Reference: Koi kisi ko raaj na deh hen Jo Ih hen nij bal se leh hen,

Ontario Gurdwara Committee hereby finds that it is highly uncharacteristic for a Sikh to air such distortions of Sikh historical references for the amusement of the listeners at the cost of the Sikh sentiments. The committee also feels that the broadcaster is morally bound by the CRTC regulations and regulation Radio Regulations, 1986 Part 1 Section 3. (B)  any abusive comment that when taken in context, tends or is likely to exposes an individual or group or group or a class of individuals to hatred or contempt on the basis of race, national or ethnic origin, color, religion, sex, age, or mental or physical disability.”

The Committee would like to reiterate here, that a Broadcaster has a responsibility and an obligation to conduct their program in a very professional and learned manner. Parodies have limitations and certain literary constraints, which were violated in both instances. The Committee is of the opinion that S. Hazara Singh made a poor judgment in this scenario regardless of his personal grudges or differences.

It is true that the references, S. Hazara Singh used for burlesque imitation, are not part of Guru Granth Sahib or a part of Rehatnamas, This is a part of historic literary work “Panth Parkash by Giani Gian Singh in the early 18th century. This gives the Sikhs enough reason to regard such references with respect and to use such references to highlight the call of the time during Sikh struggles.

On April 1, 1995 some comments were targeted at a particular quotation of Sikh History in “Punjabi Rang” hosted by Hazara Singh, On April 8, 1995 this action was condemned by Jaspal Singh Bal, cohost with Mr. Hansra, on the air, and the trio-Hazara, Hansra and Jaspal met on May 6, 1995 to discuss the issue, and both Havara Singh and Hansra agreed to refer the matter to Ontario Gurdwara ‘Committee on May 11, 1995. It was agreed that whatever the committee decides would be acceptable to both the parties.

The committee looked at the issue and decided to seek the expertise of the Head Granthis of four of our local Gurdwara Scarborough, Dixie, Malton and Rexdale. Giani Gurdip Singh (Malton) was to head the fact finding team and report back to the committee. OGC also contacted Siri Akal Thakat Sahib Amritsar and Institute of Sikh Studies Chandigarh to get their opinion on this issue.

Article extracted from this publication >>  August 4, 1995