Sangrur/Mastuana: A three-day intellectual conference focused on redefining the Shiromani Akali Dal’s structure, policy and political direction concluded on Sunday (3 August) at Mastuana Sahib (Sangrur). Organized by the Akal College Council, Mastuana Sahib, in collaboration with various Sikh organizations, the final day was filled with meaningful speeches and a diverse audience. Scholars, thinkers, and observers—many of whom had been associated with the Akali Dal in different capacities—gathered to critically examine the party’s past shortcomings and future direction.
As with the previous days, the session opened with Naam Simran (meditative chanting), followed by opening remarks by Dr. Gurveer Singh, who outlined the purpose of the event for the gathered audience. Stage coordination was conducted by Bhai Bhupinder Singh Grewal.
Prominent speakers of the final day included S. Harpinder Singh Kotkapura and Paramjit Singh Mand (Dal Khalsa), who emphasized that if the Akali Dal is to be revived, it must reject subservience to Delhi-based powers and instead accept the supremacy of Sri Akal Takht Sahib. They stressed that vote-based politics must remain separate from Panthic politics.
Yadvinder Singh Yadu stated that the party’s decline was due to its deviation from core principles.
Kanwarjit Singh Sidhu, author of an under publication book on history of Akali Dal, remarked that even a Panthically-elected Akali Dal, if it becomes an electoral party, risks losing its Panthic character.
Hardeep Singh Dibdiba and Bhai Jaspal Singh Manjhpur suggested that the revered term “Akali,” deeply rooted in Sikh tradition, should no longer be used for any political party, regardless of its formation.
Bhai Mandhir Singh of Panth Sewak Jatha Doaba stressed that the electoral system cannot truly represent the Panth, and a distinct organizational structure is needed to uphold the Panth’s sovereignty.
Senior journalist Hamir Singh argued that electoral politics is not the only form of political engagement; understanding the political system thoroughly is essential before creating something new.
Other speakers included Dr. Parmvir Singh (Punjabi University, Patiala), Imaan Singh Khara (Waris Punjab De), Gurdeep Singh Bathinda, Dr. Jamshed Ali Khan (Punjabi University, Patiala), Bhai Mohkam Singh, Karnail Singh Panjoli, former Sikh Federation leader S. Kuldeep Singh, and Bhai Mohkam Singh (Damdami Taksal), among others. A large number of attendees gathered to listen and participate in these rich deliberations.
The three-day conference concluded with a serious and insightful exchange of ideas, reflecting a collective aspiration to redefine the Akali Dal’s path in alignment with Sikh values and Panthic sovereignty.
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