Today in Sikh History :16th August

16th August

The Holy Sri Guru GRANTH SAHIB was ceremonially installed in Sri Harmindir Sahib, Amritsar. Guru Arjan, shortly after Akbar’s visit, early in 1599, began the project of compilation of Adi Granth. Bhai Gurdas was appointed amanuensis. Guru Arjan took five years to complete the project. Adi Granth was ready in 1604 when it was installed in Sri Harimandir Sahib. Baba Buddha Ji was appointed the first priest. Today is the actual date of the event, however, it is observed on a different date by Guru Khalsa Panth.

Following the failure of the second Round Table Conference (RTC), the British Prime Minister, Ramsay MacDonald issues the Communal Award which came a rude shock to the Sikhs. The Sikh disaffection arose out of the statutory majority of over 51% given to Muslims in the Punjab, whereas the Sikh representation was around 19%.

-Ref. The Sikhs in History, by Sangat Singh, 1995

As I told you, in my opinion, you have nothing in common with the Congress nor the Congress with you. You believe in the rule of the sword, the Congress does not . Your civil disobedience is purely a branch of violence. I am quite clear in my mind that being in the Congress, you weaken your community, and weaken the Congress. You have to be either fully nationalist or frankly communal and therefore dependent upon the British or other foreign power.

Although this letter created a storm in the Sikh press and basically ignore the threat posed by Gandhi and Congress to the Sikhs.

-Ref. The Sikhs in History, by Sangat Singh, 1995.