Amritsar, July 5: The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee observed the historic foundation day of Sri Akal Takht Sahib with widespread devotion at the supreme temporal seat of the Sikh faith in Amritsar on Sunday. The religious event brought together top community leaders, including SGPC President Harjinder Singh Dhami and the head Jathedars of various temporal seats. The congregation initiated the anniversary celebrations with the conclusion of the Sri Akhand Path Sahib, which was immediately followed by classical Gurbani kirtan recitations performed by the Hazoori Ragi jatha.
The commemorative event focused extensively on addressing contemporary social challenges, particularly the preservation of institutional values and the protection of the younger generation. Religious scholars tracing the origin of the institution noted that the foundational purpose of the seat was to establish an unyielding center for human rights and universal justice. To counter modern societal vulnerabilities, community leaders stressed the urgent need to launch grassroots campaigns centered around spiritual discipline to shield local youth from external negative influences.
“The sixth Sikh Guru, Guru Hargobind Sahib, established Sri Akal Takht Sahib to uphold truth, justice and righteousness,” acting Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj declared during his central address to the gathered devotees. He maintained that historical precedents show worldly regimes fail to diminish the spiritual authority of the temporal seat. “Whenever worldly powers fail to deliver justice, the Guru’s Takht would remain the supreme centre for safeguarding human rights and justice.”
The leadership detailed how institutional strength relies heavily on absolute alignment among global congregations. The central administration urged families to proactively introduce their children to community service and traditional tenets to curb structural issues threatening the social fabric.
“The Panth’s strength lies in remaining united under the guidance of Sri Akal Takht Sahib,” Jathedar Gargaj asserted while addressing the congregation. He affirmed that building a strong connection with institutional values is the most effective defense against modern social evils. “Connect the younger generation with Gurbani, Naam Simran, selfless service and Sikh values. Youth rooted in the Guru’s teachings would remain free from all forms of addiction.”
The anniversary event concluded with a joint prayer for the prosperity and solidarity of the global community. Senior administrative office-bearers from Sachkhand Sri Harmandir Sahib and an extensive gathering of devotees from across the region remained present throughout the day to pay their respects.
