CHALLENGES BEFORE LONGOWAL

Credibility of Sikh institutions: Gobind Singh Longowal holds the responsibility of restoring the credibility of Sikh institutions, particularly that of the Akal Takht jathedar and SGPC headed by him. The influence of the Badal family over them is criticised, particularly after the pardon to Dera chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh.

Calendar row: The panth is divided over the Nanakshahi Calendar adopted by the SGPC and approved by the Akal Takht in 2003. Under pressure of the Sant Samaj ahead of the SGPC elections, it was altered. The old Bikrami Calendar was re-implemented in the name of Nanakshahi Calendar. A large section of the community still follows the 2003 version. Finding an amicable solution is a challenge.

550th Gurpurb: While the SGPC plans large-scale 550th Parkash Gurpurb celebrations of Guru Nanak Dev at Sultanpur Lodhi, Punjab government is planning programmes separately. SAD (Delhi) and the Sarna brothers are negotiating with Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC) and authorities of that country to hold an international religious procession in 2019. Bringing all on a platform to mark Gurpurb is tough.

Uniform maryada: Ever since the graph of the Akali Dal went down in the Sikh community, its leadership has been approaching Sikh sects that have considerable religious base among the masses. These sects follow their own maryadas (Sikh codes of ethics), which is slightly different from one approved by the panth and also preached by Akal Takht. As SAD seeks help from sects on a political level, they want maryada approved by the panth diluted. Mistaken identity abroad: Despite being the apex Sikh body, the SGPC has failed to prevent attacks against Sikhs abroad where they are often mistaken for being of Arab descent due to the turban. Efforts are need at the diplomatic level. (By Surjit Singh)