Talwandi Sabo – The 319th foundation day of Damdami Taksal, the Purity Day of Guru Granth Sahib Ji, the 350th Martyrdom Day of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, and the 350th Guruship Day of Guru Gobind Singh Ji were celebrated with great devotion, enthusiasm, and Khalsa spirit at Takht Sri Damdama Sahib, Talwandi Sabo.
Under the leadership of Sant Giani Harnam Singh Ji Khalsa Bhindranwale, current head of Damdami Taksal and president of the Sant Samaj, a six-day religious event concluded with a grand Gurmat Samagam, which was attended by SGPC President Sardar Harjinder Singh Dhami, numerous past and present students of Damdami Taksal, revered saints, and a large number of Sikh devotees.
During his discourse, Sant Giani Harnam Singh Ji Khalsa elaborated on the historical significance of Guru Granth Sahib Ji’s compilation and the establishment of Damdami Taksal, explaining that in 1706 CE, Guru Gobind Singh Ji appointed Bhai Mani Singh as a scribe and finalized the compilation of Guru Granth Sahib Ji on the land of Damdama Sahib, also founding Damdami Taksal at the same time and appointing Shaheed Baba Deep Singh Ji as its first head. The Taksal was entrusted with the mission of teaching the meanings of Gurbani and spreading Sikhism.
He stated that the Singhs of the Taksal have always lived according to Gurbani and, despite facing numerous deadly attacks by state forces, have continued the legacy of pen and sword gifted by Guru Gobind Singh Ji. Sant Harnam Singh emphasized that the Taksal has always worked tirelessly for the promotion of Sikhism and has never shied away from making sacrifices for the protection of Sikh faith and values.
Reaffirming Damdami Taksal’s commitment to the rights and interests of the Panth and Punjab, he said the Taksal has not only produced great scholars for the Sikh community but also many martyrs. He inspired the Sangat to stay connected to Guru Granth Sahib Ji, the eternal Shabad Guru, and shared how Gurmukhs always rejected worldly temptations and remained connected to the divine Name, ultimately attaining peace in the afterlife.
SGPC President Sardar Harjinder Singh Dhami praised the contribution of Sant Giani Harnam Singh Ji Khalsa to the Sikh Panth and noted that under his leadership, the Taksal has had a strong influence both in India and abroad and continues to uphold Sikh principles. He emphasized that Sikh traditions and institutions like the Taksal are an integral part of Sikh heritage.
He shed light on the Taksal’s current activities and missionary work, calling Damdami Taksal a great institution personally founded by Guru Gobind Singh Ji. The Taksal has inherited a legacy of martyrdom, especially in the defense of Sri Harmandir Sahib and the principles of Sikhism. Even today, the tradition of sacrificing one’s head for the honor of Sri Darbar Sahib continues.
He acknowledged the Taksal’s contribution to maintaining the pure pronunciation and teachings of Gurbani, and said the Taksal continues its journey on the path of Gurmat under Guru Sahib’s guidance.
President Dhami also expressed concern about divisions within the Sikh Panth, stating that although this is a time to commemorate martyrdom, there is a lack of unity among Sikhs. He prayed that Guru Sahib bless the Panth with unity and harmony.
Giani Keval Singh, Granthi Singh of Sachkhand Sri Harmandir Sahib, also praised Sant Giani Harnam Singh Ji Khalsa for his relentless service to the Panth. Speaking about the unique service and contributions of Damdami Taksal, he said the Taksal has played a leading role in Gurbani pronunciation, interpretation, tradition, education, and sacrifice. The sacrifices made by the Taksal’s leaders have strengthened the global identity of the Khalsa Panth.
Sant Baba Boota Singh Gurthali, representing the SGPC, called for unity under a single flag to strengthen the Khalsa Panth. He emphasized that Sikh institutions have a rightful place within the Panth and stated that Damdami Taksal is one of the major institutions of the Sikh community. He warned that anti-Sikh forces are trying to weaken these institutions and called for a strong and appropriate response to such conspiracies.
On this occasion, Head Granthi of Takht Sri Damdama Sahib Giani Jagtar Singh, Sant Baba Mahinder Singh Janer Wale, Baba Major Singh Dhillon, Sant Gurmeet Singh Tarloke Wale, Member SGPC, Sant Balwinder Singh Tarna Dal, Sant Baba Pritam Singh Mathayi Wale, Bhai Sukhdev Singh Chief Spokesperson Bhai Gurwinder Singh, Bhai Sukhdev Singh Chief Spokesperson Damdami Taksal, Jathedar Nirmal Singh Rampura Phul, Baba Pardeep Singh Chandpura, Jathedar Jagtar Singh Sekhu, Baba Gurjant Singh Rori, Shaheed Bhai Mani Singh Ji Sewa Society Talwandi Sabo, Baba Major Singh, Baba Kundan Singh, Baba Sukhdev Singh Sidhana Sahib, Baba Sukhwinder Singh Mastuana, Baba Satpal Singh Pritam Singh, Baba Gurdev Singh Bhumi Wale, Baba Gurdev Singh Pritam Singh, Jathedar Nirmal Singh Rampura Sant Baba Gurmeet Singh Tarsikka, Bhai Amrik Singh Member Shiromani Committee, Bhai Major Singh Dhillon Member Shiromani Committee, Sant Baba Mahinder Singh Ji Mastuana Sahib, Jathedar Baba Balan Singh Tarna Dal, Giani Mandeep Singh Ji Mureed Wale, Baba Gurpal Singh, Sardar Jagmir Singh Mangeana Member SGPC, Giani Amarjit Singh Maryada, Baba Judge Singh, Giani Mukh Jinder Singh Hardialewala, Jathedar Gurmeet Singh, Giani Naib Singh Rori, Bhai Ajaib Singh Ji Abhishek Singh Abhishek Singh Rori Wale, Bhai Ajaib Singh Ji Abhishek Singh Rori Wale. Chowk, Sant Baba Malkit Singh Ji of Chabbowal, former Head Granthi Giani Naib Singh, Baba Inderbir Singh Ji of Satlani Sahib, Baba Rajinderpal Singh Ji of Malowal, Baba Satnam Singh Ji of Numbardar Jhar Sahib, Baba Gurwinder Singh of Jhulne Mahal, Baba Bhola Singh Bhaini, Bhai Avtar Singh Ji of Baba Daduwal, Baba Bhola Singh Bhaini, Bhai Avtar Singh Ji of Hazur Singh Daduwal, Baba Hardeep Singh Daduwal. Shaheed Bhai Tarlok Singh Ji Basarke, nephew of Bhai Dilbagh Singh Basarke, Bhai Nirmal Singh, Bhai Chamkaur Singh Pahuwind, Bhai Jarnail Singh, Bhai Harchand Singh, Mahant Tarlochan Singh Hoshiarpur, Giani Gurpreet Singh Vaid, Jathedar Mangal Singh Thethar Kalan, Jathedar Rachpal Singh Jhormor, Prof. Gurjit Singh Guru Kanshi University, Sardar Atma Singh President Truck Union Bathinda, Baba Hira Singh, Bhai Gurmeet Singh Mahant Singh Mohalla, Bhai Baba Sandour, Baba Ji. Lal Singh Ji of Dhurkot, Sant Baba Harnam Singh Ji of Malakpur, Baba Buta Singh Ji of Makha, Sardar Sohan Singh Ji of Bhangi, member of the Shiromani Committee, Baba Sukhchain Singh Ji of Rajpure, Baba Sukhdev Singh Ji of Sidhana, Baba Gurpal Singh Ji of Chormar Sahib, Giani Harpreet Singh Ji of Jogiwal, Baba Karam Singh Ji of Panjokhra, Baba Harbhajan Singh of Panjokhra etc. were also present.