Amritsar (Rajesh Sandhu): The SGPC Calls Panthic Conference has been announced by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee to discuss concerns surrounding the “Jagat Jyot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act 2026” introduced by the Punjab government.
The conference will take place on May 31, 2026, at Gurdwara Sahib Patshahi Ninth Baba Bakala Sahib. SGPC leaders have appealed to Sikh organizations, scholars, and the global Sikh community to participate in large numbers.
According to the SGPC, several provisions and wordings used in the amended Act have deeply hurt Sikh sentiments. Therefore, the committee has decided to organize a Panthic gathering to express collective unity and discuss the issue.
SGPC Raises Concerns Over Amendment Act
The SGPC Calls Panthic Conference comes after strong reactions from Sikh organizations, intellectuals, and religious groups regarding the proposed amendments.
In a press statement, SGPC Secretary Balwinder Singh Kahlwan said the Sikh community has expressed serious concerns over certain clauses in the Act.
He further stated that SGPC President Harjinder Singh Dhami called the Panthic conference to hold discussions with all Sikh organizations and representatives.
According to SGPC leaders, the government appears to be presenting Gurdwara managers and sewadars as accused under the law in the name of punishing sacrilege offenders.
As a result, SGPC leaders believe the move could interfere unnecessarily in Sikh religious institutions.
Sikh Organizations Invited to Participate
The SGPC Calls Panthic Conference is expected to witness participation from several Panthic groups and Sikh organizations.
The SGPC has already started sending invitations to:
- Damdami Taksal
- Nihang Singh groups
- Sikh federations
- Singh Sabhas
- Sikh institutions and societies
- Nirmale and Udasi sect representatives
- Karsewa groups
- Sikh scholars and intellectuals
- Gurdwara committees
Moreover, the SGPC urged every concerned Sikh to attend the conference and contribute toward protecting Sikh institutions and traditions.
SGPC Alleges Interference in Sikh Affairs
SGPC leaders claimed that the proposed Act could become a tool for unnecessary government interference in Sikh religious matters.
Furthermore, they stated that Sikhs would never accept any provision that appears to weaken the relationship between the Sikh community and Gurbani. The committee also appealed to the Sikh community to understand what it described as a “serious conspiracy” against Sikh institutions.
Therefore, SGPC leaders stressed the need for unity and collective action through the SGPC Calls Panthic Conference.
Major Religious Gathering Expected
Religious experts believe the upcoming Panthic conference may become an important event in Punjab’s religious and political landscape. Meanwhile, several Sikh organizations have already started discussions regarding their participation in the gathering.
The SGPC Calls Panthic Conference is likely to focus on possible amendments and collective recommendations related to the controversial Act.
In addition, SGPC leaders hope the gathering will send a strong message regarding Sikh unity and Panthic concerns.
Key Points of the news:
- SGPC announced a Panthic conference on May 31 at Baba Bakala Sahib.
- The gathering will discuss concerns over the Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Amendment Act 2026.
- SGPC claims certain provisions have hurt Sikh sentiments.
- Invitations have been sent to Sikh organizations, scholars, and religious groups.
- The conference aims to show Panthic unity against alleged interference in Sikh affairs.
