NEW YORK, NY—The photographer responsible for upsetting members of the Sikh community has apologized for the “blasphemous picture”. A picture had surfaced online showing a bride sitting on the throne of Guru Granth Sahib ji, with her back towards the Guru. The photographer has mentioned that he was not acquainted with Sikh customs, which led to crossing boundaries without ill-intention.
The Glen Cove Gurdwara Granthi had earlier told Sikh24 that the Gurdwara management will remain attentive going forward, and will ensure that at least one Sikh is always present in the Darbar during the day. The Gurdwara Granthi expressed grief over the incident and pleaded innocence.
Sikh24 has been told that similar incidents of sacrilege have taken place at the Gurdwara before. A picture is available with Sikh24 that shows a couple kissing just outside the Gurdwara premises. While the Gurdwara Sahib Granthi Singh was quick to express solace, there was a big need for everyone to ensure that couples getting married at the Gurdwara are well acquainted by Sikh values and beliefs. Over time, Sikh religious ceremonies have become rituals, and Granthis perform these services without giving any attention to their importance.
Following is the apology letter issued by the photographer –
I’d like to sincerely apologize to the Glen Cove Gurdwara, Guru Granth Sahib and all of Sikhs out there, who felt insulted by the photo I took of a bride sitting with her back to a Granth. I’m not of Sikh religion, and simply did not know how important this gesture is to Sikhs. I was trying to portray a unity of a person and spirit, and celebrate significance of the place, and in the process overstepped boundaries. And I’m extremely and wholeheartedly sorry for this and would like to assure everyone that this will never happen again. As soon as I was explained what I had done, I took all of the photos down and deleted them. Being a person of strong values, I fully acknowledge, value, and honor people’s faith.
More importantly, because of this incident, I’ve learned a lot about the religion of Sikhism. I’m especially grateful to those who came to me with kindness and understanding, and willingness to teach. I was explained that being a Sikh means to be a student of life, to seek truth, life and love. I’m a student of life, as well. And like anyone, I make mistakes. But I’ve learned so much from this one. Not only why what I did was wrong, but also many beautiful things about Sikhism, its values and kindness of its people.
I hope you can see it in your hearts to not only forgive me but to be my friends and continue genuine, kind and mutually respecting conversations educating me and others.
With extreme humility and deep apology, and with love in my heart,
nadia d.
P.S. I’d like to stress that the Gurdrwara Committee or families are NOT responsible for this. I took that photo in a very brief time when we were left alone because everyone else was preparing for the processional. So there was no one else in the room, and thus no one else but me should be blamed for it.
All this uproar over a young bride’s picture with her back to the Guru Granth Sahib? When we leave the Darbar Hall do we not walk out with our backs to the Guru Granth Sahib?
It is more sacrilegious when Granthis turn over unread pages of Guru Granth sahib while doing Akhand Path or dozing on duty or texting when they are supposed to be praying.
We call ourselves the followers of Guru Nanak ‘s Panth ? Did Guru Nanak not lie down with his feet towards Mecca to prove that God cannot insulted by such acts. Sikh Maryada was created by people (Sikhs) and it is an ever evolving, not etched in stone.
By the way all the earlier Sikhs got married with the Vedi(around the fire) just like the Hindus. Anand Karaj itself is a relatively recent incorporation in our history and our Sikh Maryada.
This young bride obviously has admiration for the Guru Granth Sahib, that is why she wanted the picture taken in its presence.
The other couple that have come under fire for doing the Lavan Pherey (Anand Karaj)
walking side by side actually understand Sikhism more than all the narrow minded people that are reacting negatively to it.
I also feel sorry for the photographer who has taken away a very rigid and wrong impression of our modern and beautiful Sikh religion.
I do understand that you are not a sikh but the bride and her family should know about the respect of SHRI GURU GRANTH SAHIB.