Sikh Member on Dais With Pranab Mukherjee Grabs Eyeballs, RSS Says 'Part of Our Inclusive Nature'

New Delhi: As many glued on to their television screens to watch former president and Congress leader Pranab Mukherjee address an RSS event in Nagpur on Thursday, the presence of a Sikh RSS member on the stage with him grabbed eyeballs.

Usually, a hard-line Hindutva organisation, the Sikh member addressing the cadre came as a surprise to many viewing the event. The man in question is Sardar Gajendra Singh, prant sanghchalak of Uttarakhand is the Sarvadhikari of the Sarva Shiksha Varg.

As a Sarvadhikari, he is representing Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat at the Tritya Varsh event in Nagpur. His presence on stage along with Bhagwat and former president Pranab Mukherjee is very distinctive but Sikh swayamsevaks say, “It is part of Sangh’s inclusive character and at the same time a special moment.”

Gajendra Singh is the additional advocate general at Nainital High Court and has been associated with the Sangh for decades. He rose through the ranks in the Sangh after serving at zila, vibhag and Sah-sanghchalak prant. Earlier, before he became the prant sanghchalak, Singh served as the national general secretary of Rashtriya Sikh Sangat.

There are several vibhags in the Sangh like bauddhik, seva, vyavastha and sharirik (physical). His contribution in physical activity has been important. He is known for holding parades and vyayam, with his Sikh colleagues counting on him for his work in physical development.

Talking about the Sangh’s inclusion of Sikhs, national president of Rashtriya Sikh Sangat GS Gill said, “The Sangh has always considered Sikhs as a part of the organisation. We have held events on Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti and are now preparing for Guru Nanak’s 550th birth anniversary. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also spoken about our Guru Nanak and his ideals.”

Gill added saying, “Gajendra Singh is representing the Sanghchalak at the varg. We have always been honoured in the organization. In the past as well, Sikh members have taken leadership roles. This is an important and special development to see a Sikh in the third year. In the second year, too, a Sikh had served at the same position.”

Delhi-based Nagar sanghchalak, Balvinder Singh said, “Sikhs play an important role in the varg. As shikshaks you will find many Sikh member teaching vyayam, parade and dandh exercise.”