Sri Amritsar- Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargajj, officiating Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib and Jathedar of Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib, along with Baba Tek Singh, Jathedar of Takht Sri Damdama Sahib, today formally launched the “Khuaar Hoye Sabh Milenge” (those feeling dejected and in despair will reunite) religious preaching campaign by beating Nagara (drum) at Gurdwara Janam Asthan Bhai Jeevan Singh in Gaggo Mahal village located in the Ajnala area of Amritsar. This campaign has been initiated by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee’s (SGPC) Dharam Prachar Committee under the auspices of Sri Akal Takht Sahib.
On this occasion, a special Gurmat Samagam (religious congregation) was organized at the Gurdwara Sahib, where a large number of Sangat from the town and surrounding areas participated. Raagi, dhadi (balladeers) and Kavishar (poetry orators) jathas connected the congregation with Gurbani and Sikh history. The Ardas (Sikh prayer) of the congregation was done by Jathedar Gargajj himself.
In his address, Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargajj stated that under the “Khuaar Hoye Sabh Milenge” campaign, efforts will be made to spread Sikhi throughout villages and cities of Punjab and other states. The philosophy and message of the Sikh Gurus will be disseminated, and Sangat will be inspired to take Amrit (Sikh initiation). He emphasized the importance of connecting the Sikh community with the sacred Gurbani of Sri Guru Granth Sahib and the Sikh way of life.
He further said that the campaign will address the recent increase in religious conversions in Punjab and promote unity among Sikh organizations. Over the next year, stage-by-stage events will be organized in village and city Gurdwaras across Punjab and other states with the support of the SGPC, aiming to spiritually uplift families through Gurbani and Gurmat (Guru’s wisdom). Jathedar Gargajj shared that he will personally visit village Gurdwaras to preach Sikhi and reconnect those who have drifted away.
He acknowledged that anti-Sikh Deras in Punjab are a major concern and must be collectively countered. Recalling an incident from about 150 years ago when four Sikhs in Amritsar announced their conversion, he noted that the leading Sikh scholars of the time united the Panth and launched the Singh Sabha movement. He warned that similar conspiracies are ongoing today targeting Sikh families with less understanding of Sikhi.
He said, “A true Sikh may sacrifice limb by limb, but never abandons Sikhi.” Despite prevailing issues like patitpuna (cutting unshorn hair) and substance abuse in Punjab, the Gurus have blessed Sikhs with the Rehat (discipline) of remaining Sabat Soorat (with unshorn hair) and encouraged to have healthy diet and to connect with Gurbani.
He highlighted the importance of the stanza recited after Ardas, which says, “Khuaar Hoye Sabh Milenge”. He said, “Today we are dejected and in despair, but we will reunite again. We will go to every village, sit with families, and listen to their concerns. There is no discrimination in the Guru's philosophy—we are all Guru’s children and part of a shared family.”
He cautioned that those who are lost are often deceived through false hopes, temptations and pretentious teachings, but a true Sikh remains steadfast in Sikh values. A key reason behind religious conversions is that people have become distanced from the Guru’s philosophy.
He rejected the false narrative that Punjab is a land of caste discrimination, asserting that this is the land of the Gurus, where such practices do not hold sway. Efforts to divide Sikhs of different backgrounds, such as the narrative of separating “Ragrete Sikhs, ” are part of conspiracies, which the Sikh Panth will never allow to succeed.
Jathedar Gargajj emphasized the need to prevent internal conflicts within the Sikh community and noted ongoing plots to weaken Sikh institutions and take them over. The Guru gave Sikhs the principle of “Dasvandh” (contributing a tenth of one's income), and every Sikh should ensure their contributions directly help underprivileged families. He urged Sikh families in country and overseas to ensure their Dasvandh donations are reaching the right people.
He concluded by invoking the legacy of Baba Garja Singh and Baba Bota Singh, encouraging everyone to step forward to strengthen this religious campaign.
On this occasion, SGPC executive committee member Amrik Singh Vichhoa thanked the Jathedar for starting the campaign from the Ajnala constituency. He noted that the area has issues of religious conversion and offered suggestions to counter this effectively under the Sikh preaching initiative.
Jathedar Gargajj appealed to all Sikh organizations, Damdami Taksal, Nihang Singh jathebandis, Kar Sewa saints and Singh Sabhas to fully support the campaign initiated by the SGPC.
Before launching the campaign, Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargajj paid obeisance at Sri Harmandar Sahib and Sri Akal Takht Sahib and served water at Chhabil Baba Budha Ji. He also offered Ardas at Sri Akal Takht Sahib, seeking Chardi Kala (high spirit) to make this campaign a powerful success.
During the event at Gaggo Mahal, Jathedar Baba Tek Singh of Takht Sri Damdama Sahib inspired the Sangat to connect their children with Sikh values and keep them away from drug addiction. SGPC Secretaries Partap Singh and Bijay Singh, Bhai Jeevan Singh and Bhai Gurkaran Singh from Kar Sewa Qila Anandgarh Sahib also addressed the gathering.
Representatives from various Nihang Singh jathebandis also attended, including Baba Baldev Singh Vallah, Baba Lovepreet Singh from Anandpur Sahib, Baba Gurdev Singh from Goindwal Sahib, Baba Jasbir Singh from Majitha Road, Bagicha Singh in-charge Secretariat of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, on behalf of Baba Satnam Singh and Baba Sucha Singh of Qila Anandgarh Baba Harbans Singh Kandowali and Baba Surjeet Singh, preacher Bhai Balwant Singh, Bhai Sukhraj Singh, Bhai Jagdish Singh Wadala’s Dhadi jatha from Kathunangal, Bhai Lakhvir Singh Teri’s kavishar jatha and Bhai Balbir Singh’s raagi jatha were also present.