The Oct. 13, 1995 issue of WSN carried an article in the Punjabi Section entitled, “Satinderpal Sidhwan Prohibited from Speaking from the Gurdwara Stages.” It is indeed sad that an individual (no matter how talented) was compared with Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the Founder of Sikhism, one of the youngest religions of the world. Members of all those Gurdwaras who took this bold step are deserving of the Sikh Community’s thanks. Sikhism forsakes uttering anything bad about others and praising someone unduly. Sikh scriptures are clear in urging us to bask in the glory of Waheguru. Elevating an individual to the level of our beloved Guru Sahib can only be considered selfish; such an act crosses all limits of improper While the above incident occurred in Toronto, Canada, similar unfortunate incidents have taken place in the Washing ton, DC Metropolitan Area in the recent ‘weeks, showing ignorance and dentition. For instance, on Oct. 22, 1995, while introducing one political candidate in the Darbar Hall of Sikh Foundation of Vir Binia (SEV) Gurdwara, a Dr. Hari Singh Avlakh compared the politician with Guru Nanak Dev Ji, a Prophet and the foremost Social and Religious Reformer of all times, How could anyone in his right mind compare a politician with God sent Apostle, Gira Nanak Dev Ji, who gave selflessly to humanity? Aulakh must realize that the Sangat comes to the Gurdwara to hear the glory of Waheguru, the Almighty, not the glory of an individual. A few weeks ago (on September 24, 1995), another individual, a Dr. Amarjit Singh ridiculed the values of someone else’s religion from the SEV podium, which is contrary to Sikh Principles. This individual who professes to be a Sikh should know that our ‘Gurus presented love, not hatred and sacrificed their own lives to protect and safeguard other’s religions. As Sikhs, we have been taught that spreading hatred, talking ill of others, and condemning someone religion, have absolutely no place in Sikhism,
These leaders are humbly requested to accept and follow our Gurus guidance which makes us virtuous leads us in the Tight direction, Let us hope that they Will always keep in mind our Gurus teachings, particularly, when talking from the stages of Gurdwaras in this presence of Sri Guru Granth Sahib.
(Name withheld by request) Va,
Article extracted from this publication >> November 3, 1995