Jathedar Gargaj urges renaming of Rajiv Gandhi Law University, says retaining Rajiv Gandhi’s name an ‘insult to Sikh community’
Babushahi Bureau
Amritsar (Punjab), November 3, 2025: Acting Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib and Jathedar of Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargajj, has strongly demanded that the Central Government rename Rajiv Gandhi National Law University in Patiala, saying that retaining the name of the former Prime Minister is an “insult to the Sikh community,” as Rajiv Gandhi bore moral responsibility for the 1984 Sikh massacre.
Speaking after attending the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee’s (SGPC) annual general session, Jathedar Gargajj said, “The very name of Rajiv Gandhi reminds Sikhs of one of the darkest chapters in India’s history. It is painful that an institution in Punjab still bears his name when the community continues to seek justice.”
He urged the Centre to pass a resolution in Parliament declaring the 1984 killings of Sikhs as a genocide, echoing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent remarks in Bihar, where he referred to the incident as genocide. “If the Prime Minister of India himself has termed it genocide, the government must now formally recognize it in Parliament,” he said.
Jathedar Gargajj also endorsed the SGPC’s resolutions on the release of Sikh prisoners, preservation of Sikh identity, and the protection of religious institutions. He reiterated that Gurdwaras belong solely to the Khalsa Panth, warning governments against any form of interference.
Congratulating Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami on being elected SGPC President for the fifth consecutive term, the Jathedar expressed confidence that Dhami would strengthen Sikh institutions and continue Panthic work with integrity.
Criticizing Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann for his recent remarks about Gurdwara Golak funds, Jathedar Gargajj said such statements reflected “atheistic thinking” and hurt religious sentiments.
He also stated that despite the ban on the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee’s office bearers, action would be initiated against them after the completion of the 350th centenary celebrations of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s martyrdom on November 29.