CALIFORNIA: Jathedar Manjit Singh, the acting Jathedar of Sri Akal Takhat Sahib, paid short visit to California last month, and The Akal Takhat (the scat of Timeless God) shrine is the highest spiritual and temporal authority of the Sikhs. It is part of the Golden Temple complex and was destroyed by the Indian army during an infamous attack called Operation Blue Star in June 1984 that left several thousands of innocent pilgrims dead. Jathedar Manjit Sing his also the Jathedar of Sri Resganh, Anandpur San, the birthplace of Khalsa. The Jathedar was accompanied by a team of well-known Sikh Scholars,. Jathedar Manjit Singh visited about a dozen or so Gurdwaras in California alone. His trip to the USA was the second e.g. of his journey. In the early part of May he Visited England where he was invited to attend Religions and Conservation Summit at the Windsor Palace by Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh (husband of Her Majesty, the Queen of England). The Jathedar is Committed to the preservation of the environment and he did not want to miss out on this opportunity. Historically speaking, the recent trip of the Jathedar to California was quite significant as it) has resulted in unprecedented trinity among the Sikhs in USA. People received him with open arms wherever he went. It was for the first ‘time that all the management committees ‘of the Gurdwaras in southern California Rot together and organized a dinner in his honor, It was for the first time that he attended three conferences on Miri and Piri (Concept of Sikh religious and temp of alauthosiy) in California, These conferences were held at Mt. San Antonio College (Walnut), Fresno, and San Jose, May 17 The Jathedar Arrives at Gurdwara Sahib San Jose Jathedar Manjit Singh arrived at the Gurdwara Sahib San Jose in the evening. AR reception was held in the honor of the Jathedar and the accompanying Sikh scholars, On that occasion, Dr. Jodh Singh (of Punjabi University Patiala) spoke on the topic of “Shabsd Guru!” which was received very well by the congregation, Jathedar Manjit Singh performed Kirtan and expressed his views.
May 18 Jathedar Manjit Singh at UC Berkeley and Hayward In addition to visiting several Gurdwaras,
Berkeley and talked to the Sikh students. He was introduced to the students by Prof, Atamjit Singh, professor of Punjabi at UC Berkeley. This ‘event was arranged by the Sikh Students Association with active leadership by ok aerate Mahar and Ravi Singh.
Bhalla, The Sikh students had many questions for him such as the member of Sikh women and children in Indian jails, the Akali unity in Punjab, and Khalistan, Jathedar Manjit Singh asked Dr. Kehr Singh to answer the question related the sikh women and children in the Indian Jail.
Dr. Kehr Singh told the audience that he did not have any figures on that, Jathedar said that the Shiromani Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) is fighting the cases of Sikh prisoners and taking ‘are of needs of the Sikh political prisoners, The Jathedar also added that Akali parties are political parties and they do not necessarily represent the Khalsa Panth as their jurisdiction is limited. He said that it is Akal Takhat that represents the Khalsa Panth and is committed to protecting the Sikh religious faith.
When talking about the issue of Kha the Jathedar said that all self-respecting nations want to live with dignity and in freedom, He said that the resolve of Khalsa Panth Raj Karega Khalsa (Khalsa Shall Rule) has not changed for the last 300 years. He said that Sri Akal Takhat Sahib does not directly engage in politics, but it does issue some directives from time to time, Jathedar Manjit Singh mentioned: that he spends most of his time in Punjab with Sikh youth. This session lasted about 2 hours and was attended by about 60 people including the students. His visit to Us Berkeley shows that he cares for the Sikh youth and is genuinely interested in uniting them. At Gurdwara Sahib Hayward Jathedar Manjit Singh and Sikh scholars Visited Guru Granth Sahib Foundation in Hayward, California on May 18 in the evening. The speakers included Dr. Harnam Singh Shan, Bhai Jit Singh Bainiwal, S. Hari Singh Saran, Dr, Ranjit Singh Sabherwal, Dr. Balkar Singh, and Jathedar Manjit Singh. A letter of appreciation was presented to Jathedar Sahib by Giani Jang Singh. The Head Granthi of Gurdwara Hayward presented a Siropa to Jathedar Manjit Singh. Dr. Sabherwal briefly talked about the history of the Gurdwara at Hayward and he mentioned something very interesting. He said that it was Bhai Jit Singh Bainiwal who first suggested (while driving by this property which was for sale by a Church) that it should be bought by the Sikhs. Dr. Sabherwal and others asked him to say a prayer. They all stopped at the property hai Jit Singh Bainiwal led the prayer. Shortly, with God’s Grace the Sikhs ‘bought that property which has a beautiful Gudwara building. Pieroestine ete URE Sun, nation Representatives and visit to Gurdwara Sahib Sacramento Jathedar Manjit Singh met with the representatives of Sikh Foundation at S. Narinder Singh Kapani’s house, there ‘was a gathering of about 3540 people at this luncheon meeting. Mr. Kapani has « large collection of Sikh art, He showed ‘some rare Sikh artifacts and Sikh mi scripts, on this occasion Jathedar Manjit ‘Singh also answered some questions: ay) various members of the Sikh Foundation ‘and other people regarding the Sikh Code of conduct and the five Ks of the Sikhs. Jathedar also discussed various Panthic issues with the attendees including the problem of low Sikh morale among the Sikh youth.
In the afternoon Jathedar Manjit Singh and the Sikh scholars went to San Francisco to see the legendary Golden Gate Bridge while on their way to Sacramento. ‘They enjoyed the natural beauty of San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge for about an hour. After visiting the Golden Gate Bridge the Jathedar and all the Sikh scholars went to Sacramento to visit the Sikh Temple. They were received very warmly by the Gurdwara officials and the congregation. Dr. Vikram Singh (of Gurmat College Patiala) spoke on Gurbani.
Jathedar Manjit Singh performed Kirtan and shared his views with the congregation for about an hour. A siropa was bestowed upon Jathedar Manjit Singh by the Head Granthi Bhai Wadhawa Singh. After meeting with the Jathedar, Bhai Bakhshish Singh, one of the members of the Gurdwara management committee promised that he and his wife will receive Amrit (Sikh baptism) soon. This was indeed a very positive outcome of this visit. Jathedar Sahib also met with various members of the congregation and partook Guru Ka Langar, May 20 Miri Pirl Conference and Gurdwars Jose ‘A Miri and Piri conference took place on Saturday (May 20, 1995) at Gurdwara, San Jose, It was attended by approximately 800 people. This Gurdwara consignation hall remained packed all day long. The conference stated al about 9:30 and lasted until 4:30, Many Sikh scholars participated in this conference, and the conference was divided into three sessions. The conference began with a prayer and recitation of hymns. Bhai Jit Singh Bainiwal, president Sikh Gurdwara San Jose welcomed Jathedar Manjit Singh, the Sikh scholars and the congregation.
The following topics were discussed by various Sikh scholars Min Piri: Theological Prestige Dr.
Vikram Singh Tradition of Miri and Piri in Sikhism Dr, Hamam Singh Shan
Miri Piri: A Political Perspective Dr. Kehr Singh. Guru Granth Sahib As a Source of Sikh. Way of Life Dr. Jodh Singh Dynamics of Mini Pir Principal Gurbax Singh Sher gill Miri Piri: Source and Model Dr. Onkar Singh Raj Karega Khalsa: A Theological Perspective Dr. Balkar Singh Two Swords in the University Dr. Noel King (highlighted the controversy over the in and Piterpretation of Misities).
Miri and Miri: A Historical Perspective Prof. Atamjit Singh Keynote Speaker Jathedar Manjit Singh The session chairpersons were Dr. Gurinder Pal Singh, Dr. Sukhmandar Singh and, Surinder Singh. Bhai Rajinder ‘Singh Mangar coordinated various stage.
This conference was unique in that it was held at the Gurdwara in the presence of Guru Granth Sahib, The average speech lasted about 22 minutes. Sufficient time ‘was allowed at the end of each session for questions and answers. Bhai Surinder ‘Singh (one of the session chairmen) said that Miri and Piri mean Khalistan. Dr. Kehr Singh said that the Punjab problem is a political problem and needs to be solved politically. Dr. Hamam Singh Shan mentioned that Guru Hargobind Sahib had an. army of his own which included about 700 mounted soldiers and many ‘other type of people. In spite of the time limitation and tight schedule many questions by the audience were answered. People particularly enjoyed the answers by Dr. Hamam Singh Shan who is very much like a walking encyclopedia of Sikhism.
Dr. Jasbir Singh Mann also spoke for about five minutes and thanked the organizers of the conference. He briefly touched upon the issues related to academic research methods.
The primary theme of this conference ‘was that the Sikhs want to have the ruling power in their hands. They have been the rulers in the past and all the people enjoyed their religious freedom during their rule, It was stressed that the concept of Miri and Piri is the basis of the Sikh struggle for Khalistan, Jnthedar Manjit Singh and Sikh Scholars Honored’ Sra eens hai Jai Singh the Granthi of Sikh oandWaisa Jose: Giddies Dr. Hamam Singh Shan, Dr. Jodh Singh, Dr. Kehr Singh, Dr, Balkar Singh, Dr. Onkar Singh, Dr. Jasbir Singh, Dr. Noel King Principal Gurbax Singh Shergill, and Dr. Vikram Singh, Beautiful plaques were also presented to all the participants marking the occasion of this conference, Rajinder Singh Manger, Jaswant Singh Hothi, and Bhai it Singh Bainiwal thanked all the speakers, the participants, and the ‘congregation on behalf of the Gurdwara Management Committee. Yuba City.
Right after the Miri and Piri conference Jathedar flew to Yuba City along with some Sikh scholars. The program started ‘at about 8 PM. Dr. Balkar Singh addressed the congregation and spoke on various issues faced by the Sikh Nation.
Jathedar Manjit Singh performed Kirtan and expressed his views on the current problems faced by the Sikhs. He also touched upon the issue of Khalistan and said that everything is possible if the Sikhs are willing to follow Guru’ order. Jathedar Sahib was given a Siropa by S. Gurpal the Bains (father of S. Didar Singh Bains and S, Dilbag Singh Bains), Giani Kirpal Singh presented one copy of his books to all the Sikh scholars. May21At Gurdwara Sahib San Jose ‘The major program of this entire trip was held at Gurdwara Sahib San Jose on May 21, 95. It was attended by about 2000 people, It received very favorable coverage by the American media such as the San Jose Mercury News, ABC Television (KNTY Channel 11), KLIV Radio (1590 AM). This event was also covered India West, India Joumal, World Si News, & Sikh Press (Canada), A Warm Welcome by Hon. Susan Hammer, Mayor of San Jose.
Honorable Susan Hammer, Mayor of San Jose welcomed the Jathedar and the delegates on behalf of the citizens of San Jose and the entire City Council; She wrote “It is a pleasure to welcome you and your scholars from Punjabi University Patiala to the City of San Jose, Capital of Silicon Valley. Although I am ‘unable to attend the reception planned in your honor, I am delighted to have the ‘opportunity to tell you how great it is to have you visit our city.”
Mayor Susan Hammer’s letter was read out in front of the congregation which was approximately 800 strong.
Dr. Haram Singh Shan delivered a short his views with the Sikh congregation. He ‘urged Sikhs’ to. Get inlet and lead the struggle according to the Sikh principles. At Gurdwara Sahib Stockton ‘After te moming Diwan at the San Jose Gurdwara Sshib Jathedar Manjit Singh left to visit the historical Gurdwara in Stockton, California. Before going tote ‘Gurdwara he paused at Dr. Sohan Mahil’s residence, they welcomed the Jathedar and the accompanying Sikh scholars and other members of the Sikh community, Jathedar Manjit Singh gave an interview to Dr. Gurinder Singh Grewal of World Sikh News.
At about 6:30 Jathedar Manjit Singh reached the Gurdwara Sahib of Stockton where he and other Sikh scholars were warmly received by the president of the Gurdwara, S, Ujjal Singh Dhatt and other members. The management committee of the Gurdwara conveyed their feelings about some Panthic matters to the Jathedar in the form of a letter which was read out by the stage secretary. Jathedar Manjit Singh performed Kirtan and expressed his views on the current situation of the Sikhs.
Jathedar Condemns the Destruction of ChararISharif Mosque Mr. Khalid Zafri, a representative of the Muslim community, spoke briefly at the ‘Gurdwara and solicited the support of the Jathedar Sahib and the Sikhs in condemning the destruction of the holy place of the Muslims by the Indian army. Jathedar Manjit Singh condemned the destruction of the CharariSharif mosque of the Muslims in Kashmir in the strongest terms. He condemned whosoever is responsible for the destruction of the religious place of the Muslims. Jathedar Manjit Singh and all the Sikh scholars were presented siropas, Siropas were also bestowed upon Bhai Jit Singh Bainiwal and Dr. Jasbir ‘Singh Man for their services to the Khalsa Panth.
Article extracted from this publication >> June 9, 1995
