Sri Akal Takht Jathedar makes historic first visit to Hong Kong
Babushahi Bureau
Hong Kong , July 13, 2026: In a historic first, Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj, visited Hong Kong, where he urged Sikhs across the world to remain connected with the Panth, preserve their heritage, and strengthen central Sikh institutions while addressing a large religious congregation at Gurudwara Khalsa Diwan Sikh Temple.
The Gurmat Samagam was organised to mark the Foundation Day of Sri Akal Takht Sahib and drew a large gathering of the Sikh community. During the event, Giani Gargajj stressed the importance of connecting the younger generation with Sikhi, Gurmukhi Punjabi and Sikh history, stating that as Sikhs continue to settle across the globe, their spiritual and institutional connection with Sri Akal Takht Sahib has become more significant than ever.
“Gurdwaras are not only places of worship but also centres where Sikhs can come together, understand one another and resolve community issues through dialogue,” he said.
Highlighting Hong Kong’s rich Sikh legacy, the Jathedar recalled the historic role of Khalsa Diwan Hong Kong in India’s freedom movement. He noted that the Sri Guru Singh Sabha was established in Hong Kong in 1901 and that revolutionary figures such as Baba Gurdit Singh of the Komagata Maru movement and Shaheed Bhai Kartar Singh Sarabha had links to the region.
He also referred to the Sikh soldiers of the 33rd Burma Infantry who built a water well at the Gurdwara premises in 1903, which remains functional to this day.
Urging Sikhs not to lose touch with their roots, he appealed to the diaspora to preserve their ancestral lands in Punjab and support underprivileged Sikh families in their native villages.
The Jathedar encouraged parents to bring their children regularly to Gurdwaras so they could participate in seva, simran, kirtan, Gatka and other Gurmat activities. He emphasised the need to teach children Gurmukhi Punjabi so they can understand Gurbani and Sikh history.
He also suggested that Gurudwara Khalsa Diwan Hong Kong establish a dedicated Punjabi school for children up to Class VIII to strengthen language and religious education.
During his address, Giani Gargajj also highlighted concerns raised by the Hong Kong Gurdwara management regarding difficulties in sending old Gutka Sahibs and Gurbani pothis to Gurdwara Sri Baoli Sahib, Goindwal Sahib, for religious cremation.
He alleged that a recent Punjab Government law had created obstacles in the traditional practice, claiming it was enacted without consulting the Sikh community and amounted to interference in religious affairs.
The Jathedar instructed the Gurdwara management to maintain a proper record of old religious scriptures and coordinate with the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) before sending them to India.
Call for Sikh Unity
Expressing concern over attempts to divide the Sikh community, the Jathedar urged Sikhs to place faith in central religious institutions, including Sri Akal Takht Sahib and the SGPC.
He said governments may change with time, but Sri Akal Takht Sahib remains the eternal spiritual authority of the Sikh Panth.
He also advised overseas Sikhs to remain vigilant against grooming gangs, encourage marriages within Sikh families, and create a strong Sikh environment at home to help children remain connected to their faith.
During his visit, Giani Gargajj held separate interactions with Sikh youth, women’s groups and members of the Hong Kong Sikh community to discuss their concerns and seek suggestions on community issues.
He also visited Punjabi language classes being conducted at the Gurdwara, interacted with children, and appreciated the Gurdwara’s library and educational initiatives.
The event concluded with the Gurdwara Khalsa Diwan Hong Kong management and several Sikh organisations honouring the Jathedar with siropas and commemorative mementoes in recognition of his historic visit.