Ban on ‘Satluj’ is an attempt to suppress voices, truth cannot be stopped: Jathedar Gargaj

New Delhi: Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj of Sri Akal Takht Sahib shared his views on several important issues concerning Punjab, the Sikh Panth and the nation during a special interview. He said that banning films depicting human rights events is in no way justified. Referring to Diljit Dosanjh’s film ‘Satluj’, he said the film brings forward the ideas and pain of the era associated with Sardar Jaswant Singh Khalra, who fought for human rights. He said there is nothing objectionable in the film and it should be shown on all platforms, including OTT. Suppressing history, he said, cannot change the truth. Blasphemy law took the government to task Jathedar Gargaj raised strong objections to the Jagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Sat-kaar (Amendment) Act 2026, saying that instead of punishing the guilty, the government has placed the burden of responsibility on devotees and custodians. He said only Sri Akal Takht Sahib has the authority to decide the protocol (maryada) of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, and the government should not interfere in religious matters. He also said special legal provisions should be made to bring the real culprits and conspirators behind blasphemy cases within the ambit of the law. On CM Bhagwant Mann’s video controversy Regarding the viral video of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, the Jathedar said the investigation conducted by Akal Takht found the video to be neither AI-generated nor edited. He claimed attempts were made to mislead people through fake reports, and if anyone has a different report, it should be made public. Demand for fair probe into blasphemy cases The Jathedar said all cases of sacrilege against Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji since 2015 should be investigated fairly and in a time-bound manner. Not just the accused, he said, but the entire conspiracy and those working behind it should be exposed. Attempts to break Sikh-Hindu brotherhood will not succeed Jathedar Gargaj said the core message of Sikhism is ‘Sarbat da Bhala’ (welfare of all), and Sikhi never teaches hatred. He said there is a centuries-old brotherhood between the Sikh and Hindu communities that no force can break. A strong message to the youth He urged young people to stay away from drugs, pursue education, and engage in hard work and employment. He said governments should focus on creating job opportunities rather than promoting a culture of freebies, and urged people to adopt the Guru’s principle of “Kirat Karo, Naam Japo, Vand Chhako” (earn honestly, meditate on the name, share with others) in their lives. Concern over religious conversion and ‘Derawad’ The Jathedar said religious conversions driven by greed, false miracles and foreign funding are a matter of serious concern. He said people should be given accurate information about their own religion, and awareness in society needs to be increased. What he said about Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale The Jathedar said Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale has been declared by Sri Akal Takht Sahib as the great Sikh of the 20th century. He said Bhindranwale was both a saint and a soldier, and his life remains a source of inspiration for the Sikh community. A closing message of unity Concluding the interview, Jathedar Gargaj said society should walk the path of brotherhood, service, hard work and the Guru’s teachings, not hatred. He said the future of Punjab and the country can only be made strong by staying away from drugs, division and hatred.

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