Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj (born c. 1985) is an Indian Sikh preacher and the acting Jathedar of the Akal Takht. He also serves as the Jathedar of Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib at Anandpur Sahib, Punjab.
Early life Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj was born in Jabbowal village in Amritsar district, Punjab, India. He was raised in an Amritdhari Sikh family.
He holds a Master of Arts in History and a Diploma in Sikh Studies from Sikh Missionary College, Ludhiana.
Religious and social work Gargaj began working as a kathā-vācak Sikh preacher in the early 2000s.
Reports have described his preaching work as including Sikh religious texts such as Sri Gur Partap Suraj Granth, Prachin Panth Parkash, and the Sikh Rehat Maryada. He has also been reported to be involved in social welfare and education-related work for underprivileged children and orphans.
Appointment as Jathedar In March 2025, the SGPC appointed Gargaj as the Jathedar of Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib at Anandpur Sahib and as the acting Jathedar of Akal Takht at Amritsar.
Tenure and activities After his appointment, Gargaj made statements relating to the use of the Akal Takht's name by organisations and groups. He said that no group should claim to operate under Akal Takht patronage without formal approval.
In April 2025, he urged the governments of India and Pakistan to reopen the Kartarpur Corridor for pilgrims.
Controversies Gargaj's appointment was opposed by some Sikh organisations, including the Damdami Taksal and sections of the Nihang orders. The opposition related to the SGPC's procedure for appointing him.
In May 2025, Rozana Spokesman reported that Takht Sri Patna Sahib had declared Gargaj tankhāīyā, a term used in Sikh religious discipline for a person held liable for religious misconduct. The matter was reported in the context of disputes among Sikh religious authorities.
Significance Gargaj has been reported as one of the younger Sikh preachers to hold the position of acting Jathedar of the Akal Takht.
See also Akal Takht Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib Sikh Missionary College
References
External links Hindustan Times – Profile Babushahi News – Profile Times of India – News Story