Chief Khalsa Diwan: Difference between revisions
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The '''Chief Khalsa Diwan''' is a Sikh organisation that is the central organization of various [[Singh Sabha]]s spread across [[Punjab, India|Punjab]], India.<ref name="Chief Khalsa Diwan">{{cite web | title=Chief Khalsa Diwan Charitable Society | website=Chief Khalsa Diwan | url=http://www.chiefkhalsadiwan.com/history.php | accessdate=23 April 2016}}</ref><ref name="Offensive 2016">{{cite web | last=Offensive | first=Marking Them | title=Chief Khalsa Diwan announces to set up university | website=The Times of India | date=29 March 2016 | url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/amritsar/Chief-Khalsa-Diwan-announces-to-set-up-university/articleshow/51591830.cms | accessdate=23 April 2016}}</ref><ref name=":02">{{Cite book |last=Singh |first=Dharam |title=The Encyclopedia of Sikhism |publisher=Patiala Punjabi University |year=2002 |isbn=8173801002 |editor-last=Singh |editor-first=Harbans |edition=4th |volume=1: A–D |pages=461–465 |chapter=Chief Khalsa Diwan}}</ref> Unlike the [[Shiromani Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee]], the |
The '''Chief Khalsa Diwan''' ({{small|abbr.}} '''C.K.D.''') is a Sikh organisation that is the central organization of various [[Singh Sabha]]s spread across [[Punjab, India|Punjab]], India.<ref name="Chief Khalsa Diwan">{{cite web | title=Chief Khalsa Diwan Charitable Society | website=Chief Khalsa Diwan | url=http://www.chiefkhalsadiwan.com/history.php | accessdate=23 April 2016}}</ref><ref name="Offensive 2016">{{cite web | last=Offensive | first=Marking Them | title=Chief Khalsa Diwan announces to set up university | website=The Times of India | date=29 March 2016 | url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/amritsar/Chief-Khalsa-Diwan-announces-to-set-up-university/articleshow/51591830.cms | accessdate=23 April 2016}}</ref><ref name=":02">{{Cite book |last=Singh |first=Dharam |title=The Encyclopedia of Sikhism |publisher=Patiala Punjabi University |year=2002 |isbn=8173801002 |editor-last=Singh |editor-first=Harbans |edition=4th |volume=1: A–D |pages=461–465 |chapter=Chief Khalsa Diwan}}</ref> Unlike the [[Shiromani Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee]], the C.K.D. is an apolitical body and only concerns itself with religious, educational and cultural issues.<ref name="Service 2016">{{cite web |last= |first= |date=28 March 2016 |title=Chief Khalsa Diwan passes Rs150 crore budget |url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/news/amritsar/chief-khalsa-diwan-passes-rs150-crore-budget/214407.html |accessdate=23 April 2016 |website=The Tribune}}</ref> The organization originally controlled Sikh religious and educational concerns and was an advocate of Sikh political rights, though it presently is mostly limited to educational spheres.<ref name=":02" /> It was the main council of Sikhs until the birth of more radical organizations, such as the [[Central Sikh League]] (est. 1919), the S.G.P.C. (est. 1920), and the [[Shiromani Akali Dal|Akali Dal]] (est. 1920).<ref name=":02" /> |
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==History== |
==History== |
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| ⚫ | The Chief Khalsa Diwan was established on 30 October 1902.<ref name="Cole1991">{{cite book |last1=Cole |first1=William Owen |title=Moral Issues in Six Religions |date=1991 |publisher=Heinemann |isbn=978-0-435-30299-3 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=hnICyg09IEIC&pg=PA208 |language=en|page=208}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Chief Khalsa Diwan - History |url=https://www.chiefkhalsadiwan.com/history |access-date=14 June 2024 |website=Chief Khalsa Diwan}}</ref> The organisation was founded by [[Bhai Vir Singh]], Arjan Singh Bagrian, Sundar Singh Majithia, Tarlochan Singh, and Harbans Singh Attari.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Chief Khalsa Diwan - Founders |url=https://chiefkhalsadiwan.com/founders |access-date=14 June 2024 |website=Chief Khalsa Diwan}}</ref> The opening session of the organization was held at the Malwai Bunga within the [[Golden Temple]] complex of Amritsar on the same day as the organization's establishment.<ref name=":0" /> The opening session had a performance of the Sikh ''[[Ardās|ardas]]'', which was carried-out by Teja Singh of Bhasur.<ref name=":0" /> In the first session, the following persons were elected to high positions within the organization:<ref name=":0" /> |
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=== Background === |
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The organization was originally planned as the replacement and amalgamation of the Khalsa Diwan Amritsar and Khalsa Diwan Lahore, as both these institutions had been embroiled in conflict that was hindering the progress of the on-going [[Singh Sabha Movement|Singh Sabha movement]].<ref name=":02" /> On Vaisakhi day in 1901, a public meeting was convened at the Malwai Bunga in Amritsar that established a committee to work towards setting up a unitary fellowship.<ref name=":02" /> A draft of the planned body was adopted on 21 September 1902.<ref name=":02" /> |
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=== Establishment === |
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| ⚫ | The Chief Khalsa Diwan was established on 30 October 1902.<ref name="Cole1991">{{cite book |last1=Cole |first1=William Owen |title=Moral Issues in Six Religions |date=1991 |publisher=Heinemann |isbn=978-0-435-30299-3 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=hnICyg09IEIC&pg=PA208 |language=en|page=208}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Chief Khalsa Diwan - History |url=https://www.chiefkhalsadiwan.com/history |access-date=14 June 2024 |website=Chief Khalsa Diwan}}</ref><ref name=":02" /> The organisation was founded by [[Bhai Vir Singh]], Arjan Singh Bagrian, Sundar Singh Majithia, Tarlochan Singh, and Harbans Singh Attari.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Chief Khalsa Diwan - Founders |url=https://chiefkhalsadiwan.com/founders |access-date=14 June 2024 |website=Chief Khalsa Diwan}}</ref> The opening session of the organization was held at the Malwai Bunga within the [[Golden Temple]] complex of Amritsar on the same day as the organization's establishment.<ref name=":0" /> The opening session had a performance of the Sikh ''[[Ardās|ardas]]'', which was carried-out by Teja Singh of Bhasur.<ref name=":0" /> In the first session, the following persons were elected to high positions within the organization:<ref name=":0" /> |
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|+Inaugural 1902 committee of the Chief Khalsa Diwan{{Efn|Aside from these three individuals, 18 other members were inducted in the executive committee.|group=note}}<ref name=":0" /> |
|+Inaugural 1902 committee of the Chief Khalsa Diwan{{Efn|Aside from these three individuals, 18 other members were inducted in the executive committee.|group=note}}<ref name=":0" /> |
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|Additional secretary |
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=== Workings === |
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In 1903, the C.K.D. started publishing a monthly newspaper called ''[[The Khalsa Advocate]]'' to act as its official mouthpiece.<ref name=":0" /> The setting up of the [[Central Khalsa Orphanage]] was one of its first tasks, which opened on 11 April 1904.<ref name="Cole1991" /> On 9 July 1904, the organization was registered under the [[Societies Registration Act, 1860]].<ref name=":0" /> |
In 1903, the C.K.D. started publishing a monthly newspaper called ''[[The Khalsa Advocate]]'' to act as its official mouthpiece.<ref name=":0" /> The setting up of the [[Central Khalsa Orphanage]] was one of its first tasks, which opened on 11 April 1904.<ref name="Cole1991" /> On 9 July 1904, the organization was registered under the [[Societies Registration Act, 1860]].<ref name=":0" /> |
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Revision as of 21:54, 15 June 2024
 Official logo | |
| Abbreviation | CKDCS |
|---|---|
| Formation | 30 October 1902 |
| Type | Singh Sabha Gurdwaras Management Organisation |
| Headquarters | Chief Khalsa Diwan Charitable Society, G.T. Road, Amritsar, India |
| Location | |
President | Dr. Inderbir Singh Nijjar (15th March, 2022 onwards) |
| Website | chiefkhalsadiwan |
Formerly called | Chief Khalsa Diwan |
The Chief Khalsa Diwan (abbr. C.K.D.) is a Sikh organisation that is the central organization of various Singh Sabhas spread across Punjab, India.[1][2][3] Unlike the Shiromani Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee, the C.K.D. is an apolitical body and only concerns itself with religious, educational and cultural issues.[4] The organization originally controlled Sikh religious and educational concerns and was an advocate of Sikh political rights, though it presently is mostly limited to educational spheres.[3] It was the main council of Sikhs until the birth of more radical organizations, such as the Central Sikh League (est. 1919), the S.G.P.C. (est. 1920), and the Akali Dal (est. 1920).[3]
History
Background
The organization was originally planned as the replacement and amalgamation of the Khalsa Diwan Amritsar and Khalsa Diwan Lahore, as both these institutions had been embroiled in conflict that was hindering the progress of the on-going Singh Sabha movement.[3] On Vaisakhi day in 1901, a public meeting was convened at the Malwai Bunga in Amritsar that established a committee to work towards setting up a unitary fellowship.[3] A draft of the planned body was adopted on 21 September 1902.[3]
Establishment
The Chief Khalsa Diwan was established on 30 October 1902.[5][6][3] The organisation was founded by Bhai Vir Singh, Arjan Singh Bagrian, Sundar Singh Majithia, Tarlochan Singh, and Harbans Singh Attari.[7] The opening session of the organization was held at the Malwai Bunga within the Golden Temple complex of Amritsar on the same day as the organization's establishment.[6] The opening session had a performance of the Sikh ardas, which was carried-out by Teja Singh of Bhasur.[6] In the first session, the following persons were elected to high positions within the organization:[6]
| Name | Position given |
|---|---|
| Arjan Singh Bagrian | President |
| Sundar Singh Majithia | Secretary |
| Sujan Singh Sodhi | Additional secretary |
Workings
In 1903, the C.K.D. started publishing a monthly newspaper called The Khalsa Advocate to act as its official mouthpiece.[6] The setting up of the Central Khalsa Orphanage was one of its first tasks, which opened on 11 April 1904.[5] On 9 July 1904, the organization was registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860.[6]
Aims and Objectives of Chief Khalsa Diwan:
1. To promote the spiritual, intellectual, moral, social, educational, and economic welfare of the Khalsa Panth.
2. To propagate the teachings of the Sikh gurus as embodied in the Guru Granth Sahib.
3. To safeguard the rights of all those believing in the teachings of the Sikh gurus.
4. To extend facilities and benefits of the activities of the Chief Khalsa Diwan to all irrespective of their caste, creed, or community.
5. To promote Punjabi language and literature.
6. To open new schools and colleges for spreading quality and modern education.
— Chief Khalsa Diwan, Constitution[6]
Up until the formation of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee in 1920, the C.K.D. had been the sole major Sikh organization campaigning for the expungement of non-Sikh practices occurring at nominally Sikh places of worship.[6] It successfully campaigned to have murtis (idols) removed from the precincts (specifically the outer walkway or parikarma around the temple-tankor sarovar) of the Golden Temple shrine in Amritsar in 1905.[6]
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In 1908, the Chief Khalsa Diwan initiated an educational committee after the establishment of the All India Sikh Educational Conference.[6] The educational committee records, organizes, and discusses Sikh viewpoints on educational, religious, and social matters, deliberating them in a panel and implementing steps to achieve any judgements reached as a result of the discussions.[6] Up until today, 67 educational conferences have been held by the educational committee.[6] Many famous personalities and leading Sikh educationalists and business magnates have attended these conferences over the years.[6] The educational committee also sets up scholarships and allowances for meritorious Sikh students studying at the educational institutions under its purview.[6] The educational committee works toward the promotion of Punjabi language and literature.[6] It publishes educational reports and graded divinity books for the purpose of being used by students at its schools.[6]
The Chief Khalsa Diwan's members were instrumental in the passing of the Anand Marriage Act, 1909.[6] The members felt that the Sikh marriage rites did not have legal basis behind them and that Hindu influences remained in the marriage customs of many Sikhs.[6] The organizations opposition to "Hindu" rituals in the marriage practices of Sikhs led to them being condemned and boycott by some traditionalist factions within the Sikh community.[6] Sundar Singh Majithia of the C.K.D. and Ripudaman Singh of Nabha State pushed the Sikh marriage bill through the Imperial Legislative Council despite heavy opposition, with the former piloting it and the latter intervening, where it was successfully passed on 22 October 1909.[6] The passing of the bill helped with the keeping of a separate Sikh identity apart from the Hindus.[6]
Under the name of the late Harbans Singh Attari, the C.K.D. established a fervid dharam parchar campaign.[6] Between the years 1912–13, the C.K.D. agitated for the removal of the ban against kirpans (a fundamental item of the Sikh religion) under the British-enacted Arms Act, 1878.[6] After the arrest of some of the agitators and the influence of Sundar Singh Majithia, the kirpan was made exempt from the Arms Act in Punjab in June 1914 and the remainder of India in 1917.[6]
In 1915, the C.K.D. published the Gurmat Parkāsh Bhāg Sanskār, which was a comprehensive code for Sikh orthopraxy (ceremonies and rites) based on historical Sikh literature.[8]
The C.K.D. helped gain control of the Sikh religious sites of the Golden Temple and Akal Takht.[6] It further helped establish the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee on 15 November 1920.[6]
As with other Sikh organisations, the Chief Khalsa Dewan strongly opposed the partition of India, which many Sikhs thought would create an environment of possible persecution.[9]
On 26 May 1955, the organization passed a resolution that allowed the formation of local committees for the purpose of improving its jurisdiction and recruiting more social workers.[6]
The local committees established after this resolution are as follows:[6]
- Kanpur (1955)
- Bombay (1955)
- Delhi (1956)
- Tarn Taran (1968)
- Ludhiana (1974)
- Chandigarh (1980)
- Jalandhar (2002)
Present
At present,[when?] the Chief Khalsa Diwan Charitable Society runs
- 48 schools
- 3 colleges
- Orphanages
- Old age homes
- Khalsa Advocate - newsletter
- Hospitals and clinics
The organization is currently headquarted off of the Grand Trunk Road in Amritsar, approximately 1 kilometre away from the Amritsar Railway Station.[6]
The present committee of the Chief Khalsa Diwan is comprised of the following individuals:[6]
| Name | Position |
|---|---|
| Raj Mohinder Singh Majitha | Patron |
| Inderbir Singh Nijjar | President |
| Amarjit Singh Vikrant | Vice president |
| Jagjit Singh | Vice president |
| Santokh Singh Sethi | Resident president |
| Swinder Singh Kathunangal | Honorary secretary |
| Ajit Singh Basra | Honorary secretary |
The Chief Khalsa Diwan is split into three branches:[6]
Presidents
- S. Sunder Singh Majithia (1967-1982)
- S. Sujan Singh Sadana
- S. Kirpal Singh (former M.P.) remained the president for 17 consecutive years until his death, without any selection (through election), because of his goodwill with other members.
- Charanjit singh Chadha
- Dhanraj singh
- Dr. Santokh Singh
- S. Nirmal Singh (2019 - 11th March, 2022)
- Dr. Inderbir Singh Nijjar (15th March, 2022 onwards)
Honorary secretary
- S. Sant Singh
- S. Bhag Singh Ankhi
- S. Santokh Singh Sethi
- S. Narinder Singh Khurana
- S. Swinder Singh Kagthunangal, former M.L.A. (current)
- S. Surinder Singh, (Rumalaye Wale, current)
Local committees and presidents
The Chief Khalsa Diwan Charitable Society has numerous branches, each autonomous but directly responsible to the Diwan Headquarters at Amritsar.
Institutions
Non-educational institutions
A list of non-educational institutions ran by the Chief Khalsa Diwan is as follows:[6]
- Central Khalsa Orphanage
- Surma Singh Ashram
- Guru Amardas Old Age Home
- Shaheed Udham Singh Library
- Bhai Veer Singh Gurmat Vidyalaya
- Homeopathic hospital, dental clinic, allopathic dispensary and physiotherapy centre at Amritsar
- Bhai Veer Singh Biradh Ghar
- Khalsa Parcharak Vidalaya
- Central Khalsa Hospital Tarn Taran
- Guru Nanak General and Maternity Hospital, Kanpur
- Homeopathic hospital Kurali
- Guru Nanak Medical Centre New Delhi
Educational institutions
A list of educational institutions ran by the Chief Khalsa Diwan is as follows:[6]
- Sri Guru Harkrishan Sr. Sec. Public School, G. T. Road, Amritsar
- Sri Guru Harkrishan Sr. Sec. Public School, Majitha Road Bye-Pass, Amritsar
- Sri Guru Harkrishan Public School, Basant Avenue, Amritsar
- Sri Guru Harkrishan Public School, Golden Avenue, Amritsar
- Sri Guru Harkrishan Public School, Bhagtanwala, Amritsar
- Sri Guru Harkrishan Public School, Chowk Pragdas, Amritsar
- Sri Guru Harkrishan Sr. Sec. Public School, Sultanwind Link Road, Amritsar
- Sri Guru Harkrishan Public School, Friends Avenue, Airport Road, Amritsar
- Sri Guru Harkrishan Sr. Sec. Public School, Ranjit Avenue, Amritsar
- Sri Guru Harkrishan CKD School of Excellence, Shubham Enclave, Amritsar
- Sri Guru Harkrishan Sr. Sec. Public School, Tarn Taran
- Sri Guru Harkrishan Sr. Sec. Public School, Patti
- Sri Guru Harkrishan Sr. Sec. Public School, Sur Singh
- Sri Guru Harkrishan Sr. Sec. Public School, Ajnala
- Sri Guru Harkrishan Sr. Sec. Public School, Abdal
- Sri Guru Harkrishan Public School, Mehal Jandiala
- Sri Guru Harkrishan Public School, Nathupura
- Sri Guru Harkrishan Public School, Rasulpur Kalan
- Sri Guru Harkrishan Public School, Sehnsra
- Sri Guru Harkrishan Public School, Burj Marhana
- Sri Guru Harkrishan Public School, Ghaseetpura
- Sri Guru Harkrishan Public School, Asal Uttar
- Sri Guru Harkrishan Public School, Chabhal
- Sri Guru Harkrishan Public School, Naushera Dhalla
- Sri Guru Harkrishan Public School, Kasel
- Sri Guru Harkrishan Sr. Sec. Public School, Nawan Pind
- Sri Guru Harkrishan Public School, Attari
- Sri Guru Harkrishan Public School, Dhanoa Kalan
- Sri Guru Harkrishan Sr. Sec. Public School, Majhwind
- Sri Guru Harkrishan Sr. Sec. Public School, Piddi
- Sri Guru Harkrishan Public School, Hargobindpur
- Sri Guru Harkrishan Public School, Naserke
- Sri Guru Harkrishan Public School, Hoshiarpur
- Sri Guru Harkrishan Sr. Sec. Public School, Pandori Khajoor, Hoshiarpur
- Sri Guru Harkrishan Public School, Nanda Chaur, Hoshiarpur
- Sri Guru Harkrishan Public School, Sri Anandpur Sahib
- S.G.S. Khalsa Sr. Sec. School, Sri Anandpur Sahib
- Moolan Devi Middle School, Sri Kiratpur Sahib
- Sri Guru Harkrishan Public School, Chandigarh
- S.G.H. Sr. Sec. Public School, Ludhiana
- S. Desa Singh Majithia Public School, Majitha
- Sri Guru Harkrishan Public School, Kurali
- Sri Guru Harkrishan International School, Kanpur
- Sri Guru Harkrishan Public School, Urban Estate, Kapurthala
- Adrash School, Dhandra, Ludhiana
- Adrash School, Naushehra Pannunan
- Adrash School, Uchha Pind, Kapurthala
- CKD Institute of Management and Technology, Amritsar
- CKD Institute of Management and Technology, Tarn Taran
- CKD International Nursing College, Chabhal Road, Amritsar
Notes
- ^ Aside from these three individuals, 18 other members were inducted in the executive committee.
References
- ^ "Chief Khalsa Diwan Charitable Society". Chief Khalsa Diwan. Retrieved 23 April 2016.
- ^ Offensive, Marking Them (29 March 2016). "Chief Khalsa Diwan announces to set up university". The Times of India. Retrieved 23 April 2016.
- ^ a b c d e f g Singh, Dharam (2002). "Chief Khalsa Diwan". In Singh, Harbans (ed.). The Encyclopedia of Sikhism. Vol. 1: A–D (4th ed.). Patiala Punjabi University. pp. 461–465. ISBN 8173801002.
- ^ "Chief Khalsa Diwan passes Rs150 crore budget". The Tribune. 28 March 2016. Retrieved 23 April 2016.
- ^ a b Cole, William Owen (1991). Moral Issues in Six Religions. Heinemann. p. 208. ISBN 978-0-435-30299-3.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af ag ah ai aj ak al "Chief Khalsa Diwan - History". Chief Khalsa Diwan. Retrieved 14 June 2024.
- ^ "Chief Khalsa Diwan - Founders". Chief Khalsa Diwan. Retrieved 14 June 2024.
- ^ Grewal, J. S. (March 2018). "2 - Colonial Rule and the Sikhs: (1849–1919)". Master Tara Singh in Indian History: Colonialism, Nationalism, and the Politics of Sikh Identity (Online ed.). Oxford University Press. pp. 36–61. ISBN 9780199089840.
- ^ Kudaisya, Gyanesh; Yong, Tan Tai (2004). The Aftermath of Partition in South Asia. Routledge. p. 100. ISBN 978-1-134-44048-1.
No sooner was it made public than the Sikhs launched a virulent campaign against the Lahore Resolution. Pakistan was portrayed as a possible return to an unhappy past when Sikhs were persecuted and Muslims the persecutor. Public speeches by various Sikh political leaders on the subject of Pakistan invariably raised images of atrocities committed by Muslims on Sikhs and of the martyrdom of their gurus and heroes. Reactions to the Lahore Resolution were uniformly negative and Sikh leaders of all political persuasions made it clear that Pakistan would be 'wholeheartedly resisted'. The Shiromani Akali Dal, the party with a substantial following amongst the rural Sikhs, organized several well-attended conferences in Lahore to condemn the Muslim League. Master Tara Singh, leader of the Akali Dal, declared that his party would fight Pakistan 'tooth and nail'. Not be outdone, other Sikh political organizations, rival to the Akali Dal, namely the Central Khalsa Young Men Union and the moderate and loyalist Chief Khalsa Dewan, declared in equally strong language their unequivocal opposition to the Pakistan scheme.
