DSGMC seeks apology from Gucci for offending Sikhs

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, February 24

Taking strong notice of the turbans displayed through models in a fashion show by the GUCCI brand of company, the Delhi Sikh Gurudwara Management Committee (DSGMC) has sought immediate apology from it for hurting the sentiments of the Sikh community.

DSGMC general secretary Manjinder Singh Sirsa said it was shocking that Gucci's brand managers chose to use turban in the manner in which they deemed fit for promotion of their brand. Turbans were tied to the heads of models who were not even distantly related with Sikhism.

He said that turban was not an ordinary piece of cloth but a part of Sikh way of life as taught by Sikh Gurus but this company had least cared to take on board Sikh leaders before going ahead with such a show. Just to get some publicity, the company offended the Sikh sentiments.

Sirsa said that turban was not a part of fashion accessory which had been used by the Gucci according to its sweet will. “Sikhs are stylish but we will not accept any compromises in respect of turban”, he said.

He said that it would have been better if the company had taken on board Sikh men for promoting turban but it had chosen to tie it on the heads of those who are even unaware of its value for the Sikh community. This act of the company is a controversial step and he urged various Sikh leaders across the globe to oppose such an act through media, by serving legal notices and raising their voice in their elected houses.

Sirsa demanded that company should immediately tender an apology for its act of blasphemy otherwise the DSGMC would act against the Gucci stores located in India. He also said that it would also be forced to hold road protests and take every step needed to make the company realise of its fault.