Chandigarh, October 24, 2025 :
Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker S. Kultar Singh Sandhwan on Friday organised a soulful Gurbani Shabad Kirtan at his ancestral residence in village Sandhwan, district Faridkot, where he honoured the Ragis, Granthis and Pathi Singhs who performed Kirtan with deep reverence. On this sacred occasion, he presented robes of honour (Siropas) to them as a mark of gratitude for their spiritual service to the Sikh Panth and the community.
Among the distinguished guests was Bhai Amandeep Singh, one of the ‘Panj Pyare’ from Takht Sri Damdama Sahib, Talwandi Sabo, who lauded Speaker Sandhwan’s significant efforts to rectify the errors in the recently republished Mahan Kosh by Punjabi University, Patiala. He said that the corrective steps taken by the Speaker reflect his deep respect for Sikh heritage and scholarly authenticity. Bhai Amandeep Singh further appreciated Sandhwan’s dedicated supervision of the conservation and restoration work at the historic Haveli of Diwan Todar Mal at Sri Fatehgarh Sahib, a site that holds immense reverence in Sikh history for its association with supreme sacrifice and faith.
He also commended the Speaker’s initiatives to outline the 350th centenary observance of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji and his consistent efforts to propagate the universal message of Bhai Kanhaiya Ji, the message of seva, compassion and humanity beyond caste, creed and religion. On the occasion, Jathedar Baba Kulwant Singh Chanakya offered ardaas before Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and expressed gratitude for divine blessings.
In his address, Speaker Sandhwan emphasised the need for institutional responsibility within the Sikh religious administration, particularly the Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC) and other global Gurdwara management bodies, to ensure that Ragis, Granthis and Pathi Singhs receive fair and dignified remuneration. He said that these individuals, who dedicate their lives to preserving and spreading the message of Gurbani, must be financially supported so they can provide for their children, care for their parents and meet their family’s needs with honour.
Sandhwan announced that he would soon submit a written representation to the Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib urging him to consider issuing suitable directions to fix a minimum salary structure for Ragis, Granthis and Pathi Singhs across all Gurdwaras. He said he would also meet the Jathedar personally to pursue this cause of collective concern for the Panth.
Expressing his humility before the Sangat, the Speaker said that his home and family would always remain open to serve devotees and scholars engaged in promoting Sikh principles and community welfare. His family members, Mata Gurmail Kaur, Bibi Gurpreet Kaur Sandhwan, Bibi Paramjit Kaur, and Advocate Birinder Singh, along with several Panthic leaders and representatives of various organisations, also participated in the event, which concluded with a collective prayer for peace, unity and Chardi Kala of the Sikh Panth.
