North News
New Delhi, September 2
Jasdeep Singh Gill, a 45-year-old doctorate in chemical engineering from Cambridge and an alumnus of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, has been nominated as the spiritual head of Radha Soami Satsang Beas (RSSB). The announcement was made by Gurinder Singh Dhillon, the current head of the dera. Jasdeep is also the paternal cousin of Gurinder Singh.
According to reports the announcement led to unrest among dera followers and prompting many to gather at the dera premises in Amritsar. As a result, RSSB authorities clarified that Gurinder Singh Dhillon would remain the spiritual head until he decides to step down. Jasdeep Singh Gill, as the newly appointed patron, will manage administrative affairs but will only assume the role of Sant Satguru and the authority to give initiation (naam) once Dhillon steps down. Gill was made patron as part of the succession strategy.
