Sikhism & gays

President of the SGPC Avtar Singh Makkar has been embarrassed by his own orders that Kathleen Wynne, premier of Ontario, would be honoured on her visit to Golden Temple but shall not be presented with the siropa. He could not face the visitor when she came to the place controlled by him. His reason was that in her view, same-sex marriage is valid which is contrary to the Sikh Maryada. But, he did not cite any line from the Adi Granth, dealing with the subject of gay marriages. Such issues never arose in the discussion of those who framed or codified the Sikh tenets. From where did Makkar learn that it is prohibited in the Sikh code of conduct? A new line of morality is being introduced for the Sikhs without any authority. The SGPC is to manage gurdwaras. It is not in its power to create new ethos for the Sikhs without the consent of the Sikh sangat. Moreover, Wynne is the prime minister of a state in Canada where a large number of Sikhs live. Most Sikhs have supported her and their political interest is protected by her. 

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The SGPC President and Jathedar of Akal Takht should have discussed the matter in public. By their unwise step, Sikhs in Canada have been embarrassed. They should apologise.

GS Grewal, HS Nagra, Chandigarh

Why sing about siropa?

The SGPC honouring Ontario Premier at the Golden Temple without the 'siropa' is one controversy which has been created for nothing. If the SGPC had any reservations about honouring Kathleen Wynne with the traditional siropa, it did not have to highlight its decision which may be conceived as dishonouring or offending the Premier for her lesbian leanings. The doors of the Sikh temple are open to any person of any faith. And since offering siropa is at the discretion of the SGPC, why sing a song about whom to give or not. Of late, the siropa is not being given in the sanctum sanctorum to an ordinary devotee but only to the select few. The SAD-controlled SGPC has, unnecessarily, tied itself in knots and made the Sikh clergy a laughing stock in the eyes of the world community. Wynne has not been found wanting in paying respects to the Sikhs' holiest shrine, but the keepers of the sacred place have not given a good account of themselves.

SK Singh, Amritsar

Cowardly stand

If Bir Devinder thinks that he is a defender of Sikh moral values ("Siropa' row: Bir Devinder backs SGPC", February 2) he should know that attacking a vulnerable minority groups like LGBT may be a great opportunity for him politically but it's a cowardly act.

Avtar Singh, Toronto (Canada)

Majithia, a philanthropist

This refers to the story "Visionary who helped shape…" (February 2). We hardly come across a multi-faceted persona who embodies blue blood, philanthropy, education, science, history, charity, et al and is a renaissance man, all rolled into one. The founder of the premier newspaper — The Tribune — Dyal Singh Majithia, was a man of many parts, who preached what he found was upright and in tune with the tenets of humanity. Being an astute Sikh having indepth knowledge of the Sikh scriptures and the community's glorious past, Majithia held all religions and races in high esteem and preached the gospel of universal brotherhood and bonhomie. The pivotal role he played in reinventing the beleaguered education system of the times by opening schools, colleges and libraries cannot be forgotten. Founding The Tribune with intent to give voice to the voiceless was his biggest contribution to make the deaf alien suzerainty hear. The paper deserves applause for keeping the glorious tradition going despite many pulls and pressures of the changing times.

RAMESH K DHIMAN, Chandigarh    

More Majithias needed

The photograph of The Tribune founder Sardar Dyal Singh Majithia and a biographical piece of the great visionary by RMS Chhina (February 2) are encouraging. This is how the younger generation gets to know icons who have not only made their home state proud but also the country. Hailing from a privileged family associated with Maharaja Ranjit Singh, Majithia did not opt for an easy life. Instead, he understood that Punjab could prosper better through a fusion of respect for tradition and new-found modernity that was the British rule. The readers of this illustrious paper are proud of Majithia. He also made contributions to the state branch of the Indian National Congress and the formation of the Brahmo Samaj in Punjab, Punjab National Bank, group of Dyal Singh colleges and a library in Lahore. His uncle Gujar Singh was sent by Ranjit Singh to far-away Calcutta on a diplomatic assignment. Dyal Singh believed that through the cultivation of self-respect and identity, Sikhism could find its meaning. He imbibed all that was good in British rule to make his state prosperous and culturally resurgent. We pay tributes to this multi-faceted personality on the completion of 135 years of The Tribune and hope that this singular newspaper illumines readers far and wide. Contemporary Punjab needs more Dyal Singh Majithias with a modern outlook to prevent the state from sliding down rock bottom to drugs, religious chauvinism and meaningless separation which was not the mould of Majithia, Lala Lajpat Rai and Bhagat Singh. What Raja Ram Mohan Roy was to Bengal, Dyal Singh Majithia was to Punjab. The true salute to him would be to create conditions and space through which Punjab progress becomes the country's accomplishment. Men of ideas are most needed in this province.

PARTHASARATHY SEN, New Delhi

Majithia, a visionary

The Tribune founder Sardar Dyal Singh Majithia was a great visionary of his time. He realised that reading books and newspapers contributed towards enhanced human experience and information. He was of the opinion that teaching should lay stress on self-development for leading an ethical and purposeful life. He understood the role of education and bequeathed to society Dyal Singh College, Dyal Singh Library and The Tribune. Rajinder Mohan S Chinna has elaborated all that which kept Sardar Majithia engaged during a short span of his 49 years' life for the socio-political reforms of Punjab. His footprints need to be followed. 

Soshil Rattan, Amritsar

Majithia lives on

Being a regular reader of The Tribune since childhood, I convey my tributes to Sardar Dyal Singh Majithia, the founder who enlightened the people of the region. Remembering such a soul is to keep him alive. However, it would have been appropriate if such events are celebrated by inviting from readers articles and views on the founder of the paper.

HARISH MONGA, Ferozepur

Letters to the Editor, typed in double space, should not exceed the 200-word limit. These should be cogently written and can be sent by e-mail to: Letters@tribuneindia.com