Amritsar,
Punjab (February 05, 2014): Dal Khalsa has opposed the move initiated by
certain quarters to revert back the Nanakshahi calendar to Bikrami.
The organization has submitted a memo to Jathedar Akal Takht in this regard.
Party spokesperson Kanwar Pal Singh in
his address to Jathedar Gurbachan Singh said the Nankshahi calendar was
the manifestation of distinct and separate identity of the Sikhs. The
letter urged the Jathedar to implement the original Nankshahi calendar
issued in 2003.
Dal Khalsa Leaders Releasing Nanakshahi
Calandar at Sri Akal Takhat [File Photo]
He said Sikhs have been striving to get
honourable recognition to their separate identity since long and
reverting back to Bikrami would be a set-back to their just struggle.
“Sikhs would not sit back quietly if
their own premier institutions would take any unprincipled stance that
dilutes their unique identity”, reads the letter.
He urged the Jathedar to build consensus
within Panthic circles before taking any final decision. He said theirs
group are in favour of Panthic unity and no such decision was expected
from Akal Takht that would create further divisions amongst Sikhs. He
suggested that any decision of Akal Takht should be in the light of
“Sikhs are separate people. Sikhism is separate religion and they were
not sword arm of any other religion”.
He castigated the Akali Dal and the SGPC
for “killing the letter and spirit of the original Nanakshahi calendar
through amendments”
The copy of the letter was delivered to
Jathedar at Akal Takht secretariat by the party members it is learned that Jathedar has assured
the delegation that their representation would be discussed in
tomorrow’s meeting of Takht Sahiban’s.
