SGPC says will consider demand to restore original Nanakshahi calendar

The organisation also published pictures of Paramjit Singh Panjwar, Wadhwa Singh Babbar and Gajinder Singh, who are among most wanted by the security agencies and are presently believed to be in Pakistan.

Dal Khalsa members release Nanaksahi calendar in Amritsar on Tuesday. Rana Simranjit Singh

While the Sikh community remains divided over the ‘original’ Nanakshahi calendar launched at the Akal Takht in 2003, the SGPC has agreed to consider the demand of separatist body Dal Khalsa to restore it.
The move comes three days after Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh launched SGPC-approved calendar’s 2010 amended version on the demand of Sikh bodies like Damdami Taksal.

On Tuesday, SGPC general secretary Karnail Singh Panjoli attended an event where Dal Khalsa launched the ‘original’ version of the Nanakshahi calendar.

Panjoli said: “I have been handed over memorandum by Dal Khalsa. Their demand is to restore the Nanakshai calendar that was released in 2003. I assure that their demand will reach SGPC president and it will be considered in SGPC executive committee meting soon.”

After performing ardaas at a simple ceremony at the Akal Takht Sahib, the leaders of the organisation released the calendar of the current year and presented its first copy to Panjoli.

Dal Khalsa alleged that the calendar released by SGPC two days ago was Bikrami and not Nanakshahi.
Pictures of separatists used

The calendar released by the Dal Khalsa features photos separatist Jarnail Singh Bhindrawale. Pictures of Dr Jagjit Singh Chouhan, Dr Gurmeet Singh Aulakh and Dr Sohan Singh — all ideologues of Sikh separatist movement have also been used.

The organisation also published pictures of Paramjit Singh Panjwar, Wadhwa Singh Babbar and Gajinder Singh, who are among most wanted by the security agencies and are presently believed to be in Pakistan.

Kamaldeep Singh Brar

Kamaldeep Singh Brar is a Principal Correspondent at The Indian Express, primarily covering Amritsar and the Majha region of Punjab. He is one of the publication's key reporters for stories involving the Akal Takht, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), and the sensitive socio-political issues of the border districts. Core Beats & Specializations Religious & Panthic Affairs: He has deep expertise in the internal workings of the Akal Takht and SGPC, frequently reporting on religious sentences (Tankhah), Panthic politics, and the influence of Sikh institutions. National Security & Crime: His reporting covers cross-border drug smuggling, drone activities from Pakistan, and the activities of radical groups. Regional Politics: He is the primary correspondent for the Majha belt, covering elections and political shifts in Amritsar, Tarn Taran, and Gurdaspur. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) His work in late 2025 has been centered on judicial developments, local body elections, and religious controversies: 1. Religious Politics & Akal Takht "Akal Takht pronounces religious sentences against former Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh" (Dec 8, 2025): Covering the historic decision to hold the former Jathedar guilty for granting a pardon to Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim in 2015. "YouTube suspends SGPC’s channel for a week over video on 1984 Army action" (Nov 20, 2025): Reporting on the digital friction between global tech platforms and Sikh religious bodies. "As AAP govt grants Amritsar holy tag, a look at its fraught demand" (Nov 28, 2025): An analytical piece on the long-standing demand for declaring Amritsar a "holy city" and its political implications. 2. Crime & National Security "Mostly Khalistanis on Amritpal’s hit list: Punjab govt to High Court" (Dec 16, 2025): Reporting on the state government's claims regarding jailed MP Amritpal Singh orchestrating activity from prison. "Punjab man with links to Pakistan’s ISI handlers killed in encounter" (Nov 20, 2025): Detailing a police operation in Amritsar involving "newly refurbished" firearms likely sent from across the border. "15 schools in Amritsar get bomb threat emails; police launch probe" (Dec 12, 2025): Covering the panic and police response to mass threats against educational institutions. 3. Political Analysis & Elections "AAP wins 12 of 15 zones in SAD stronghold Majitha" (Dec 19, 2025): Highlighting a significant shift in the 2025 rural elections where the Akali Dal lost its grip on a traditional fortress. "Tarn Taran bypoll: woman faces threats after complaining to CM Mann about drug menace" (Nov 9, 2025): A ground report on the personal risks faced by citizens speaking out against the illegal drug trade in border villages. "AAP wins Tarn Taran bypoll, but SAD finds silver lining" (Nov 14, 2025): Analyzing the 2025 assembly by-election results and the surprising performance of Independents backed by radical factions. 4. Human Interest "Two couples and a baby: Punjab drug addiction tragedy has new victims" (Nov 20, 2025): A tragic investigative piece about parents selling an infant to fund their addiction. "Kashmiri women artisans debut at Amritsar’s PITEX" (Dec 8, 2025): A feature on financial independence initiatives for rural women at the Punjab International Trade Expo. Signature Beat Kamaldeep is known for his nuanced understanding of border dynamics. His reporting often highlights the "drug crisis in the underprivileged localities" (like Muradpur in Tarn Taran, Nov 9, 2025), providing a voice to marginalized communities affected by addiction and administrative neglect. X (Twitter): @kamalsbrar ... Read More

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