4 min readAmritsar/chandigarhMay 24, 2025 02:45 PM IST
First published on: May 24, 2025 at 02:45 PM IST
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) is facing sharp criticism from Sikh scholars, writers, and historians after it put on hold its decision to install a portrait of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh at the Central Sikh Museum in the Darbar Sahib complex.
The reversal came in the wake of objections from Balwant Singh Rajoana, a death-row convict in the assassination of former Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh.
Critics have termed the SGPC’s move “deeply disappointing” and politically motivated, accusing it of caving under pressure and undermining the legacy of a globally respected Sikh figure.
“Dr. Manmohan Singh became Prime Minister due to merit, not political inheritance. He wasn’t even part of the Congress during 1984. To judge him through that lens is unfair and ahistorical,” said Dr. Amarjit Singh, director of the Centre on Studies in Sri Guru Granth Sahib at Guru Nanak Dev University.
“The SGPC must not bow to political pressure.”
The museum, located within the sacred precincts of Darbar Sahib, hosts portraits of a wide spectrum of Sikhs—from Khalistani figure Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale to Indian military officers like Lt Gen Jagjit Singh Arora and Air Chief Marshal Arjan Singh.
Yet, this is the first time the SGPC has publicly shelved a portrait decision after announcing it, drawing attention to what many allege is a lack of transparent criteria.
“Dr. Manmohan Singh is one of the rare personalities any community would be proud of. He should be part of Sikh collective memory,” said Sarabjinder Singh, Dean, Jagat Guru Nanak Dev Punjab State Open University.
“He gave over ₹2,000 crore for the development of Nanded, where Guru Gobind Singh Ji passed away. His portrait belongs in the museum.”
Gunbir Singh, President of the Dilbir Foundation, echoed this sentiment. “He symbolises post-Partition Sikh resilience. Despite the trauma of 1947, he rose to become a global statesman. Rethinking an honour like this is unjust.”
Ajmer Singh, a former Naxalite-turned-Sikh writer, added a personal dimension: “He saved the life of Sahitya Akademi awardee Harinder Singh Mehboob from a fake encounter. He was a devout Sikh. The community does not have issues with Manmohan Singh the person—but with the State’s historical role.”
While the SGPC is controlled by the Shiromani Akali Dal (Badal), which shared cordial ties with Dr. Singh during his prime ministership (2004–14), SAD(B) ideologue Harcharan Singh Bains defended the objection.
“Rajoana’s sentiment concerns the Congress party’s role in 1984, which Dr. Singh came to represent,” he said.
Harinder Singh, co-founder of the Sikh Research Institute, said the row reveals the need for reform.
“The issue is not just about Dr. Singh. It’s about the opaque process the SGPC uses to decide who deserves this honour. The museum must reflect service to the Sikh qaum, not political calculations.”
Sikh writer Anurag Singh listed Dr. Singh’s contributions, including major grants to Guru Granth Sahib Study Centres in Delhi and Amritsar, and support for Hazur Sahib and Bhai Vir Singh Sadan.
“Sikhs are not thankless. His contributions are part of our institutional history,” he said.
As debate deepens, the SGPC’s silence on a clear policy for museum inclusions has triggered renewed demands for transparency and fairness.
At stake, say critics, is not just one portrait—but the credibility of a space meant to honour the Sikh spirit across time and ideology.
Manmohan Singh’s 93rd birthday on September 26, may not elicit gushing praise and wishes on social media from India’s business leaders -- perhaps more out of fear. He never sought applause anyway
(File Photo) 
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