Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan today emphasized that Sikh institutions and Gurdwaras are the symbols of the community’s social, political, and religious identity, and the source of its strength. “Our Gurdwaras are the axis of our existence,” he said, asserting that their management must be transparent and guided by the spirit of Sarbat da Bhala.
Referring to the historic role of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), Sandhwan described it as a revered institution that, a century ago, compelled the mighty British Empire to bow and liberated Gurdwaras through collective Panthic strength. “At that time, we had no political power or financial strength, yet with the Guru’s blessings and faith, everything was done transparently,” he noted.
Sandhwan stated that whenever questions arise about SGPC’s functioning, they must be taken seriously. “This is not a political wrestling topic, It is a question of our existence, our esteemed institute and our identity” he said. He clarified that the issue is not against any particular family but about ensuring a transparent and accountable management system.
He urged that criticism or concerns raised by respected religious figures must not be dismissed or turned into personal attacks to shield anyone or a certain family. “The struggle is not against a family; it is for the Panth, for our religious, political, and social future,” he said.
Appealing for unity, Sandhwan called upon the community to move the issue towards reform rather than confrontation and prayed that concerns raised by Giani Raghbir Singh and Singh Sahib Bhai Ranjit Singh be considered seriously in the spirit of improvement.