BANTA, Ca.: The tiny hamlet of Banta, near Tracy and Stockton is the selected site of the new ‘so called’ Narankari Mission. As reported by Tracy Press, the Northern Cal, Branch of the Universal Brotherhood opened its doors Sat. July 18, at 10:00 am.
Saying the mission is not a religion or cult but a spiritual movement, Prem P, Chaudhri,said the goal was to bring together all people for peace,
The opening ceremonies were to be lead by the group’s top leader from India, (Baba) Hardev Singh. Claiming 5000 members in Cal, and 10 million worldwide, the group believes in one living God, said Prem P. Chaudhry.
Many local Sikhs are questioning the choice of Banta for the Mission and the true motives of the Nirankari are themselves.
The group, which differs from traditional Sikhism because of its belief in a living Guru is seen as a great source of the turmoil that is transpiring in the Punjab. Does their presence presage a bone of contention among the local Sangats. Time will tell.
Article extracted from this publication >> Aug 7, 1992
