Sikh bodies to gherao Makkar over changes in Nanakshahi calendar

satnamr46 · #1 (**permalink**) 04-Jan-2010, 04:12 AM

GURPREET SINGH MEHAK
Sunday, 03 January 2010
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/hard-talk/28762-sikh-bodies-gherao-makkar-over-changes.html Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=28762 FATEHGARH SAHIB: The decision of the Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandak Committee (SGPC) to bring radical changes in the Nanakshahi calendar has raised a storm within Sikh circles. The Sikh bodies has resolved to launch a series of demonstrations against SGPC chief Avtar Singh Makkar in protest against changes brought as per Bikrami calendar. Questioning the rationale and motive behind the proposed changes in the Nanakshahi calendar by the SGPC and Sant Samaj, the Sikh bodies including Dal Khalsa, DSGMC, Akand Kirtani Jatha, SAD (Panch Pardani), Shiromani Panthic Council, Shiromani Khalsa Panchayat, Sikh students Federation, Akal Fderation and Sikh Youth of Punjab has warned the SGPC chief of dire consequences. In a joint statement Paramjit Singh Sarna, Kanwarpal Singh, Manjit Singh Calcutta, Gaini Baldev Singh, Harpal Singh Cheema, Parmjit Singh Gazi, Gurpreet Singh Mann, Prabhjot Singh, Rajinder Singh, Narien Singh rued that the SGPC was going to kill the letter and spirit of the Nanakshahi Calendar. The Bikrami calendar, they said, had its roots in Hinduism. The Nanakshahi calander is based on the length of the tropical year, which is based on the gurbani. They said neither the Jathedars’ nor the SGPC authorities had any right to make changes in the calendar as the old lunar calendar was against the philosophy of Guru Nanak Dev. “We believe that the present house of the SGPC has completed its five year tenure and being in extension mode it cannot take policy decisions”, said Calcutta. Kanwar Pal Singh said it was a "matter of shame" that certain vested interests, particularly orthodox saints, were trying to change the Nanakshahi calendar, knowing fully well the spirit of the Guru's bani.