NEW YORK: The President of Sikh Cultural Society, S. Jagjit Singh Mangat, informed World ‘Sikh News that the Society has decided to send ten lakh rupees ($80,000.00) for the re-construction of the Akal Takht that is currently being carried out by Damdami Taksal and All India Sikh Student Federation, The decision was taken on the Baisakhi Day celebrations and over fifty thousand dollars (Rs: 625,000) were collected on the spot.
‘After destroying the Akal Takht in a vicious army attack, the Indian Government had repaired it violating the Sikh tradition of Kar Sewa. Government repaired Akal Takht, it may be recalled, was dismantled by Damdami Taksal and A.I.S.S.F volunteers.
The reconstruction according to Sikh traditions has been undertaken by these two organizations and the new building is estimated to cost fifty crores of rupees.
Sikh Cultural Society is already operating a Defense fund. This fund is used to defray expenditure incurred on the defense of such Sikhs as are framed in false cases as well as to legally fight the harassment of Sikh youths by certain agencies at the instance of Indian’ Government. It spent over $125,000 during the last year or so on this project.
Sikh Cultural Society has been in the fore-front in all Panthic activities ever since S. Jagjit Singh Mangat and his colleagues have taken over the responsibility of managing this premier Sikh body. It is hoped that other Sikh institutions and organizations will emulate the constructive pattern set by the Sikh Cultural Society.
Donations for the Akal Takht fund can be sent to: The Secretary, Sikh Cultural Society, 95-30 118th Street, Richmond Hill, New York 11419.
Article extracted from this publication >> April 25, 1986
