Mulling the issue of caste-based gurdwaras in Punjab, particularly in
rural areas, the Sikh clergy on Thursday sent out a clear-cut message to
the community that no gurdwara would be constructed anywhere in the
country or even abroad in future without the permission of the Akal
Takht.
"Anyone who wishes to construct a gurdwara must approach the Akal
Takht for prior clearance. No one will be allowed to construct a
gurdwara on his own," Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh said
while talking to media after presiding over a meeting of the five Sikh
high priests held in Amritsar on Thursday.
The issue of caste-based gurdwaras was taken up in last Sunday's episode of Aamir Khan's 'Satyamev Jayate'.
Another pre-condition put forth by the Akal Takht was that the piece
of land on which the gurdwara was proposed to be built must be in the
name of Guru Granth Sahib. Only then would the Akal Takht consider any
plea for the construction of the Sikh religious place.
"We will not allow construction of a gurdwara on 'shamlat'
(government) land or on land that is in the name of the village
panchayat or is the property of any trust or committee. The land must be
transferred in the name of Guru Granth Sahib for building a shrine,"
Giani Gurbachan Singh made it clear after deliberating on the issue with
his fellow priests.
"'Manas ki jaat, eko pehchanon' was the message of the Gurus and we all must abide by this," Giani Gurbachan Singh said.
To dissuade construction of Sikh religious places on caste lines,
Giani Gurbachan Singh announced that the Akal Takht would honour
panchayat of village that had just one gurdwara."A certificate of
appreciation will be awarded to that particular panchayat," he added.
with thanks : Hindustan Tines : LINK : for detailed news.
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