Amritsar Sahib (KP) – After returning from his France trip, Giani Joginder Singh Vedanti finally spoke about the recent Nanakshahi Calendar controversy. While talking to the press, Vedanti held that no written complaints have been received by Akal Takht Sahib in regards to ratifying the Nanakshahi Calendar.
Vedanti appealed to the Sikh Sangat to refrain from indulging in useless controversies so that other important issues can be resolved. Having just returned from France, Vedanti held that the Turban ban in France was severe and all Panthic organizations should work on resolving the problems facing the Sikh community over there.
Vedanti also disclosed that any shortcomings in the calendar can be resolved by placing the matter in front of the eleven member committee that has been formed to overlook the implementation of the Nanakshahi Calendar. Vedanti however refused to retract the Nanakshahi Calendar at any cost and stated that the calendar symbolized the distinct identity of the Sikhs.
It was also affirmed that no one person had the right to ratify any mandates or maryada of the Akal Takht Sahib. Individually, even the Singh Sahibs don’t reserve the right to bring amendments to the rehit maryada. Vedanti told the press that besides only a few Jathebandis, most of the Sikh Sangat had adapted to the Nanakshahi Calendar and were celebrating various days and occasions accordingly.
The Sikh Rehit Maryada was the result of an eleven year struggle by all Sikh organizations, including Nihang Dals, Taksals, scholars, etc. For the maryada to be ratified, the same explicit steps will have to be taken once again while taking all Panthic organizations into consideration.
