Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj
Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj (born c. 1985) is an Indian Sikh preacher and the acting Jathedar of the Akal Takht. He also serves as the Jathedar of Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib at Anandpur Sahib, Punjab.[1][2]
Early life
Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj was born in Jabbowal village in Amritsar district, Punjab, India.[1] He was raised in an Amritdhari Sikh family.[2]
He holds a Master of Arts in History and a Diploma in Sikh Studies from Sikh Missionary College, Ludhiana.[1][2]
Religious and social work
Gargaj began working as a kathā-vācak Sikh preacher in the early 2000s.[3]
Reports have described his preaching work as including Sikh religious texts such as Sri Gur Partap Suraj Granth, Prachin Panth Parkash, and the Sikh Rehat Maryada. He has also been reported to be involved in social welfare and education-related work for underprivileged children and orphans.[2]
Appointment as Jathedar
In March 2025, the SGPC appointed Gargaj as the Jathedar of Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib at Anandpur Sahib and as the acting Jathedar of Akal Takht at Amritsar.[4][5]
Tenure and activities
After his appointment, Gargaj made statements relating to the use of the Akal Takht's name by organisations and groups. He said that no group should claim to operate under Akal Takht patronage without formal approval.[6]
In April 2025, he urged the governments of India and Pakistan to reopen the Kartarpur Corridor for pilgrims.[7]
Controversies
Gargaj's appointment was opposed by some Sikh organisations, including the Damdami Taksal and sections of the Nihang orders. The opposition related to the SGPC's procedure for appointing him.[8]
In May 2025, Rozana Spokesman reported that Takht Sri Patna Sahib had declared Gargaj tankhāīyā, a term used in Sikh religious discipline for a person held liable for religious misconduct. The matter was reported in the context of disputes among Sikh religious authorities.[9]
Significance
Gargaj has been reported as one of the younger Sikh preachers to hold the position of acting Jathedar of the Akal Takht.[1]
See also
References
- 1 2 3 4 "Young Sikh preacher Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj is acting jathedar of Akal Takht". Hindustan Times. 7 March 2025. Retrieved 29 October 2025.
- 1 2 3 4 "Know who is Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj? Read Profile". Babushahi. 7 March 2025. Retrieved 29 October 2025.
- ↑ "Who is Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, interim Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib?". PTC News. 7 March 2025. Retrieved 29 October 2025.
- ↑ "Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj appointed as new Jathedar of Takht Kesgarh Sahib". The Times of India. 7 March 2025. Retrieved 29 October 2025.
- ↑ "Amid row over jathedars' removal, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj takes charge of Takht Kesgarh Sahib". The Economic Times. 8 March 2025. Retrieved 29 October 2025.
- ↑ "No group should claim to operate under Akal Takht patronage: acting Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj". The Indian Express. 16 March 2025. Retrieved 29 October 2025.
- ↑ "Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj urges India, Pakistan govts to reopen Kartarpur Corridor". The Times of India. 26 April 2025. Retrieved 29 October 2025.
- ↑ "SGPC fails to persuade Damdami Taksal to withdraw opposition to Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj". The Times of India. 10 May 2025. Retrieved 29 October 2025.
- ↑ "Takht Patna Sahib declares Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj tankhāīyā". Rozana Spokesman. 21 May 2025. Retrieved 29 October 2025.