We thank Premraj Singh for the article exposing the misleading and false preaching of Inder Ghagga who had visited Malaysia under the auspices of Sikhivichar Forum, Asia Samachar and Sikhi Lehar Malaysia. Keep up the good work Premraj Ji. May Vaheguru Bless you with all wisdom.
Why invite “Banned Parcharaks”
by Premraj Singh
A review of a Video Interview with Ghagga
Sangatji, the below is a FACTUAL summary of the blasphemous thoughts of Prof. Inder Singh Ghagga which was captured through the interview (see the video below)
| Time (min:sec) | What Ghagga Said | The Fact |
| 5:29 | Ghagga indicates that Sikh Rehat Maryada (SRM) is blemished (imperfect) and needs to be amended. | The SGPC & the Panth has ratified the SRM on 12 October 1936. In 1985 Matta 41 revised the SRM to include 5 morning Banees. SRM is complete and binding to all who claim to be Sikhs. SRM is an indispensable back-bone of our Panth.
(Source: History of the Sikh Rehat Maryada) |
| 8:30 and
9:30 |
Ghagga denounces the Akal Takhat and applauds the World Sikh Organisation (WSO). Ghagga mischievously calls for the WSO to lead the Sikh panth. In other words, the panth is to abide by the authoritative commands from WSO. | Akal Takhat is the supreme authority of the Panth. This was the command and blessings from Guru Hargobind Sahib. No one, especially a Sikh should have the audacity to question the authority of Akal Takhat, which is given that status by our 6th Master. In short, only Akal Takhat has the supreme authority and/or rights to give commands to Sikhs all around the world. Hence the WSO comes nowhere close to Akal Takhat.
(Source: History Of Sri Akal Takhat) |
| 11:24 | Ghagga states bluntly that in Sikhism there is no such concept as “Jathedars” | Guru Gobind Singh Ji established Damdami Taksal and installed Baba Deep Singh as its Jathedar. Other Jathabandeaan exist because of this Maryada as well from Puratan Sikhs. If the Jathedar concept did not exist, why would the 10th Master instruct Baba Deep Singh to be a Jathedar?
(Source: History of Damdami Taksal) |
| 14:27 | Ghagga states that “Golak” is being misused for Khalistan movement, Kar Sewa, poor people, renovation, building, sarovar, nagar kirtan and langgar. The “Golak” should ONLY be used to educate Gurbani. | Gareeb Ka Mu Guru Ki Golak. From the times of the Guru Angad Dev Ji, the Sanggat’s donation were utilized for langgar and Guru Gobind Singh himself used to utilize the Golak for the poor and needy. Besides using the Sanggat’s donation for the poor and to serve langgar, Kar Sewa is important to renovate and rebuild the old Gurdwaras which can collapse. |
| 15:45 | Ghagga mentioned that Nitnem is not 2 or 3 or 5 Banis but Nitnem is the whole Gurbani. | As per SRM Chapter III, Article IV (with Matta 41), there are 7 Nitnem Banis. Ghagga’s statement is contrary to SRM.
(Source: Sikh Rehat Maryada) |
| 16:21 | Ghagga mentions that Amrit Sanchar can be done by reading Japji Sahib, Anand Sahib, Asa Ki Vaar, Maaj Ki Vaar & Malar Ki Vaar as all this banis are from Sri Guru Granth Sahib (3 Banis from Dasam Granth, Jaap Sahib, Savaiye and Benti Chaupai are to be eliminated) | As per SRM Chapter XIII Amrit Sanchar, Article XXIV (j), Japji Sahib, Jaap Sahib, Savaiye (10 Savaiye), Benti Chaupai and Anand Sahib (40 Pauris) are to be recited while preparing Amrit. Ghagga’s statement is contrary to SRM
(Source: Sikh Rehat Maryada) |
| 16:45 | Ghagga condemns Rehitnamay (specifically Bhai Chaupa Ji) and Puratan Pustaks as lacking facts. | One of the sources used by the learned Sikhs representing the panth during the compilation of the SRM are the Rehitnamay of Bhai Chaupa Singh Ji. Some of the Rehitnamay of Bhai Chaupa Singh Ji has been indirectly included in Sikh Rehat Maryada. Ghagga’s statement regarding Bhai Chaupa Singh Ji is contrary to SRM
(Source: Sources of Sikh Rehat Maryada) |
| 22:50 | Ghagga mentions that if an Amritdhari has unusual hair growth, the individual can remove it. For example, if an Amritdhari lady is having excessive facial hair, she can remove it. There is no restriction of it in Sikhi. | Fact: As per SRM Chapter XIII Amrit Sanchar Article XXIV (p), One of the four transgressions (tabooed practices) must be avoided is: Dishonoring the hair. Ghagga’s statement is contrary to SRM. |
Conclusion from Video
All Sikhs and Gurdwaras around the world must abide by the SRM. The Management Committees of Gurdwaras should closely abide by the SRM as the Sanggat has entrusted them with the sewa of serving the Sanggat.
As per the video, Prof. Inder Singh Ghagga has beyond all doubts not only condemned the maryada of Akaal Takht, but he has also trampled upon the wisdom of our forefathers who were responsible in compiling the Sikh Rehat Maryada.
What has been summarized above are only the few of an array of statements from Prof Inder Singh Ghagga that are both factually incorrect and are contrary to the clauses of Sikh Rehat Maryada.
What is right action to take?
We in Malaysia are a fragment of the United Panth of the World. Therefore, we have the collective responsibility in Malaysia to take this as a serious issue so we can be proactive in protecting the sanctity of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and Sikh Rehat Maryada from such Parcharaks. It is sad to see certain Gurdwaras allowing Prof Inder Ghagga to do parchaar.
Malaysian Gurdwara Council (MGC) who claims to be strongly practising Sikh Rehat Maryada allowed a Parcharak who condemns Sikh Rehat Maryada and Sikh Ithias to preach in Malaysia. (see Figure 1)
Figure 1: Inder Ghagga’s event posters
The Parcharaks who condemn Sikh Rehat Maryada and Sikh Ithias should be banned from preaching in Gurdwaras. Due to the negative statements and remarks made by Prof Inder Singh Ghagga, Akal Takth has all the rights, for the peace and unity of Panth, to ban Prof Inder Singh Ghagga from preaching in Gurdwaraas around the world (See Figure 2).
Figure 2: Hukumnama against Inder Ghagga
It is the duty of the Parbandaks of all the Gurdwaras to accept and practice the Hukam of Akal Takth without questioning it.
Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh
Gur Vichar 