2025 - Panth Rattan Gurcharan Singh Tohra | Commemorative Coin

A commemorative coin of ₹100 will be issued to mark the Birth Centenary of Panth Rattan Late Shri Gurcharan Singh Tohra. The Ministry of Finance has issued the gazette notification on May 15, 2025.

Shri Gurcharan Singh Tohra was a towering figure in Indian Sikh and political life, renowned for his unwavering commitment to Sikh values, democratic ideals, and the preservation of religious institutions. Born on September 24, 1924, in Tohra village in Punjab's Patiala district, Tohra dedicated his life to the service of the Sikh community and to public life, leaving a lasting impact on both spheres. His political career was deeply intertwined with the Shiromani Akali Dal, a dominant Sikh political party, and the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), the apex religious body managing Sikh places of worship. Tohra's leadership of the SGPC, which spanned nearly three decades, earned him the distinction of being the longest-serving president in the body’s history.

Under his stewardship, the SGPC evolved into a powerful and organized institution, strengthening Sikh religious and educational infrastructure across Punjab and beyond. Tohra was known for his principled stance on the autonomy of religious institutions from political interference. He often found himself at odds even with his own party leadership, including stalwarts like Parkash Singh Badal, when he believed core values were being compromised. His ideological firmness sometimes led to temporary expulsions and political marginalization, yet his moral authority and popularity within the community consistently brought him back into the fold.

Tohra's role during some of the most critical and turbulent periods in modern Sikh history was significant. He was a prominent voice during the tumultuous 1980s, a decade marked by the rise of militancy in Punjab, Operation Blue Star, and the aftermath of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. Despite navigating this sensitive terrain, Tohra maintained a moderate and dialogue-oriented stance, advocating for justice, peace, and the restoration of Sikh pride through constitutional and democratic means.

A member of the Rajya Sabha several times, Tohra used his parliamentary platform to raise concerns related to Punjab, Sikh rights, and national integrity. Though soft-spoken, he was a firm and strategic thinker, commanding respect across the political spectrum for his deep understanding of Sikh philosophy and constitutional governance. His commitment to the community extended beyond politics, as he championed the expansion of Sikh education, literature, and historical research.

Gurcharan Singh Tohra passed away on April 1, 2004, leaving behind a legacy marked by integrity, vision, and service. His life continues to inspire those who seek to uphold the dignity of religious institutions while working within the framework of democratic principles. In the collective memory of the Sikh community, Tohra remains a symbol of resilience, wisdom, and steadfast leadership.