Akal Takht Jathedar Expresses Concern over Decline of Sikh Population

AMRITSAR SAHIB : Expressing deep concern over the declining population growth of the Sikhs, Akal Takht Sahib appointed Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh has reiterated his advise to Sikh couples to have three children minimum.In a statement issued here, he stated that he had given similar advice to Sikh couples when the issue was in news before. “At that time, I suggested Sikh couples to have four children at Sri Anandpur Sahib, but nobody took it seriously”, he said.“Particularly, the sections of Sikhs who reside in other states and feel alienated, should also be taken into consideration so that they don’t think about converting their religion”, he added, citing examples of Sikligar and Vanjare Sikhs from Maharashtra. Jathedar was referring to the fact that these communities need to be counted as Sikhs for the sake of census data.Meanwhile, Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) said that trend of going abroad among Sikh youth is also a factor behind declining growth of Sikh population.“Once, any Sikh youth goes abroad for study purpose, he gets settled there forever”, he added.