Service Norms of Akal Takht jathedar: SGPC removes GNDU V-C from panel days after his interaction with RSS chief
The Akal Takht in July 2004, had issued a directive asking all Sikhs to remain cautious about the activities of RSS and its Sikh wing — Rashtriya Sikh Sangat
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee Friday removed Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU) Vice-Chancellor Dr Karamjit Singh from the committee formed to frame service norms for the Akal Takht’s Jathedar, the move coming days after he made some comments during a discussion with Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat, which have been perceived as offensive to the sentiments of the Sikh community.
“A video circulating on social media shows Dr Karamjit Singh expressing views aligned with an anti-Sikh ideology during his conversation with the head of the RSS,” SGPC secretary Partap Singh said.
“In light of objections raised by the community, SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami has taken the step to remove Dr Karamjit Singh from the aforementioned committee,” he added.
The Akal Takht in July 2004, had issued a directive asking all Sikhs to remain cautious about the activities of RSS and its Sikh wing — Rashtriya Sikh Sangat. The directive was issued as both bodies were at the time taking proactive steps to celebrate 400th anniversary of first installation of Guru Granth Sahib, something that had irked the Akal Takht.
The GNDU, meanwhile, issued a statement saying that the Vice-Chancellor had attended a programme organised by Amrita University, Kochi, which brought together V-Cs from various institutions. “The purpose of this gathering was to strengthen academic collaboration and share information about initiatives being undertaken at their respective universities,” it said.
During the event, V-C Singh shared details about the institution’s efforts to digitize the Punjabi language as a response to modern needs, environmental initiatives inspired by Sri Guru Har Rai Ji, and the university’s role in promoting Sikh philosophy, it said.
The university further said that misleading statements based on incomplete information about the event are being circulated on social media, and such claims are far from the truth. The university urged the public not to believe or spread unverified or misleading information.
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Earlier, Punjab Congress MLA Pargat Singh had raised objections after a video purportedly showing GNDU V-C briefing Bhagwat at the Mysuru event on July 28 surfaced.
The allaged interaction took place at the ‘Gyan Sabha – Education for Viksit Bharat’, an event organised by Shiksha Sanskriti Utthan Nyas and Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham at BN Bahadur Institute of Management Sciences (BNBIMS). The event focused on the role of education in building a developed India.
Pargat criticised the Punjab government, accusing it of ideological alignment with the RSS. Taking to X, he posted: “When GNDU’s Vice-Chancellor is seen abjectly explaining things to the RSS chief, it raises serious questions. It shows how the AAP government in Punjab has helped the RSS to take control of the entire education system, including universities, in Punjab.”
The video shared by the legislator purportedly shows the V-C rising from his seat in the audience and informing the RSS chief about initiatives at the university, including the introduction of a compulsory PhD course on Bharatiya Parampara (Indian tradition) and the establishment of a Sikh Chair aimed at studying the connections between the Rigveda and the teachings of Sikhism founder Guru Nanak Dev.
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Pargat Singh further alleged that the AAP government had already displayed its alignment with right-wing policies by implementing the National Education Policy (NEP) in the state.
The Shiksha Sanskriti Utthan Nyas was established in 2007 as an extension of the Shiksha Bachao Andolan, and has since emerged as the RSS’s principal platform for educational outreach. It promotes value-based education, textbook reforms, and the revival of Indian knowledge systems.
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
