Amritsar, September 15, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Former Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh has shared a cryptic and pointed verse on social media about sycophancy, unquestioning obedience and refusing to compromise one’s conscience, without naming any individual or organisation as its target.
The Facebook post, written in Hindi-Urdu in Gurmukhi script, assumes significance against the backdrop of developments surrounding Giani Raghbir Singh during and after his tenure as Jathedar of Akal Takht.
In the verse shared by him, Giani Raghbir Singh wrote:
“ਤਰੱਕੀ ਕੀ ਫ਼ਸਲ ਹਮ ਭੀ ਕਾਟ ਲੇਤੇ
ਬੜੇ ਕੇ ਤਲਵੇ ਅਗਰ ਹਮ ਭੀ ਚਾਟ ਲੇਤੇ
ਮੇਰੇ ਲਹਜੇ ਮੇਂ ਜੀ ਹਜ਼ੂਰ ਨ ਥਾ
ਇਸਕੇ ਇਲਾਵਾ ਮੇਰਾ ਕੋਈ ਕਸੂਰ ਨ ਥਾ
ਪਲ ਭਰ ਕੇ ਲੀਏ ਅਗਰ ਬੇਜ਼ਮੀਰ ਹੋ ਜਾਤੇ
ਯਕੀਨ ਮਾਨੀਏ ਹਮ ਭੀ ਅਮੀਰ ਹੋ ਜਾਤੇ।”
Broadly translated, the verse says that the speaker too could have reaped the rewards of advancement had he indulged in sycophancy; that his only “fault” was the absence of “Ji Huzoor” — unquestioning submission — in his manner; and that he too could have become prosperous had he abandoned his conscience even for a moment.
The expression used in the opening lines — “talve chaat lete” — literally refers to “licking someone’s soles” and is commonly used as a strong metaphor for sycophancy or servility.
Similarly, the words “mere lehje mein Ji Huzoor na tha” convey refusal to adopt an unquestioningly submissive attitude towards those wielding authority.
Giani Raghbir Singh has offered no explanation with the post identifying the person, persons or institution, if any, towards whom the verse is directed. Therefore, any attempt to attribute a specific target to his words would remain a matter of interpretation.
The timing and tenor of the post, however, are likely to attract attention because of the turbulent developments that have marked his relationship with the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee and the Shiromani Akali Dal leadership.
As Jathedar of Akal Takht, Giani Raghbir Singh had presided over one of the most consequential proceedings involving SAD president and former Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal.
Sukhbir Singh Badal was declared Tankhaiya by Akal Takht in August 2024 over decisions and actions associated with the SAD government during his tenure as Deputy Chief Minister and party president.
Subsequently, on December 2, 2024, the five Sikh high priests led by Giani Raghbir Singh pronounced Tankhah — religious punishment — upon Sukhbir Singh Badal and several other Akali leaders. The directions were subsequently carried out by the leaders concerned.
Months later, in March 2025, the SGPC removed Giani Raghbir Singh from the position of Jathedar of Akal Takht. The decision generated considerable debate within Sikh religious and political circles.
Giani Raghbir Singh has subsequently remained vocal on issues concerning the December 2024 Akal Takht decision. Earlier this year, he publicly challenged Sukhbir Singh Badal to substantiate allegations that the December 2 decree had been the result of a conspiracy.
Against this background, the latest lines about “Ji Huzoor”, sycophancy and refusing to become “bezameer” — without conscience — are likely to invite political and Panthic interpretations.
However, Giani Raghbir Singh has neither named Sukhbir Singh Badal, the SAD, the SGPC nor any other individual or institution in the Facebook post.
Until he chooses to explain the context himself, the intended target — if there is one — remains unstated.
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