NEW DELHI—A recent attempt by the Delhi Shiromani Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) to ship saroops of Guru Granth Sahib was foiled by local Sikhs who alleged that the practice of shipping saroops by sea is a blasphemous practice. 150 Saroops were planned to be shipped from Gurdwara Rakabganj Sahib to Canada via sea when local Sikhs stopped a truck en route to the port for shipment.
The saroops were found in bookshelves, each in a separate cabinet, and were then taken to Gurdwara Dera Baba Karam Singh Ji until further decision is taken by the local community.
The following correspondence by the DSGMC was found giving clearance to the shipment –
TO WHOMSOEVER IT MAY CONCERN
This is to certify that the container number HR 38 P 8828 has been engaged by Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee to carry holy Guru Granth Sahib (Beers) from Gurdwara Rakabganj Sahib to Container Depot, Faridabad, Haryana, for further shipment to abroad. The same may be allowed to reach Gurdwara Rakabganj Sahib.
Signed by Chief Administrator Ajmer Singh
On behalf of Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee.
This is not the first time this kind of incident has taken place. In 2007 and again in 2011, saroops were found in containers and during the later incident, a container containing 100 saroops, pothis and kirtan instruments was stopped by the Indian customs department for investigation. Seeing widespread outrage within the Sikh community, nobody had come forward to assist with the investigations, even though the saroops were being shipped by DSGMC.
In the past, SGPC has taken a strong notice of DSGMC shipping Guru Granth Sahib saroops via sea however now that Paramjit Sarna has been ousted, the Amritsar based organization has completely ignored recent acts of beadbi by DSGMC, as there may be no political motivations. In addition, the Akal Takht Sahib has failed to take action against both SGPC and DSGPC for their anti-Gurmat activities.
Sources close to DSGMC have told Sikh24 that each saroop was compartmentalized, each with their own ramalas. A special carpenter was hired to craft the cabinetry in order to hold respect of Guru Granth Sahib Jee. The concern from DSGMC and others is that if saroops are not taken by container, people may do far worse by taking Guru Granth Sahib in suitcases to other countries where they are badly needed. This problem arises out of the lack of printing facilities outside of India and the fact that the SGPC has not moved forward with creating any.
Detractors say that the best way to transport saroops would be via air, where each is treated with utmost respect.
The true Guru is Naam and Shabad
Mind You those who say that consignments should go by air plane then I have to say that if it goes by a commercial cargo plane then its ok, but if it goes in cargo of a passanger air liner then ?????????????? Kindly get the facts right before getting agitated or calling for actions. There is a saying – common sense prevails.
After reading the above news and going through the comments of few individuals I have some doubts – how would air transport be better that sea transport? kindly explain it to me [think hard cos you will surely walk in the trap]
This is beadbi of maharaj’s saroop and it is bone by a so called fundamental sikh businessman of Canada, all the Sikhs of cbc wake up. If this sin happen to be done by a moderate sikh then all these fundamental Sikhs start crying all over the media. Now no body is coming out and speaking against this sin.
The saroops don’t appear to have had any ‘beadbi’ done at all. It looks like they all were in the container with rumallas and an individual resting place. How else can Sikhs in countries outside of India do seva or darshan of Sri Guru Granth Sahib if there is no way to send them abroad? This seems like a misguided and emotional move.
Mr. Singh…..This is purely ‘Beadbi’ of Guru Grangh Sahib Ji Maharaj….I cried yesterday after hearing this bad news….No doubt Sikh kaum is itself responsible for its downfall….
Mr so and so tuhanu coat pant pawa k container ch tunn k bhej dende ha abroad. Maheena wich rahoge pata lag ju guru di beadbi hoyi k na. Tuc ta drama bana leya guru nu k kach ch pa k lai jo. Guru Granth Sahib ji sade jeewat guru han. Understood k hor samjhawa?
I’m sorry but ur wrong. Did u even think what may happen to the Saroops if they come via water? with the ship moving or the airplane, it could hurt Guru Sahib Ji. i wouldn’t take tht chance.