SGPC marks centenary of martyrdom of Teja Singh Samundri, pays tribute to Gurdwara Reform Movement hero; View Pics
Babushahi Bureau
Amritsar (Punjab), July 17, 2026: The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) on Friday commemorated the 100th martyrdom anniversary of Teja Singh Samundri, a prominent leader of the Gurdwara Reform Movement and the Akali agitation, at the Teja Singh Samundri Hall in the SGPC headquarters.
The commemorative event was attended by Head Granthi of Sri Harmandir Sahib Giani Amarjeet Singh, Acting Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht and Jathedar of Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, SGPC President Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami, Jathedar of Takht Sri Damdama Sahib Giani Tek Singh, Damdami Taksal chief Baba Harnam Singh Khalsa, senior Akali leader Balwinder Singh Bhunder, and Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena’s predecessor and former diplomat Taranjit Singh Sandhu, the grandson of Teja Singh Samundri, among other dignitaries.
The programme began with the bhog of Sri Akhand Path Sahib, followed by Gurbani kirtan by the Hazoori Ragi jathas of Sri Harmandir Sahib. Baba Harnam Singh Khalsa performed the ardas and urged the Sikh community, especially the youth, to draw inspiration from Teja Singh Samundri’s life of sacrifice and service.
Addressing the gathering, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj described Teja Singh Samundri as a towering Sikh leader who dedicated his entire life to the Panth. He said the sacrifices made during the Gurdwara Reform Movement continue to guide the Sikh community and stressed the need for unity in the face of ongoing attempts to weaken Sikh institutions.
He also underlined the importance of an independent Sikh media, recalling that the historic Akali newspaper was launched to convey the Panth’s voice during the Gurdwara Reform Movement.
Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami said Teja Singh Samundri played a pivotal role in resisting British rule and opposing the control of gurdwaras by mahants. He said Samundri refused to seek pardon from the colonial government for his release, choosing instead to stand firmly for Sikh principles and institutions.
“His struggle and sacrifice remain a timeless inspiration for the Sikh Panth,” Dhami said, urging the younger generation to follow his ideals of selfless service and commitment.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Taranjit Singh Sandhu said it was a matter of immense pride to belong to the legacy of Teja Singh Samundri. He highlighted Samundri’s contributions not only to Sikh institutions but also to education, noting that he played an important role in promoting schools and colleges to educate future generations.
Senior Akali leader Balwinder Singh Bhunder said the centenary celebrations served as a reminder of the courage and unity displayed by Sikh leaders during the Gurdwara Reform Movement, which successfully challenged British rule and safeguarded Sikh religious institutions.
During the event, members of Teja Singh Samundri’s family, including Taranjit Singh Sandhu, Simran Kaur Sandhu, Kiran Kaur Sandhu, Gurjit Singh Sandhu, and Sunita Kaur Sandhu, were honoured by the SGPC for preserving the legacy of the veteran Sikh leader.
Several Sikh religious leaders, SGPC members, scholars, academicians, and representatives from various institutions also attended the commemorative programme.