UAE gurdwara ‘amends’ ardas, triggers controversy
GS Paul
Tribune News Service
Amritsar, December 7
A gurdwara in United Arab Emirates has landed itself in a controversy after an “amended ardas” was recited there. The move has invited the ire of the SGPC and other Sikh bodies.
Priests at the gurdwara reportedly made some changes in the first line of the “ardas”. The “ardas” in new form was introduced during a programme held between November 19 and 28, when former Jathedar of Akal Takht Prof Darshan Singh, who was ex-communicated from his alleged utterances against a Sikh Guru, was there to preach religious ethics.
Sources said some concluding lines were also altered.
Taking note of this lapse, SGPC chief Avtar Singh Makkar said each and every vocabulary of “ardas” should in no way be altered or omitted. “No one has the right to alter ardas,” he said.
The matter has also been brought to the notice of Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh.
Jaswinder Pal Singh, personal secretary to the Jathedar, said: “Those who had invited the excommunicated former jathedar at the function and altered the ‘ardas’ will certainly face action. They will be summoned to Akal Takht to clarify their stance.”
Damdami Taksal (Mehta) and Sant Samaj head Harnam Singh Khalsa also condemned the act and appealed to the Sikh sangat not to get carried away by violation of Sikh codes and oppose such anti-Panthic forces. “It was brought to our notice at first instance that ‘ardas’ in new form was being performed at a gurdwara in UAE. We not only condemn it but also demand stern action against these self-styled preachers who have been misguiding the community”, he said.
Appeal to help flood victims
Amritsar: Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh has appealed to the Sikh community to come forward to help flood-hit Chennai residents. Urging the SGPC, DSGMC and other Sikh bodies to join hands in this hour of need at first instance and extend all possible aid to the victims of natural calamity. SGPC chief Avtar Singh Makkar said they had chalked out the programme to send food for the needy.
