Sikh family waited 73 years to be readmitted into Sikh Panth

Amritsar, May 4: The family of a noted historian Teja Singh, who was ex-communicated from the Sikh Panth in 1928 for "distorting" facts inscribed in Guru Granth Sahib, has been readmitted after 73 years.

Five Sikh high priests on Thursday granted reprieve to the family directing it to hold a 'path' of Guru Granth Sahib and perform 'Ardas' (prayer) for their re-entry in the Sikh panth.

Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Joginder Singh Vedanti told reporters that the historian's son Manmohan Singh had in writing sought forgiveness for the sins committed by the elders in distorting certain facts inscribed in the Sikh holy text.

Teja Singh Bhasaur and his wife Niranjan Kaur were ex-communicated from the Sikh Panth by the then Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Gurmukh Singh Musafir. Both died many years ago.

The meeting of the five priests also deferred a decision on proposed headgear for Sikh women driving or pillion riding on two wheelers saying they would first seek the opinion of Sikh intellectuals and religious leaders.

Jathedar Vedanti said they were considering a headgear which was originally being used in Italy which was neither a helmet nor a cap. Sikhs as per religious traditions cannot wear a helmet or a cap. (PTI)