Sikh preacher apologises to Akal Takht, after photo of attending RSS event goes viral

KURUKSHETRA: Baba Gurwinder Singh, head of Gurdwara Udasin Braham Akhara Sahib, Mandi in Pehowa area of Kurukshetra district, apologised in writing to Akal Takht, after his photos of attending an event of Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS) went viral on social media.
In his written apology addressed to Jathedar of Akal Takht, Baba Gurwinder Singh said, “Unknowingly, I went to a school programme at Kurukshetra Haryana on June 23, 2024, we were taken there after being misled.Upon reaching there, I came to know that it was a programme of RSS.I have no relation with them.”
“I and our entire Asthan (place) is dedicated to Sri Akal Takht Sahib. I will not do any such act in future, which hurts the Panth. Treating me as a humble Sikh, kindly forgive me for the mistake done unknowingly. Whenever Sri Akal Takht Sahib orders, I will be present there”, said Baba Gurwinder Singh.
As per the information, RSS had organised the concluding function of Sangh Shiksha Varg (training camp) in Kurukshetra on June 23, in which, Baba Gurwinder Singh was invited as the chief guest. In a video of his address at an RSS event, Baba Gurwinder Singh is heard motivating the camp participants in light of the Sikh history.
However, some photos of Baba Gurwinder Singh participating in the RSS event and taking pledge on the stage with his hand raised to the chest level, went viral on the social media. A number of Sikh social media users started condemning Baba Gurwinder Singh for participating in RSS functions, and his photos went viral.
Notably, in July 2004, Akal Takht had issued a message to Sikh community to be cautious of anti-Panth agenda of RSS and its Sikh wing Rashtriya Sikh Sangat, in context with ‘Sarab Sanjhi Gurbani Yatra’ called by RSS terming it as (pomposity) with motive to weaken the Sikh Panth and infiltrate. It was also said in the Akal Takht message that RSS and its Sikh wing indulged in anti-Panth activities for long. This message issued to Sikh community by Akal Takht is still applicable and it has not been revoked. In that case, a large section of Sikh community does not deem it fit to participate with RSS.
Baba Gurwinder Singh is a prominent Sikh preacher in the region, who has a big following. He preaches Gurbani of Guru Granth Sahib and motivates the community members to follow the teachings of Sikh Gurus. He follows the line of the Udasi sect that started with Baba Sri Chand, one of two sons of Guru Nanak Dev, the first Sikh Guru.