From granthi’s son to head of highest Sikh temporal seat
CHANDIGARH: A village gurdwara granthi’s son, Giani Harpreet Singh, who has been appointed as the acting jathedar (head priest) of Akal Takht, the highest temporal seat of the Sikhs, has come a long way.
The 45-year-old Sikh scholar was born in Gidderbaha town of Muktsar district. He studied till Class 12 in a government school and was a diploma holder from a Gurmat college when he became a granthi in the SGPC-managed Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Muktsar 15 years ago.
“I have done all my higher studies after becoming a granthi,” Giani Harpreet Singh said, adding: “I am leaving it to Almighty to help me sail through in these tough times our Sikh Panth is facing.” Refusing to answer queries related to sacrilege incidents, the newly appointed jathedar said he would seek support of all Sikh organisations for the betterment of the Panth.
Giani Harpreet Singh, who is father of two daughters, joined Punjabi University, Patiala, for a diploma course in divinity about 10 years ago and then joined a master’s degree course in comparative religious studies. He is doing PhD in comparative study of teachings of the Quran with the Guru Granth Sahib.
In 2015, Giani Harpreet Singh was made acting jathedar of Takht Damdama Sahib following Giani Gurmukh Singh’s removal and his appointment was regularised last year. He was closely associated with Sikh preacher Giani Mewa Singh.
Former SGPC chief Kirpal Singh Badungar expressed confidence that Giani Harpreet Singh will prove to be a seasoned jathedar.