Giani Joginder Singh Vedanti, former Jathedar of Akal Takht, has passed away on Saturday evening.
According to the details received, he had a heart attack this evening which proved fatal. He has also been the granthi of Sri Harmandar Sahib. He was around 70.
This is a great loss for the Sikh Panth.
Giani Joginder Singh Ji Vedanti was a master of Gurbani grammar, and a lecturer of Gurbani at Punjabi University Patiala and Sri Guru Granth Sahib World University. He spent many years as a researcher employed by the SGPC to study Puraatan Saroops of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji along with Bhai Joginder Singh Ji Talwara (of Akhand Kirtani Jatha). His deep knowledge of historical manuscripts was incredible. He had pointed out mistakes in printing of Gurbani by the SGPC. However, the SGPC never took notice, and instead continue to repeat printing errors. He had started writing a Steek (exposition) of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji in small volumes, in which he also undertook the task of correcting all the printing errors of SGPC using evidence of historical Saroops.
He was a true Panthic person, approachable and humble. He was so respectful of Sarbloh Bibek. I remember going to their house and he was so happy, and insisted that I cut apples with my own hands and serve to everyone, including him. He had so much respect and high regard for Bhai Sahib Randhir Singh Ji and the Akhand Kirtani Jatha. He loved to share of his spiritual experiences of attending Akhand Keertan Smaagams.
During his Jathedarship he banned the RSS and declared any Sikh keeping social or religious ties with them will be boycotted from the Khalsa Panth. He was an advocate of the original Maryada of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, and writing Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji’s saroop in Lareevar (jointed up words, as per tradition). Sadly, the SGPC continues to print Pad Chhed saroops and fail to protect the heritage of the Sikh Gurus.
We have today lost an invaluable scholar and historian
