Akal Takht Jathedar calls for ending casteism

Tarn Taran, June 16 (UNI) Taking strong note of the prevailing caste system, Akal Takht, Jathedar, Giani Joginder Singh Vedanti today called for putting an end to this arbitary discrimination ''which is deeply rooted in our society''.

''The Sikh Guru's created a casteless and classless society, but over the years we have forgotten the real message and gone wayward again'', he said while addressing a religious congegration on the occasion of the 400 th martyrdom day of the fifth Guru, Arjan Dev in this historical town which was founded in 1596 by the Guru himself.The function on the occasion was organised the Shiromani Gudwara Prabandik Committee (SGPC).

''We have become self centered in our approach and forgotten the message of equality that our Guru's gave'', he said while calling for self introspection amongst the Sikh community on this historic day.

Referring to the martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev, the Jathedar said that the Guru stoically suffered the dastardly tyranny of Moghul emperor Jehangir to defend the independence of ideas and to have belief in a religion, other that of the ruling class. '' The martydom of the Guru and his principles even hold relevance today'', he said.

Taking a cue from the message of the Jathedar, former Prime Minister Inder Kumar Gujral in his speech called for putting an end to all forms of discrimination that cause division in society.Guru Arjan Dev sacrificed his life to uphold the principles and ideas that he stood for, but unfortunately ''we tend to overlook these'', he added.

Calling for following the 'bani' (teachings) of the Guru, Mr Gujral said that the country can emerge stronger if ''we follow the principles of secularlism and put an end to caste discrimination, that divides us''.

Another former Prime Minister H D Deva Gowda in his message said ''on this pious occasion we must take a pledge to serve humanity and get rid of discrimination on grounds of religion, caste, creed and sex''. The Guru preached equality in society and ''we must strive for achieving this'', he added.

Tamil Nadu Governor Surjit Singh Barnala, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Prakash Singh Badal and Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandik Committee (SGPC) chief Avtar Singh Makkar too addressed the congegration and called for following in the footsteps of the Guru's.

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