- Sikh outrage erupts over viral video showing VC briefing Mohan Bhagwat
Amritsar, August 2, 2025 (Bharat Khabarnama Bureau) – Amid rising concerns over ideological infiltration and growing criticism from Sikh circles, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has removed Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU) Vice-Chancellor (VC) Prof Karamjit Singh from a recently constituted committee tasked with framing service rules for the post of Akal Takht Jathedar. The decision comes after a viral video surfaced showing the VC briefing Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat at an event in Mysuru, triggering strong reactions from Sikh organisations and political leaders alike.
The video, recorded during the ‘Gyan Sabha – Education for Viksit Bharat’ seminar held on July 28 at BN Bahadur Institute of Management Sciences, Mysuru, shows Karamjit Singh addressing the gathering while RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat was on the dais. The seminar was jointly organised by Shiksha Sanskriti Utthan Nyas and Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham and focused on the role of education in building a developed India. In his address, the VC reportedly spoke about academic initiatives at GNDU, including the introduction of new courses based on Bhartiya parampara (Indian traditions) and the creation of a Sikh Studies Chair aimed at exploring parallels between the Rigveda and Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s philosophy of Sarbat da Bhala (welfare of all). He also touched upon matters related to the environment and Punjab’s industrial landscape.
The clip sparked immediate backlash from Sikh organisations, several of whom submitted formal complaints to the SGPC and Akal Takht, accusing the VC of aligning with Hindutva forces and compromising Sikh values. Reacting to the growing outrage, SGPC secretary Partap Singh confirmed the action taken: “Prof Karamjit Singh has been removed from the panel as he has hurt Sikh sentiments. SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami acted after receiving objections from the community.”
While Akal Takht, the highest temporal seat of Sikhs, has also received complaints from groups such as the Sikh Youth Federation Bhindranwale and United Sikh Students Federation, it has yet to issue an official statement on the matter.
VC bowing before RSS chief – Bajwa
The controversy has also taken a political turn, with Punjab’s Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa calling out the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for enabling ideological intrusion in the state’s education system. In a sharp post on X (formerly Twitter), Bajwa said, “The GNDU VC bowing before RSS chief isn’t just shameful — it’s a symbol of how education in Punjab is being hijacked. Kejriwal, a closet Sanghi, and Bhagwant Mann are enabling RSS infiltration into our universities.”
Echoing similar concerns, Congress MLA and former Olympian Pargat Singh also shared the video online, warning that the event reveals deeper penetration of RSS ideology in Punjab’s academic institutions. “When GNDU’s VC is seen abjectly explaining things to the RSS chief, it raises serious questions. It shows how the AAP govt in Punjab has helped the RSS to take control of the entire education system, including universities,” he wrote, further criticising the state government’s wholesale implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP).
The unfolding episode has once again highlighted growing anxieties within the Sikh community about cultural dilution and ideological encroachment, especially when revered religious platforms and institutions are involved. The SGPC’s swift action may temporarily ease tensions, but the incident has already sparked a wider debate on academic autonomy, the role of state-backed educational policy, and the protection of minority identities in evolving socio-political landscapes.
BJP backs VC Karmjit Singh
BJP has come out in support of Guru Nanak Dev University VC Dr Karamjit Singh, following his removal from the committee constituted to frame service rules for the Jathedar of Akal Takht Sahib by SGPC. “I would like to state clearly that this decision appears to be based on misunderstandings. I appeal to the SGPC to reconsider its decision,” said BJP spokesperson Sarchand Singh.
