Harnam Singh Khalsa

Sant Giani
Harnam Singh Khalsa
16th Jathedar of Damdami Taksal
Incumbent
Assumed office
27 December 2004
Preceded byThakur Singh Bhindranwale
Personal details
BornHarnam Singh
(1968-05-23) 23 May 1968
Known for

Harnam Singh Khalsa, or Harnam Singh Dhumma, is the current and 16th Jathedar of Damdami Taksal, succeeding Thakur Singh Bhindranwale.

Early life

In 1993, Harnam Singh went to America and moved to the city of Manteca, California, where he resided for 11 years. It is believed that he spent these years in the US meditating in the house of Sikhs which belonged to the Taksal, and that he gained dual citizenship of the United States.[1]

Jathedari

During the same time as the Dastarbandi ceremony of Harnam Singh, another prominent figure within the Damdami Taksal, known as Ram Singh Sangrawan, claimed to have been the successor, with his faction holding a separate ceremony.[2] Thakur Singh Bhindranwale is said to have ostracized Ram Singh on video tape and had issued written statements condemning his actions prior to his death.[3] In 2017, Harnam Singh became the successor to Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale after officially being declared the 16th Jathedar of Damdami Taksal by the SGPC.[4]

Controversy

In 2016, another prominent Sikh preacher, Ranjit Singh Dhadrian Wala, who was seen as an opponent to Harnam Singh, was attacked alongside his Jatha in his vehicle while travelling near Barewal village. Despite suffering several injuries, Ranjit Singh survived, while Bhupinder Singh, a member of his Jatha, lost his life.[5] It is claimed that his Jatha was attacked while they had stopped at a 'Chabeel' stand.[6]

Harnam Singh and Ranjit Singh Dhadrian Wala had been at the heart of a philosophical conflict for a long period of time, as they had profound disagreements on various matters regarding Sikh faith, such as controversy on the Dasam Granth. After this attack had been carried out, most people of Punjab, India had suspected Damdami Taksal under the leadership of Harnam Singh to have had a hand in the event.[7] Within a few days, Harnam Singh had openly spoken about this attack and stated that some students of the Taksal had taken part of what had occurred, but that he was unaware and had condemned the atrocity. [8]

Politics

Harnam Singh would often remain in controversy over his firm support to the Parkash Singh Badal-led Shiromani Akali Dal government from 2007-2017. This move was opposed by many Sikhs who viewed the Badal government as anti-Sikh for its failures in cases such as 2015 Guru Granth Sahib desecration controversy.[1]

In 2024, Harnam Singh extended his support to the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance ahead of 2024 Maharashtra Legislative Assembly election on behalf of Sikh organizations in Maharashtra. He claimed this as a method to get Sikh issues addressed in that region.[9] He faced backlash from multiple Sikh organizations that viewed Harnam Singh's decision as against Sikh interests.[10]

References

  1. 1 2 "Background of Harnam Singh Dhumma". Sikh24. 17 June 2016. Retrieved 24 December 2023.
  2. ↑ Walia, Varinder (3 January 2005). "Baba Harnam Singh acting chief of Taksal Ram Singh heads breakaway faction". Tribune. Retrieved 18 July 2026.
  3. ↑ "Baba Thakur Singh statement regarding Ram Singh". Damdami Taksal Official Website. Retrieved 18 July 2026.
  4. ↑ "Taksal Chief Dhumma hailed as heir to Bhindranwale". Hindustan Times. 2 July 2017. Retrieved 24 December 2023.
  5. ↑ "Assassination attempt on Dhadrianwale left one dead near Ludhiana". Parmeshar Dwar Official. 18 May 2016. Retrieved 18 July 2026.
  6. ↑ "One dead in attack on Sikh preacher Dhandrianwale". Hindustan Times. 18 May 2016. Retrieved 24 December 2023.
  7. ↑ "Fresh threats from Dhumma Camp: Dhadrianwale". Times of India. 27 October 2016. Retrieved 18 July 2026.
  8. ↑ "Harnam Singh Admits To 'Taksal Hand' In Dhadrianwale Attack". Darpan Magazine. 23 May 2016. Retrieved 24 December 2023.
  9. ↑ "Damdami Taksal backs BJP-led Mahayuti, Akalis say 'shocking' from keeper of Bhindranwale's legacy". The Print. 19 November 2024. Retrieved 18 July 2026.
  10. ↑ "Maharashtra polls:Damdami Taksal chief defends support to BJP, warns opponents indulging in 'slander". Hindustan Times. 25 November 2024. Retrieved 18 July 2026.
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