Draft:Didar Singh Nalvi
Didar Singh Nalvi
Didar Singh Nalvi (born January 2, 1937, in Jagowala Village, Tehsil Chunian, Kasur, Lahore, Undivided India—now in Pakistan) is a founder of the Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (HSGPC).
Didar Singh Nalvi's Key Contributions to the HSGPC Movement:
1. Advocacy for Local Control of Religious Institutions:
Didar Singh Nalvi was a vocal supporter of the idea that Sikh religious institutions in Haryana should be managed by a local body, the HSGPC, rather than by the SGPC in Punjab. Nalvi believed that the religious, cultural, and administrative needs of the Sikh community in Haryana were distinct and required self-management, tailored to the region’s specific needs.
He continuously emphasized the need for religious autonomy for Sikhs in Haryana, believing that the SGPC was not adequately addressing the concerns of the community in Haryana, especially in the management of Gurdwaras, funds, and cultural activities.
2. Mobilizing the Sikh Community:
Nalvi played a critical role in organizing rallies, meetings, and protests to bring attention to the need for a separate body for managing Gurdwaras in Haryana. He worked tirelessly to rally support from local Sikh leaders, religious figures, and the general public to make the HSGPC movement a prominent issue.
His leadership was crucial in unifying various factions within the Sikh community, from religious leaders to political figures, to ensure a collective push for the cause.
3. Political Engagement and Advocacy:
One of Nalvi’s major contributions was his political engagement. He worked closely with local politicians, especially those in the Haryana Legislative Assembly, to gain political backing for the formation of the HSGPC. His ability to connect with politicians from various parties ensured that the issue of Sikh autonomy was discussed at the state government level.
Nalvi’s efforts to gain political support were instrumental in getting the Haryana government to introduce and eventually pass the Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Act, which created the HSGPC in 2014.
4. Advocating for the Creation of the HSGPC Act:
Nalvi's advocacy was critical during the drafting and passage of the Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Act. He worked closely with legal experts, lawmakers, and religious leaders to shape the legislation that would empower the HSGPC to take control of Sikh religious institutions in Haryana.
The Act granted the HSGPC the authority to oversee Gurdwaras, manage their finances, and appoint staff, making it the official body representing the interests of Sikhs in the state. Didar Singh Nalvi was at the forefront of lobbying for this legislation, ensuring that it included provisions that would address the concerns of the community.
5. Strategic Use of Media and Public Support:
Nalvi understood the power of media in shaping public opinion and worked to bring widespread awareness about the importance of the HSGPC movement. Through media appearances, interviews, and public speeches, he galvanized support among the Sikh community in Haryana, urging them to demand their right to manage their religious affairs.
His use of media helped turn the issue of HSGPC into a matter of public discourse, both in Haryana and at the national level.
6. Resolution of Longstanding Grievances:
Under Nalvi’s leadership, the movement also addressed several longstanding grievances that the Sikh community in Haryana had with the SGPC, including the lack of representation in decision-making bodies and the mismanagement of funds collected from Gurdwaras.
The HSGPC movement was, in part, a response to these grievances, and Nalvi’s efforts helped focus attention on the need for transparency, accountability, and representation within the management of Sikh religious institutions in Haryana.
7. Unifying Sikhs Across Haryana:
Nalvi worked to bring together Sikhs from different regions of Haryana, overcoming differences based on geography, caste, and political affiliation. His leadership provided a sense of unity and purpose, with Sikhs from various backgrounds coming together to support the establishment of the HSGPC.
The success of the movement can be partly attributed to Nalvi’s ability to bridge these divides and present a united front for the cause of Sikh autonomy in Haryana.
8. Celebrating the Formation of HSGPC:
After the passage of the Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Act, Didar Singh Nalvi played a key role in celebrating the formation of the HSGPC. His efforts were instrumental in making sure that the first election of the HSGPC was carried out smoothly and in accordance with the Act.
The establishment of the HSGPC was seen as a major victory for Sikhs in Haryana, and Nalvi’s involvement in the movement helped cement his legacy as a leader who fought for the rights and religious freedom of the Sikh community in the state.