Rupnagar, March 10 — Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj on Monday formally assumed charge as the jathedar of Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib in Anandpur Sahib, Rupnagar district, in a ceremony attended by the ‘Panj Piaras’ (Five Beloved Ones) of the Takht.
Appointed by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) on March 7, Kuldeep Singh Gargaj will also serve as the acting jathedar of the Akal Takht, the highest Sikh temporal seat in Amritsar.
His appointment follows the SGPC’s removal of Giani Raghbir Singh as Akal Takht jathedar and Giani Sultan Singh as Takht Kesgarh Sahib jathedar—a decision that sparked criticism from various Sikh and Akali leaders, including senior Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Bikram Singh Majithia and several party colleagues.
Before assuming his role, Gargaj paid obeisance at Takht Kesgarh Sahib, where head granthi Giani Joginder Singh performed ‘ardas’ (Sikh prayer). The ‘Panj Piaras’ then presented him with a ceremonial turban, while SGPC secretary Partap Singh and Takht Kesgarh Sahib manager Malkit Singh also honored him with turbans. Additionally, the granthis of the Takht presented him with ‘siropas’ (robes of honor).
In his address, Gargaj called upon the Sikh community to stand united under one ‘Nishan Sahib’ in light of the current ‘Panthic’ situation. He expressed gratitude to the ten Sikh Gurus and Guru Granth Sahib for entrusting him with the responsibility of leading the Takht, describing it as an honor despite coming from a humble Sikh background.
Sharing his journey, he recalled beginning as a ‘Pathi’ before dedicating himself to religious preaching, a mission he vowed to continue in service of the Guru’s Panth.
