Centre’s booklet points to Kartarpur, CAA, PM’s gestures

The booklet claims that Modi government reduced the number of blacklisted Sikhs, living in other countries, from 314 to 2.

Union ministers Prakash Javadekar and Hardeep Singh Puri during the release of the book titled ‘PM Modi and his government’s special relationship with Sikhs’, in Delhi. (PTI)

The Centre on Monday released a booklet titled ‘PM Modi and his government’s special relations with Sikhs’, on the occasion of Guru Nanak Dev’s birth anniversary and amid the farmers’ protests in Delhi.

Published by the Information & Broadcasting Ministry, the booklet mentions that PM Modi’s “special relationship with Sikhs has been seen in his personal gestures to the community and to the holy Gurus, as well as in his government’s work empowering the Sikh community”.

It states that Modi has “paid great respect to the Sikh Gurus while he has always lauded the bravery, courage and spirit of enterprise of the Sikhs” and with “such a PM at the helm, no wonder that the government also has taken many institutional measures for the welfare of the Sikhs”.

Released by Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar along with Union Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, the booklet has been published in Punjabi, Hindi and English.

From the release of a commemorative stamp and coin by the PM to mark the birth anniversary of the tenth Sikh Guru Gobind Singh to opening of the Kartarpur Corridor, the booklet points to several decisions taken by the Modi government in recent years.

It also lists Citizenship Amendment Act and Revocation of Article 370 as decisions that have been beneficial for the community.

The cover page carries a picture of former SGPC president Gobind Singh Longowal conferring the ‘Qaumi Seva Award’ to PM Modi, on the occasion of the opening ceremony of Kartarpur Sahib Corridor at Dera Baba Nanak on November 9, 2019.

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When SAD was in alliance with the BJP, the SGPC – which the SAD presently controls – had showered praise on the PM.

The 44-page booklet has 13 chapters and more than 30 pictures of PM Modi.

The first chapter starts with how Golden Temple was allowed to receive foreign donation along with a picture of PM Modi serving langar to devotees at Golden Temple’s community kitchen.

The booklet claims that Modi government reduced the number of blacklisted Sikhs, living in other countries, from 314 to 2.

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A section of the community, including Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh, had repeatedly questioned CAA and revocation of Article 370, which the booklet hails.

Anti-Sikh riot victims have also been mentioned. “For almost 30 years, the perpetrators of 1984 anti-Sikh riots were protected by certain vested interests. Fresh probe was done through SIT.. It re-opened around 80 cases… Convictions of big political personalities… was done within just 3 years,” it reads.

The booklet points out that “before 2014, just 18 lakh students from the Sikh community had been given scholarships. But the Modi government ensured that 31 lakh Sikh students were given pre/postmatric and merit-cum-means scholarships”.

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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