ANANDPUR SAHIB, Nov 19: Takht Kesgarh Sahib Jathedar Prof Manjit Singh today said that he respected Akal Takht chief Bhai Ranjit Singh for representing the supreme temporal seat of the Sikhs.Replying to a question what measures are being taken to ensure Bhai Ranjit Singh's participation in the foundation stone laying ceremony of the Khalsa Heritage Memorial Complex here on November 22, he said, "The ceremony is a function for the entire human race, let this not be associated with an individual".When pointed out that Bhai Ranjit Singh had decided to lead a parallel Khalsa march, he said, this may be answered better by the Akal Takht jathedar himself. "All I can say is that I have all my regards for him as he represents Akal Takht," he added. Rejecting the criticism over violation of Maryada during the celebrations, he quipped, "Even great men were not spared of criticism".Speaking to mediapersons at the site of proposed heritage memorial complex, he sought to clarify that there should he no confusion over the foundation of Khalsa Panth. While Guru Nanak had laid the foundation of Sikh Panth, it was Guru Gobind Singh, who had formed the Khalsa army, he said.He added that the current celebrations mark the completion of 300 years of the formation of the Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh. To a question whether the Anandpur Sahib foundation members are being baptized, an agitated Manjit Singh shot back, "Religion is spread through persuasion and love and not coercion." When pointed out that amrit parchar was one of the components of the celebrations, he said sustained efforts are being made to this effect. "Even the mission of Guru Nanak has not been fulfilled by the world, but does that mean that efforts should be left mid way ?" he asked.He later urged mediapersons to project the event with a positive outlook and do not attach political significance to the efforts being made by the panth.
