SGPC to set up new Sikh reference library in Amritsar

Even as the Shiromani Gurudwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) is waiting for the Union government to return rare manuscripts and other articles of Sikh history taken away during the Operation Bluestar in 1984, the Sikh body has decided to set up a new Sikh Reference Library.

Even as the Shiromani Gurudwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) is waiting for the Union government to return rare manuscripts and other articles of Sikh history taken away during the Operation Bluestar in 1984, the Sikh body has decided to set up a new Sikh Reference Library.

SGPC president Kirpal Singh Badungar (centre) presenting the budget report in the presence of Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh (left) in Amritsar on Wednesday.(Sameer Sehgal/HT Photo)

The modern and up-to-date library will come up at Bhai Gurdas Hall, outside the Golden Temple premises.

SGPC chief Kirpal Singh Badungar said: “Sikhism has a great history and it is very important to restore it and also update it. So a decision has been taken to set up a new reference library.”

He said numerous requests have been made to the Centre to return the rare manuscripts from time to time. “But rather than keep waiting, we decided to move on and set up a new hi-tech Sikh library.”

There is already a Sikh Reference Library inside the Golden Temple complex, which will be shifted to the new library, said sources.

OTHER RESOLUTIONS

The SGPC demanded a special investigation team to ensure arrest of those involved in incidents of sacrilege of Guru Granth Sahib.

In another resolution, the Sikh body endorsed the decision taken in its executive meeting that those above the age of 58 will not be employed by it.

When questioned about chief secretary Harcharan Singh, Badungar said he was hired after proper procedure and advertisement.

He said Harcharan Singh was earlier withdrawing monthly salary of Rs 3 lakh but now doing ‘sewa’ with a salary of Rs 1 lakh.

‘SIROPA’ FOR BRAVERY, CONTRIBUTION TO RELIGION

Badungar said those who have made great contribution in the field of religion and also exhibited bravery will be honoured with ‘siropa’ (robe of honour). Later in a release, he said the ‘siropa’ is given according to Sikh Maryada.

Two days ago, the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee had announced that ‘siropa’ will only be given to selected guests.

APPEAL TO PREZ ON RAJOANA

The SGPC, which has demanded clemency for former CM Beant Singh’s assassin Balwant Singh Rajoana yet again appealed to the President of India in this regard.

The SGPC also demanded release of Sikh prisoners who faced imprisonment under TADA and other charges.