Amid growing allegations of undue influence by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) and the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) over Sikh high priests—raising concerns about the impartiality of decisions—a global Sikh initiative has begun taking shape.
A delegation of prominent Sikh businessmen and intellectuals from around the world is touring Punjab to engage with key Panthic bodies. The effort aims to build consensus and form an independent international committee, with its primary mandate being the financial independence of the Akal Takht Secretariat. The initiative also seeks a transparent, autonomous process for appointing Sikh high priests, freeing them from reliance on the SGPC for honorariums and safeguarding their moral and institutional independence.
Rajwinder Singh of Switzerland, who is leading the delegation, said the Sikh diaspora is deeply troubled by repeated media reports alleging that certain decisions of Sikh high priests are influenced by the SAD-backed SGPC. “These reports have caused widespread disappointment and anguish among Sikhs worldwide,” he said.
Referring to recent controversies, Rajwinder Singh said the issue of the 328 missing saroops of Sri Guru Granth Sahib had brought the Akal Takht and the Punjab government into direct confrontation. “This is something that should never have happened and is extremely concerning for Sikhs across the globe,” he added.
He said the delegation has already met several Panthic organisations in the Malwa and Doaba regions and is currently touring Majha to engage with more Sikh bodies. “Our aim is to identify Panthic organisations that enjoy the highest levels of trust and credibility. These bodies will collectively form an international committee of Sikh businessmen, intellectuals and respected religious figures,” he explained, adding that representatives from the SGPC could also be included.
Elaborating further, Rajwinder Singh said extensive deliberations led to the conclusion that financial autonomy for the Akal Takht Secretariat is essential. He added that Sikh businessmen based abroad have expressed readiness to make substantial contributions and have committed to supporting the initiative.
Dr Sonia Kaur from Sweden said allegations that decisions of Sikhism’s supreme temporal authority are influenced by the SGPC or the SAD underscore the need to protect the Akal Takht’s independence. “Transparent processes for honorariums and administration are crucial. An international committee of Sikh intellectuals, scholars and businessmen could offer guidance and oversight while respecting Sikh traditions,” she said.
Surinder Singh from Austria said that once the Akal Takht Secretariat becomes autonomous, Sikh high priests would no longer need to depend on the SGPC for their honorariums. “The income from estates and properties owned by the Akal Takht Secretariat would be sufficient to cover all operational and administrative expenses,” he said.
