AGPC to Akal Takht: Take community into confidence before Nanakshahi Calender decision

The American Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (AGPC) has expressed serious concern over proposed changes in the Nanakshahi Calender.

It said that the Sri Akal Takht Sahib, which is holding a Sikh clergy meeting tomorrow, must convene a separate meeting of all parties,organizations and Sikh bodies, including the AGPC, and consult them before taking any decision in this regard.

Sources informed that Pal Singh Purewal the creator of the Calender was not even invited to discuss the issue.

The AGPC has already expressed apprehensions that Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) is planning to eliminate the 2003 Nanakshahi Calender.

AGPC President Jaswant Singh Hothi and Coodinator Dr.Pritpal Singh stated in a press release here that there is a conspiracy going on to fully eliminate the Calender under the influence of RSS.

The US Sikh leaders said that Akal Takht Sahib, whom the whole Panth regards with high esteem, must stop all attempts to eliminate the original Nanakshahi Calendar.

They reiterated that SGPC under the influence of RSS has chalked out a plan to fully over rule the Nanakshahi Calendar and convert it into the Bikrami Calendar, which is unacceptable to the Sikh panth.

"We will not allow the SGPC to eliminate the Calendar and all Sikh bodies around the world should unite and appeal the Akal Takht Jathedar against the drive," said Dr.Pritpal Singh.

He said they have already adopted the original calendar and celebrate all the events, including the Gurpurabs as per the original Nanakshahi Calendar and so do many other Sikh organizations.

"There is conspiracy by the Sangh Privaar to change the Nanakshahi Calender into the Bikrami Calender, and we will oppose this with all the force at our command, " said Dr. Pritpal Singh.

The Nanakshahi Calender was created by Canada-based Sikh scholar Pal Singh Purewal, which the AGPC says establishes the Sikhs as a separate community.