NAMDHARI SECT : HISTORY

NEWS :  The bitter dispute in the Namdhari sect, which has left 8 people injured in a violent clash

 

WHAT’S IN THE NEWS ?

The latest clash in Haryana’s Rania was over the control of 11 acres of land. The factional fight between the groups of Uday Singh and Dalip Singh, however, has much deeper roots, going back several years

 

Namdhari Sect

·         Origin and Advocacy:

  • Founded by Satguru Ram Singh in 1857 during Baisakhi.
  • Focused on social reform and resistance against British rule.

 

·         Unique Practices:

  • Known as “Kukas” due to their distinctive chant “Kook” of the Gurbani.
  • Rejected British influences as directed by Satguru Ram Singh.

 

·         Leadership and Resistance:

  • Baba Ram Singh emerged as a leader, promoting military training among youth.
  • Faced severe repercussions from the British, including deportation to Rangoon.

 

·         Spiritual Beliefs:

  • Guru Granth Sahib is the ultimate spiritual authority.
  • Recognize a living human as a Guru in addition to the Guru Granth Sahib.

 

·         Cultural Practices:

  • Uphold the cow as sacred.
  • Abstain from alcohol and caffeine.

 

·         Headquarters:

  • Main center in Bhaini Sahib, Ludhiana, the birthplace of Ram Singh.
  • Additional establishments in Punjab, Haryana, and internationally

 

Source : https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-politics/explained-dispute-namdhari-sect-9519265/