Patiala: Punjabi University has come under sharp criticism after staff members were allegedly caught digging a pit to bury error-ridden copies of the Mahan Kosh — a highly respected Sikh encyclopaedia authored by Bhai Kahn Singh Nabha. The incident triggered outrage among Sikh bodies, including Akal Takht and SGPC, who termed it an insult to Sikh heritage.
Akal Takht’s Strong Reaction
Acting Jathedar of Akal Takht, Giani Kuldip Singh Gargaj, called the move “highly condemnable” and a reflection of “anti-Sikh mentality.” He directed the university administration to organise an Akhand Path and Ardas (prayer) at the campus gurdwara as repentance.
Gargaj also instructed the Head Granthi of Gurdwara Sri Dukhniwaran Sahib, Patiala, to personally handle the respectful Sanskar Sewa of all Mahankosh copies at the university, with help from SGPC. A detailed report of the process is to be submitted to the Akal Takht.
While urging Sikh organisations and students to remain peaceful, the Jathedar demanded a serious police investigation and strict punishment for those responsible. An FIR has already been registered against Punjabi University’s Vice Chancellor, Registrar, Dean of Academic Affairs and the head of the Publication Bureau.
Concerns Over Sikh Heritage
The Akal Takht Jathedar also raised alarm over the poor preservation of Sikh manuscripts and rare literature in the university’s reference library, alleging that some historical material has even been stolen or sold as scrap. He asked the university administration to clarify what measures are being taken for the protection of such valuable heritage.
SGPC Calls It Desecration
SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhammi said that burying copies of Mahan Kosh, which contains references from the Guru Granth Sahib and Sikh principles, amounted to desecration. He insisted the university should have consulted SGPC before disposing of the error-filled books. Dhammi said the move has hurt the sentiments of the Sikh community, and the university must apologise to the Panth.
Background of the Dispute
The Jathedar recalled that Punjabi University had earlier published error-ridden editions of Mahan Kosh, which faced strong opposition from Sikh scholars. The issue even reached the Punjab and Haryana High Court, which ordered a ban on further publication. He stressed that instead of repeating mistakes, the university should have coordinated with SGPC to follow Sikh tradition and maryada (religious conduct).
Probe Committee Formed
To investigate, the Akal Takht has formed a special committee including SGPC executive Surjit Singh Garhi, Punjabi University’s Dr Paramvir Singh, Prof Sukhdev Singh, SGPC Assistant Secretary Gurcharan Singh Tohra Institute, and Giani Pranam Singh, Head Granthi of Gurdwara Sri Dukhniwaran Sahib. The committee will submit a full report within a week on both the incident and the state of rare Sikh literature preserved at the Dr Ganda Singh Reference Library.
