AMRITSAR SAHIB (KP) - (12/22/2008) The international panel of Akhand Kirtani Jatha announced that after the passing away of Bhai Surat Singh ‘Puran Ji’, the next Jathedar of Akhand Kirtani Jatha would be chosen in consensus with the various national and international units of the organization, in accordance to Gurmat principles and traditions.
They cautioned that in the past, various unscrupulous individuals such as Baldev Singh (Deputy) and members of the so-called Parbandhaki Penchain have attempted to commandeer this Panthic organization. But, they said that such tactics will be not be allowed during such a critical time in the Jatha.
Criteria for new Jathedar:
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The AKJ stated that on January 26th, 2005, a temporary 11-member committee was formed to tackle the issues of the self-styled Baldev Singh, who had declared himself the official Jathedar of the jatha. This committee function was to develop a structure for an international body within six months, so that Jatha members who are spread across the globe could participate in key organizational decisions. After the initial six month time period, this body was to be dissolved. However, due to various reasons, the committee never dissolved itself.
The international panel, consisting of Jatha representatives from Canada, United States, France, Sweden, and Switzerland stressed that the selection of the next Jathedar of the Akhand Kirtani Jatha is a very important step and must not be taken in haste. The panel stated that international representatives must be involved in this critical decision.
The panel again stressed that no decision be made on behalf of the entire Jatha without the input of the international body. They also stressed that the next Jathedar should live a life much like the founder of the Jatha, Bhai Sahib Bhai Randheer Singh who was known in Panthic circles as a staunch advocate of the Gurmat Rehat and principles as well as Sarbloh Bibek and Naam Simran. Such a Jathedar should follow the lead of Bhai Sahib and take an active role in Panthic endeavors as a leader actively working against the enemies of The Panth such as Dera Sacha Sauda and the Rashtriya Sikh Sangat.