Sikh bodies want serial name 'Gurbani' changed

Once again, the Sikh religious bodies are up in arms against the entertainment industry. This time, the offending source is the TV serial 'Gurbani' that went on air from Monday night. Even before the serial was aired, various Sikh organizations protested against the serial's title, objecting to the fact that the word 'Gurbani' refers to sacred sayings inscribed in the Holy Sikh book, Guru Granth Sahib. 

In Jallandhar a case has been registered with the police by Jagjit Singh Gaba, president of Gurudwara Nauvin Patshahi, Guru Teg Bahadur Nagar, on Saturday, for 'hurting religious sentiments'. Even Amritsar erupted in protests on Monday with activists of Youth Akali Dal (YAD) and International Sikh Organization (ISO) burning effigies and demanding a ban against the serial aired on TV channel Colors. The Sikh bodies are apparently miffed even with the government, alleging that the Centre government did not take cognizance of protest filed by SGPC with them.

National Organizational Secretary, YAD, Gurpreet Singh Prince said, "The character in the serial would be addressed by different persons in different expressions, which could hurt the religious sentiments of Sikhs. Naming the serial Gurbani is highly condemnable, and we will continue our protests unless it is stopped from airing or its name is changed." 

While a media statement issued from General Entertainment Channel (Channel) says they have taken note of the reports and concerns of Sikh bodies, when contacted, Colors spokesperson said, "Our channel has tremendous respect for all communities including Sikhs. We would never do anything to hurt their sentiments. In fact, the producer of the show is a Sikh herself and even has a niece named Gurbani. The name, Gurbani has been given to the lead protagonist in the serial and it symbolizes everything that is pure, cultural and spiritual about Punjab." The spokesperson added, "However, to respect the sentiments of the people, we have decided to change the name of the show. Our team will get in touch with the concerned people, or organization to seek some time to change the name and will try and implement it as soon as possible."

The serial addresses a long standing issue of Punjab, that of deserted NRI brides and highlights the great dream of this region, that of going abroad.  

with thanks : Times of India : LINK