AMRITSAR: On the historic event of the Prakash Divas of Guru Gobind Singh Ji Mahraj, the Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee, the supreme Sikh Religious Organization, honored Gurinder Singh Mann, Assistant Professor of Sikh Studies, Columbia University, New York. Sardar Gurcharan Singh Tohra, the president of the SGPC, was present at the ceremony that took place at the Manji Sahib. Bestowing the Sitapao upon this young scholar of Sikhism, Sardar Tohra expressed his categorical support for the research in Sikhism. He appreciated the efforts made by Sikhs in the western world in helping the host communities understand the Sikh belief system, and praised Mann’s crucial role in this important area. The citation, signed by Sardar Tohra, and given to Mann on this occasion reads: “January 7, 1995, the Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee, Sri Amritsar, is pleased to honor Doctor Gurinder Singh Mann for presenting an authentic picture of Sikhism in its contemporary context and his role in the development of Punjabi language at Columbia University.” Addressing the Sangat of several thousands of Sikhs gathered at the Manji Sahib, Mann said that the Columbia Sikh Studies Program was the result of a collective Sikh report, and on behalf of many individuals and Sikh Organizations that have worked relentlessly to make this program possible, he expressed his heart grati nude for the unique honor. He went on to add that this Panthic recognition of the importance of University based program will further invigorate the efforts made by Sikhs in the United States, and he was confident that the programs at Berkeley. Columbia and Michigan will be put on firm footings soon. During his trip to the Punjab, Mann’s lectures in conferences at Guru Nanak Dev University. Amritsar. and Punjabi University. Patiala, were warmly received (Punjabi Tribune, Jan 15, 1995, p.S). His book on the Goindval Pothis is ready for publication and will be available before the Vaisakhi af 1995.

Editor’s Note: after the above story was received, we received a copy of a letter written by Sardar Tohra regarding Dr. Mann’s visit, the letter was printed in the Feb 10 Punjabi Section, a translation of thar leder appears below. 1 gives me great pain to announce that a few days ago I met Dr. Gurinder Singh Mann, who was visiting India from USA Rhupinder Singh Mann, an Uncle of Gunnder Singh Mann had talked to no about Dr. Gurinder Singh Man and his knowledge of teachings of Guru Grantle Sahib, and I was informed that he was going back to USA in two or three days

Considering that we were going to home some intellectuals in World Sikh gathering, we decided to honor him at Gurdwa Manji Sahib I praised his work before honoring him.

They were making a video movie at that time and at that time I was not aware of the fact that he had submitted his thesis on the porting lives of McLeod about Guru Granth Sahab. Now I have received telephone calls from United States that he showing that movie in America and collecting money

Being unaware of the background. I was misled into the incident. I request the people to be watchful Until his thesis is printed and comes out and Pasha intellectuals approve, no monetary support should be given.

Article extracted from this publication >> February 17, 1995