DOGRA HERALD BUREAU
JAMMU, july 5
The Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib was celebrated with great religious fervor. The main function was held at Gurudwara Chathi Patshahi Tahli Sahib, where devotees paid obeisance throughout the day. Organized by the District Gurudwara Parbandhak Committee (DGPC) Jammu, the event saw participation from devotees across Jammu. The program featured prominent local Ragi Jathas from DGPC Jammu, including Bhai Sahib Bhai Gian Singh Ji and Bhai Sahib Bhai Gurmit Singh Ji. The Ragi Jatha of Bhai Sarup Singh Ji, Hazuri Ragi from Sri Darbar Sahib, performed Shabad Kirtans, which captivated the Sikh Sangat of Jammu. Another notable participant was Bhai Angrez Singh Ji, Head Granthi of Guru Sis Ganj Sahib, Delhi. Dhadi Balbir Singh Ji Bhathal Sarhali Walian Bibiyan da Dhadi Jatha also performed, singing heroic ballads that inspired the Sikh community.
In line with their commitment to honor Sikh students who excel in various fields, DGPC Jammu honored S. Harnit Singh IAS, son of Sdn. Gurvinder Kour and S. Malvinder Singh of Nanak Nagar, Jammu, for his outstanding achievement in qualifying the UPSC 2023. DGPC announced plans to organize an annual event to honor Sikh students excelling in different fields.
Addressing the congregation, S. Ranvir Singh, Joint Secretary of DGPC Jammu, and S. Harjit Singh, Member of DGPC Jammu, highlighted the life of Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib and discussed current issues affecting the community.
S. Balvinder Singh, Vice President, expressed concern over repeated incidents where Sikh students were denied entry into NEET exam centers while wearing a Kada and Kirpan, despite clear directions on the NTA website allowing these religious items. An FIR (No. 142 dated 21.06.2024) was registered at Police Station Satwari, and an investigation is ongoing.
S. Ranjit Singh Tohra, President of DGPC Jammu, greeted the Sangat on the Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib and urged the Sikh community to follow the Guru’s teachings and work towards the advancement of Sikh values. He thanked everyone who contributed to the success of the celebration.
S. Surjit Singh, General Secretary, coordinated the stage activities and expressed gratitude to the Sangat for their participation, the sewadars who prepared langar, the doctors who organized free medical camps, and those who set up stalls with free religious books. Special thanks were extended to the print and electronic media for covering the event. S. Avtar Singh and S. Tejinder Singh, members of DGPC Jammu, were also present.