Amritsar, July 26: Punjab Cabinet Minister Harjot Singh Bains has issued a public apology filled with deep humility and spiritual sentiments before Sri Akal Takht Sahib. This apology has come in protest against the sacrilege committed at a function organised by the Language Department of the Punjab Government on the occasion of the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji in Srinagar.
This function was organised to salute the sacrifice and life of the ninth Guru of the Sikh community, in which top intellectuals and famous devotional poet Bir Singh were also present. “Salok Mahla 9” is sung by them, which has been a part of a lot of spiritual activity. But due to some unintentional negligence in the function, Sikh sentiments were hurt.
Following complaints received in this regard, Harjot Singh Bains was summoned by Sri Akal Takht Sahib, where he was asked to take moral responsibility as a Sikh and a government representative.
ਸਚਾ ਆਪਿ ਤਖਤੁ ਸਚਾ ਬਹਿ ਸਚਾ ਕਰੇ ਨਿਆਉ॥
ਧੰਨ ਧੰਨ ਬੰਦੀਛੋੜ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਗੁਰੂ ਹਰਿਗੋਬਿੰਦ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਜੀ ਦੇ ਸਾਜੇ ਸੱਚੇ ਤਖਤ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਅਕਾਲ ਤਖਤ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਦੇ ਅੱਗੇ ਹਰ ਸਿੱਖ ਦਾ ਸਿਰ ਅਦਬ ਦੇ ਨਾਲ ਝੁਕਦਾ ਹੈ। ਦਾਸ ਵੀ ਨਿਮਾਣਾ ਜਿਹਾ ਸਿੱਖ ਹੋਣ ਦੇ ਨਾਤੇ ਰੋਮ-ਰੋਮ ਕਰਕੇ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਅਕਾਲ ਤਖਤ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਨੂੰ ਸਮਰਪਿਤ ਹੈ।
ਬੀਤੇ ਦਿਨੀਂ ਭਾਸ਼ਾ ਵਿਭਾਗ ਪੰਜਾਬ…
— Harjot Singh Bains (@harjotbains) July 26, 2025
Minister Harjot Singh Bains said:
“I am a simple Sikh who obeys the orders of Akal Takht Sahib in all circumstances. This humble servant will happily accept every order that comes his way and will attend Akal Takht Sahib barefoot.”
Major Points:
The manner in which the ceremony began (singing, dancing and entertainment) was described as contrary to Sikh etiquette. The Sikh community is expected to seek justice and await a fair decision from the Supreme Court of Akal Takht. On August 1, 2025, Harjot Singh Bains and Director of the Language Department Jaswant Singh will attend the meeting of the Panj Singh Sahibans.