Photo Source: Babushahi Bureau
Controversy over ‘Mahan Kosh’ Copies: Two officials suspended, Sikh scholar questions VC’s role
Babushahi Bureau
Patiala (Punjab), August 30, 2025: The controversy surrounding the destruction of error-filled copies of the historic Mahan Kosh has taken a serious turn after the method used was termed an act of “sacrilege.” In response, Punjabi University has suspended two officials.
According to a letter issued by Vice-Chancellor Dr. Jagdeep Singh, Harinder Pal Singh Kalra, In-charge of Publication Bureau and Press, and Himender Bharti, Director of Forest & Wildlife Balance Restoration, have been suspended over negligence in the process of disposing of the dictionary.
The suspension orders, however, are subject to the approval of the University Syndicate. If the Syndicate rejects the VC’s decision, the suspensions will become invalid.
As a mark of repentance, all university colleges and departments were closed on Friday. An Akhand Paath Sahib has been initiated at the campus Gurdwara Sahib, with the Bhog ceremony scheduled for Monday.
Meanwhile, Sikh scholar Professor Harpal Singh Pannu raised sharp questions in an intellectuals’ WhatsApp group. Commenting on the development, he said:
“News is that the VC has suspended some officers in connection with the sacrilege of Mahan Kosh. But the VC himself is guilty in this case. Can a guilty person suspend his fellow guilty colleagues?”
It is noteworthy that Prof. Pannu does not use any social media platforms apart from WhatsApp, where he often shares his views on key issues.