Jaito, June 8: The Gurugaddi Divas (day of accession to the guruship) of the sixth master, Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji, was celebrated with devotion and reverence by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) at Sri Akal Takht Sahib today. On this occasion, 'Jalau' (grand displays of religious artifacts) were exhibited at Sachkhand Sri Harmandir Sahib, Sri Akal Takht Sahib, and Gurdwara Baba Atal Rai Sahib. A large number of devotees paid their respects at Sachkhand Sri Harmandir Sahib and Sri Akal Takht Sahib.
Following the bhog (conclusion) of Sri Akhand Path Sahib at Sri Akal Takht Sahib, the Hazoori Ragi Jatha of Sachkhand Sri Harmandir Sahib performed Gurbani Kirtan. Bhai Prem Singh performed the Ardas, and Giani Gurmukh Singh, Head Granthi of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, recited the Hukamnama.
Addressing the congregation, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, Acting Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, extended his congratulations on the Gurugaddi Divas. He stated that the Sri Akal Takht Sahib, established by the sixth master, is a living manifestation of the principle of Miri and Piri. Upon ascending the Gurugaddi, the Guru advised the Sikhs to be weapon-bearers and also encouraged them to offer good horses and weapons. He said that Sikhs have always strengthened themselves by following the Guru's teachings and reciting Gurbani. Supported by Gurbani, Sikh warriors fought great battles, and it was the inspiration of Sikh principles that led Sikh warriors to embrace the gallows against tyranny.
He further stated that governments today are trying to create narratives to break Sikhs away from Gurbani and their principles, and some clauses in the new laws brought by the government are part of this narrative. He noted that many devotees, out of fear of the law, are depositing their Gutka Sahib and Pothis (holy books) at Gurdwara Sahibs. Jathedar Gargaj appealed to the devotees to break this narrative, asserting that they should not be afraid and should keep the sacred Gutka Sahib and Pothis in their homes with full respect and dignity instead of depositing them. He emphasized that Gurbani is our ultimate refuge and no law can sever a Sikh's connection with Gurbani.
He stated that Sri Akal Takht Sahib had asked the government to make certain amendments to the law in accordance with the sentiments of the Sikh community, but the Punjab government is being adamant. He announced that in the coming days, a meeting of the Panj Singh Sahibans would be held at Sri Akal Takht Sahib, and an order (Adesh) regarding this matter will be issued in the name of the Sikh Panth. 
He declared that Sikhs have never accepted any law that seeks to disconnect them from Gurbani, nor will they ever do so. He also exhorted Sikhs to unite to become politically strong while upholding the principle of Miri-Piri. He encouraged the devotees to live their lives according to the Guru's teachings and connect with Gurbani.
On this occasion, Giani Baljit Singh (Granthi, Sachkhand Sri Harmandir Sahib), Giani Gurmukh Singh (Head Granthi, Sri Akal Takht Sahib), Giani Malkit Singh, Secretary Gurinder Singh Mathrewal, Assistant Secretary Balwinder Singh Khairabad, Manager of Sri Darbar Sahib Major Singh, Superintendent Nishan Singh, In-charges Malkit Singh Bahirwal and Bagicha Singh, Additional Managers Bikram Singh Jhangi, Gurwinder Singh Devidaspura, Yuvraj Singh, and others were present.