Rupnagar, March 10 — Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj officially took over as jathedar of Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib in Anandpur Sahib, Rupnagar district, on Monday in a ceremony attended by the ‘Panj Piaras’ (Five Beloved Ones) of the Takht.
Appointed by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) on March 7, Gargaj will also serve as the acting jathedar of the Akal Takht, Sikhism’s highest temporal seat in Amritsar.
His appointment follows the SGPC’s removal of Giani Raghbir Singh from the Akal Takht and Giani Sultan Singh from Takht Kesgarh Sahib—decisions that sparked criticism from several Sikh and Akali leaders, including senior Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Bikram Singh Majithia.
Before assuming his role, Gargaj offered prayers at Takht Kesgarh Sahib, where head granthi Giani Joginder Singh led an ‘ardas’ (Sikh prayer). The ‘Panj Piaras’ then presented him with a ceremonial turban, while SGPC secretary Partap Singh and Takht Kesgarh Sahib manager Malkit Singh also honored him. Granthis of the Takht further presented him with ‘siropas’ (robes of honor).
Addressing the gathering, Gargaj called on Sikhs to stand united under one ‘Nishan Sahib’ in the current ‘Panthic’ climate.
He expressed gratitude to the ten Sikh Gurus and Guru Granth Sahib for entrusting him with this responsibility, calling it an honor despite his humble background.
Reflecting on his journey, he shared that he began as a ‘Pathi’ before dedicating himself to religious preaching, a mission he pledged to continue in service of the Sikh faith.