CHANDIGARH: A‘ a largely attended gathering the foundation stone of Akal Takhat was laid at Amritsar on Feb 16. By the Punj Piaras. The Kar Sewa tanks were joined by scores of Sikhs keen to be among the first to have participated in the ceremony. Led by the officiating Head of the Damdami Taksal Baba Thakur Singh a large number of people moved forward almost causing a stampede. Among those who initiated the reconstruction of Akal Takhat were Jathedar Akal Takhat Bhai Gurdev Singh Baba Uttam Singh Baba Jagtar Singh Baba Diwan Singh and the United Akali Dal Convener Baba Joginder Singh. Men and women surged to go to the base of the original Takhat building constructed by Guru Har Gobind Sahib. The Golden Temple reverberated with the echo of Bole So Nehal at the conclusion of the two Akhand Paths One was for Satwant Singh sentenced to death for the assassination of Mrs. Indira Gandhi and the other was for Akal Takat Kar Sewa. Unlike on January 26 when the Sarbat Khalsa convention sponsored by the Dam Dami Taksal and A.I.S.S.F. was held there was no slogan shouting if favour of Khalistan. But some women were heard raising pro-Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale slogans. The organizers conducted the function tactfully and decided to hold the function at Diwan Hall Manji Sahib where a resolution was adopted. The congregation pledged to uphold the authority of Akal Takhat and bow to all its decisions. Takhat building symbolizes the resurgence of the Takhat. The congregation decided to endeavor to establish a new social order among the Sikhs. We pledged to protect: Sikh identity Temple and culture -.
Article extracted from this publication >> February 15, 1991
