VIRGINIA: Sikh Foundation of Virginia (Gurdwara Sahib) has been the center of a power struggle between present management and the group trying to replace them. The groups have been locked in everything from fist fights to court cases for over a year. What started as a method to resolve the present confrontation has even resulted in moral serious question. Both parties approached the Jathedar of Akal Takht to resolve the dispute. Prof. Manjit Singh has written a letter to both parties giving his advice. In response to the Jathedar’s letter, management has written him a letter. It appears the focus of attention in the coming court case is whether present Gurdwara is an “independent and acts according to its own bylaws or it is “hierarchical in “connectional” which means it is directed by S.G.P.C, and Akal Takhat. Present management is the proponent of “independent” body. In order to support their view point they will introduce three expert witnesses 1) Prof, Darshan Singh (a former Jathadar of Akal Takhat). 2, Kuldeep singh (present Granthi) of Gurdwara Sahib. 3.N. Gerald Bamer (Professor of History) Univ of Missouri. For our readers we are publishing the letter of Prof. Manjit Singh and the response of the management.

Open Letter

Singh Sahib Prof.Manjit Singh Ji

Jathedar Sahib,

 Sri Akal Takhat

Amritsar, India

Honorable Singh sahib Ji,

Honorable Singh Sahib Ji,

We are honored to receive your faxed letter dated March 22, 1994. We have shared it with several members of the, General Body of Sikh Foundation of Virginia (SEV). A great number of them believe thus the contents expressed in this letter are contrary to the guidelines previously sent by your good offices.

Your recent communication has crated utter confusion and raised u number of issues, particularly those re the management of Sikh organizations around the World, including India. Your letter appears to convey that Sikhs must obtain prior approval of Sri Akal Takhat Sahib to establish and run a Gurdwara in their focal communities. We humbly request a further clarification of your views, especially, in light of the fact sat traditionally Gurdwaras throughout the world have been financed and managed at local levels, Like most other Sikh organizations in North America, SFY In encumbrances, e.g., mortgage loans, liability insurance and other financial obligations, To manage the administrative affairs of the Gurdwaras proper procedures and accountability are required consistent with the Federal, State and local laws.

Sikh Foundation of Virginia, since its inception in 1979, maintained a General Body represented by the Board of Trusties, who manages the administrative functions of the organization, while all religious programs are conducted in accordance with the Sri Akal Takhat Sahib’s Rehat Maryada under the guidance of Giani Kuldeep Singh Ji.

We want to reemphasize that, as Sikhs, we hold Sri Akal Takhat Sahib in the highest esteem. We accepted Giaini Kuldeep Singh Ji’s proposal based on the guidelines contained in your letter dated November 6.1993. This was conveyed to you in detail in our lengthy telephone conference calls, followed by written documentation. We want to make it clear that our conflict is not control over chairmanship, secretary ship, or golak, but to uphold the democratic principles embodied in the established SFV Constitution and By-laws.

 In your letter, you suggested that all legal cases be withdrawn. For your information, SFV sought the local Courts intervention just once to protect the SFV assets and restrain a forcible takeover, while the other group has filed numerous suits against SFV, with the purpose of depleting SFV resources. It is the responsibility of the Board of Trustees lo protects SFV property and ensures public safety at the Gurdwara Sahib. We will withdraw the civil law suit provided the other group accepts to restore the normalcy that existed in the Gurdwaras Sahib prior to the takeover attempt of March 28, 1993.

You also outlined in your letter a very strict criterion for sewadars; this could have serious adverse impact on the cohesiveness of Sikh brotherhood worldwide and will further divide the local community. Locally, the only person who can come close to meeting the stringent criteria is Gianai Kuldeep Singh Ji. They key objective: set forth in the SEV. Constitution is to promote Sikhism, especially among the Sikh youth here; therefore, SFV membership is open to all Sikhs living and working in this area.

In the letter, you mentioned a need to follow rules and regulations; we have provided you with SFV Constitution By-laws. This document was developed and ratified by the local Sikh community and is designed specifically to meet our religious and other needs. Any amendments to the SFV Bylaws can be made as long as they follow u democratic process and members are given an opportunity to express their opinion.

We are totally shocked that you did not even address the Beadbi of ‘Sri Guru Granth Sahib at SFV. In your letter you have suggested stops to prevent reoccurrence of undesirable activities in the future. The local community is in turmoil, as you did not even allude to any disciplinary actions against those individuals who committed sacrilegious activities In the Darbar Hall #t Gurdwara Sahib.

I  wish to point out here that SFV Gurdwara Sahib is dedicated to all martyrs #ho upheld the Sikh principles, the ; hallmark of which is religious freedom and democracy.

In closing, inconsistent communication to the Sikh community in Virginia may send wrong signals. We urge you avoid setting a precedent that would seriously implicate Sikh institutions around the world.

Permvir Singh, Chairman

 Sikh Foundation of Virginia

Article extracted from this publication >> April 22, 1994