Akal Takht acting Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj’s presence at an event organised by Panjab University (PU) student outfit Sath, which advocates for the rights of Panth and Punjab, on Wednesday evening has raised eyebrows. The development assumes significance in the backdrop of efforts being made to regroup various splinter Akali Dal factions.The presence of the Jathedar at a secular institution like PU is being seen as a politically strategic move to engage with the youth. It may be mentioned that Sath has a left-leaning ideology and associates itself with activist Jaswant Singh Khalra.Meanwhile, Shiromani Akali Dal sources told\I The Tribune\I the party leadership brushed aside the event as the acting Jathedar’s bit to engage with young Sikhs despite reservations within its student wing, Student Organisation of India (SOI). “Somebody should engage with all young Sikh voices… he is doing his bit,” a senior SAD leader said, requesting anonymity.It is learnt that the acting Jathedar had also come out in support of a Sath leader whose candidature was rejected during the last PU Student Council elections. He had called the action an attempt to discriminate against a Sikh student.Before assuming charge as the acting Jathedar, Giani Gargaj had remained active in Sikh affairs in Chandigarh and Mohali. Political observers feel that his latest move serves as a soft power push to ensure that Sikh identity remains central to the discourse at PU, where Sath was at the forefront of protecting the varsity’s autonomous status.The Jathedar reportedly said while communal harmony was important, Sikhs must safeguard their distinct identity, language and traditions.This is not the first time that Giani Gargaj’s participation in an event has turned heads. A few weeks ago, he had attended a function to mark the foundation day of Simranjit Singh Mann-led Shiromani Akali Dal Amritsar. His presence at the functions hint at him assuming the role to a bridge unifying various Sikh factions.Amid the recent row between the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee and Punjab’s Aam Aadmi Party government, his appearance at PU could also be read as a message about his ability to mobilise youth, who were instrumental in AAP’s rise to power.