Akal Takht Jathedar Visits Vanjara Sikh Village in Telangana, Strengthens Spiritual Ties Under ‘Khuaar Hoye Sabh Milenge’ Campaign

• May 13, 2025

As part of the ‘Khuaar Hoye Sabh Milenge’ religious awareness initiative, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, the officiating Jathedar of Akal Takht, recently visited Gachubai Tanda, a remote Sikh village of the Vanjara community in Ranga Reddy district, near Hyderabad, Telangana. His visit aimed to strengthen the spiritual and cultural bonds between Punjab and the southern Sikh diaspora while promoting Sikh values among the region’s devout community.

A Vibrant Sikh Community in Southern India

Gachubai Tanda is home to approximately 500 Vanjara Sikhs, who faithfully observe Sikh tenets, including maintaining unshorn hair and daily prayer practices. A special Gurmat Samagam was organised at Gurdwara Dashmesh Darbar, with support from the Hyderabad Sikh community.

The congregation featured soulful Gurbani Kirtan by Bhai Veer Singh’s jatha from Ameerpet Gurdwara Sahib and devotional performances by local Sikh youth, inspiring the sangat and celebrating the community’s vibrant faith.

Encouraging Learning and Community Spirit

Jathedar Gargaj concluded the event with an Ardas, praying for the Chardi Kala (spiritual upliftment) of the village and the wider world. He distributed Gurmukhi Punjabi primers to children to encourage Gurbani literacy and a deeper connection to Sikh scripture.

The Gurdwara management committee hosted a langar (community meal), where the Jathedar personally served the sangat, exemplifying sewa (selfless service)—a central Sikh tenet.

Listening to the Sangat’s Concerns

Following the congregation, villagers held a detailed dialogue with the Jathedar, expressing concerns and requesting support in several areas:

• Appointment of Gurbani teachers

• Training in Gurmat Sangeet, Gurmukhi, and Gatka

• Deployment of Sikh preachers

• Financial assistance for children’s education

Jathedar Gargaj listened attentively and assured the community of his full support, promising to work in coordination with the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) and the global Sikh diaspora to address their needs.

A Call to Preserve Sikh Identity and Tradition

Moved by the spiritual commitment of the Vanjara Sikhs, the Jathedar expressed joy at witnessing Sikh values flourishing far from Punjab. He particularly praised the children’s involvement in sewa and devotion to Sikh traditions.

He also voiced concern over the declining practice of sewa in parts of Punjab, where langar services are increasingly outsourced during religious functions, eroding the collective spirit taught by the Gurus.

Highlighting Sikhism’s historical ties with southern India, the Jathedar recalled that Guru Nanak Dev Ji extensively travelled across India and that Guru Gobind Singh Ji spent significant time in Nanded, reinforcing the deep-rooted connection between the south and Sikh heritage.

Invitation to Punjab’s Sacred Sites

Reaffirming the unity of the Khalsa Panth, the Jathedar extended an invitation to the Vanjara Sikhs to visit key Sikh shrines in Punjab, including:

• Sri Harmandar Sahib (Golden Temple)

• Akal Takht Sahib

• Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib, Anandpur Sahib

He assured the sangat that travel arrangements, including train transport, would be facilitated if needed.

Appreciation and Future Commitment

The Jathedar lauded Giani Ravinder Singh, the village granthi, for his unwavering commitment to educating children in Gurbani and Gurmukhi. He pledged continued support from Akal Takht Sahib and promised future visits and sustained engagement in the region.

Key Attendees

The event was attended by:

• Lakhwinder Singh, President, Gurdwara Dashmesh Darbar

• Bhagat Singh, Secretary

• Giani Ravinder Singh, Granthi

• Dr Bimal Singh and Dr Avneet Bimal Singh (Hyderabad)

• Barjinder Singh Hussianpur, Rajpal Singh (pracharak and nigran)

• Harpreet Singh Kahlon, Jaskaran Singh (media advisor), Karanvir Singh, and

• A large number of local sangat