Face2News/Amritsar
In a historic and momentous press conference held in Amritsar today, Shiromani Akali Dal Global (SADG) unveiled its first-ever manifesto for the upcoming Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) elections. Along with this, SADG launched a groundbreaking portal, Sadda Khirda Punjab, aimed at connecting Sikhs across the globe. The portal will allow the community to voice their concerns, offer suggestions for the final manifesto, and nominate candidates from their constituencies to contest in the SGPC elections.
The press conference was led by the National Founding Leadership of SADG, including President Sardar Inder Preet Singh, Vice President Sardar Harmeet Singh, General Secretary Sardar Aman Bandvi, and Head of the Women’s Wing Bibi Harleen Kaur.
Sardar Inder Preet Singh, SADG President, emphasized the need for reform in Gurudwara governance. "We aim to bring a new dawn to Gurudwara Sahib governance, with the institution as the core pivot. Our focus is on creating a robust ecosystem, empowering the personnel involved, and strengthening systems that align with the values of the Sangat," he remarked.
Singh added that the SGPC should serve as a formidable institution, capable of delivering holistic solutions to the Sikh community, even beyond formal state mechanisms. Singh also reiterated SADG's commitment to securing Holy City status for Amritsar and bringing the diaspora into discussions for the future of the SGPC.
Sardar Harmeet Singh, Vice President and Head of Global Affairs, addressed critical issues faced by SGPC employees, highlighting challenges like low pay, lack of healthcare, and inadequate pensions. He stressed the importance of ensuring insurance, fair salaries, and skilling programs. "We are committed to offering SGPC employees a dignified life and a secure future. SADG will lead the way in ensuring sustainable livelihood opportunities," he said.
Sardar Inder Preet Singh, SADG President, emphasized the need for reform in Gurudwara governance. "We aim to bring a new dawn to Gurudwara Sahib governance, with the institution as the core pivot. Our focus is on creating a robust ecosystem, empowering the personnel involved, and strengthening systems that align with the values of the Sangat," he remarked.
Sardar Aman Bandvi, General Secretary, focused on technological innovations to enhance governance and transparency. "By leveraging technology, we will bring accountability, audits, and governance reforms to strengthen the SGPC. SADG is a people’s movement, a manifestation of the Guru's mandate for Sarbat Da Bhala (welfare for all)," Bandvi stated. He stressed that SADG would remain non-confrontational, instead focusing on empowering Sikh communities across the nation.
Bibi Harleen Kaur, Head of the Women’s Wing, gave a heartfelt speech about the role of women in society. "Women are the harbingers of change, and SADG believes in the power of women to shape a better future. We must confront issues like conversions, drug addiction, and youth misdirection, using the teachings of Gurmat to guide us." She encouraged women to lead initiatives that address these pressing challenges.
The newly launched Sadda Khirda Punjab portal is designed as a community-driven initiative. Sangat (the Sikh congregation) can now contribute to shaping the manifesto and nominating candidates, making it a Sangat-Suggested, Sangat-Endorsed campaign. SADG's recent work on the ground has already struck a chord with Sikhs globally, and with this manifesto launch, the party aims to build a stronger, more connected community rooted in the teachings of the Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.
SADG calls on Sikhs worldwide to unite, contribute, and participate in creating a new era for the SGPC, enriched by the values of service, transparency, and welfare for all.