Gurdial Singh Ajnoha

Gurdial Singh Ajnoha (1927-1980) was a Sikh personality who served as Jathedar of Akal Takht and Kesgarh Sahib and actively participated in Punjabi Subha Movement.^[1]

Gurdial Singh was born in a family that was strictly following the Sikh code of conduct called "Rehat Maryada" and for this reason, this family was also called "Bhagtan da Pariwar" (Family of true worshippers).^[2] He got his elementary education from the village primary school and complete his high school education from Khalsa High School, Baddon, Hoshiarpur near his birth village.

He started taking interest in his village's politics at a young age, and later on became Sarpanch of his village and then a member of the Panchayat samiti and a member of Zila Parishad. He also became president of Shiromani Akali Dal for the district of Hoshiarpur.^[2]

He was also arrested several times during the Punjabi Subha Movement, and this brought him a central leadership role. He was appointed Jathedar of Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib in 1971 and remained in this position till 1980, when he was given the responsibility of Jathedar of Akal Takht on which he remained till his death. He is known for his four bold decisions, which were taken by him during his Jathedari and these were

• 1. Sikhs are a separate Nation.
• 2. Akal Takhat is beyond and above all worldly courts.
• 3. Nirankaris (Narakdharis) are rejected, and Sikhs must not seek any relationship with them.^[3]
• 4. Any Hukamnama issued from Akal Takhat Sahib can’t be reversed.

At the age of 54, he died in his village, Ajnoha, due to a heart attack. He suffered two heart attacks on 18 March 1982. He was survived by his wife, two sons, and three daughters.^[4]