Giani Harpreet Singh (born May 1972) is a Sikh preacher who served as the Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee-appointed acting jathedar of the Akal Takht from October 2018 to June 2023.[2][4] He has also served as the acting jathedar of Takht Sri Damdama Sahib since April 2017.[3]
Harpreet Singh | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Jathedar of the Akal Takht (SGPC faction)[a] | |
| In office 22 October 2018 – 16 June 2023 (Disputed with Jagtar Singh Hawara and Dhian Singh Mand.)[2][1] | |
| Preceded by | Gurbachan Singh |
| Succeeded by | Raghbir Singh |
| Jathedar of Takht Sri Damdama Sahib (SGPC faction)[b] | |
| Assumed office 21 April 2017 (Disputed with Baljit Singh Daduwal.[1]) | |
| Preceded by | Gurmukh Singh (acting)[3] |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Harpreet Singh May 1972 (age 52) Gidderbaha, Punjab, India |
| Education | Master's degree (religious studies) |
| Alma mater | Guru Kashi Gurmat Institute Punjabi University |
Biography
Harpreet Singh was born in Gidderbaha in May 1972. His father was a village granthi.[4][5] After completing his schooling, he graduated from Guru Kashi Gurmat Institute where he received religious education.[5][6] In 1997 he joined the Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC) as a "pracharak" (preacher) and was appointed as head granthi of Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Muktsar in 1999.[7]
He completed a one-year diploma course in divinity from Punjabi University and also completed a master's degree in religious studies from the same university.[6] Along with Mohammad Habib he translated the Quran into the Punjabi language.[7] In April 2017 he was appointed as the acting jathedar of Takht Sri Damdama Sahib, replacing Gurmukh Singh who was removed by the SGPC.[3] In October 2018 he was appointed as the acting Jathedar of Akal Takht by the SGPC after the resignation of Gurbachan Singh.[2]
Harpreet Singh resigned as the acting Jathedar of Akal Takht on 16 June 2023, being replaced by Raghbir Singh, the jathedar of Takht Kesgarh Sahib. His resignation came after controversy was created over him attending the engagement of Aam Aadmi Party leader Raghav Chadha with Bollywood actress Parineeti Chopra in May 2023.[8]