Protest against changes in Nanakshahi calendar; Panthic bodies in Punjab to hold Convention

AMRITSAR: Several Panthic bodies including Dal Khalsa, SAD (Panch Pardani), Shiromani Panthic Council, Shiromani Khalsa Panchayat, Sikh students Federation, Tat Khalsa, Akal Federation and Sikh Youth of Punjab will be organizing a Panthic Convention to voice their concern against mixing of Nanakshahi calendar with Bikrami calendar.



In a statement Dal Khalsa spokesperson Kanwarpal Singh, SAD (Panch Pardani) leader Harpal Singh Cheema and Panthic Council chairman Manjit Singh Calcutta said the convention would be held at Ludhiana on January 17 to register their opposition against dilution in the calendar.

We would continue our protest in a democratic way and would not rest in peace till the arbitrary decision of the SGPC to alter the calendar was not revoked, they said. 

They opined that the changes had vertically divided the community. They said that those claiming to have achieved panthic unity by agreeing to the changes in the almanac need to reflect on the long-term consequences of their capitulation. They said the SGPC and the Sant Samaj has gone against the wishes and aspirations of the community while bringing the radical changes in the calendar unilaterally.

Condemning all efforts to effect changes in the Nanakshahi Calendar they said these were inspired and encouraged by Hindutva forces and the changes amounted to saffronization of the almanac that gave the Sikhs their unique identity.