Tohra birth centenary events

Patiala: Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and its rebel group, SAD Sudhar Lehar, held separate events to mark the 100th birth anniversary of Akali stalwart Gurcharan Singh Tohra on Tuesday, with both stressing on panthic unity.
SAD in cooperation with SGPC held the event at Gurdwara Dukhniwaran Sahib in Patiala, while the rebel group marked the occasion in Tohra village of Nabha.
Sudhar Lehar leaders, including convener Gurpratap Singh Singh Wadala and former MP Prem Singh Chandumajra, passed resolutions adopting the path of panthic service inspired by the life of Tohra, reinstating the original principles and objectives of the Akali Dal, calling on Akal Takht jathedar to unite panthic power once again, entrusting the leadership of Akali Dal to panthic-minded leaders, establishing guidelines for appointment and retirement of jathedars, and forming a wing for social awareness and reform.
Wadala said Akali Dal, as the representative body of the panth, needs to be fully authorised and should lead the community, but it has deviated from its principles. Chandumajra remarked that Tohra made great sacrifices to keep panthic power united, and though he had no children of his own, he raised panthic leaders. He expressed regret that the SGPC instead of celebrating Tohra’s birthday here, attempted to undermine the event by handing over the reins to a non-panthic individual.
Meanwhile, SAD and Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) said the need of the hour was to adopt the philosophy of Tohra and imbibe the late leader’s spirit of sacrifice for the panth.
SAD working president Balwinder Singh Bhunder said, “All actions of Tohra were dictated by whether they were good for the community or not.” He said Tohra would have opposed the current actions of BJP, considering the discrimination faced by the Sikh community despite their significant contributions to the country’s freedom and defence. “We have witnessed the govt takeover of the Hazur Sahib Shrine board as well as the creation of a separate gurdwara committee for Haryana by breaking the SGPC. Efforts are also on to weaken Sikh institutions,” he added.