NEW DELHI—Archies greeting card company is under fire for using pictures of Sikh Gurus on its rakhri cards. Rakhri or ‘raksha bandhan’ is a Hindu festival and is not prescribed for Sikhs. While the festival is observed to celebrate the bond between brothers and sisters, as per Indian tradition, sisters tie the thread on their brothers wrists to seek their protection. Sikhs believe the festival demeans the equality bestowed to women by the Sikh gurus.
In response to the greeting cards, the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee has issued a legal notice to Archies seeking removal of the greeting cards and an unconditional apology. The notice has been issued to the owner of Archies Anil Moolchandani.
Talking with Sikh24’s Delhi correspondent on July 28, DSGMC President Manjit Singh GK informed that his lawyer Lakhmi Chand has issued the notice to the company Archies. “This act of Archies has hurt the sentiments of the worldwide Sikhs. This is intolerant and if company doesn’t tender an apology within seven days, we will file a lawsuit in the court,” GK said.
In the notice, Advocate Lakhmi Chand has apprised the Archies company about view of Sikhs on Rakhri. It has been written in the notice that founder of Sikh religion, Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji had shown disbelief in wearing ‘Janeoo’ (thread of Hindu belief) as a thread can’t ensure physical or spiritual security. Referring the equal status for men and women in Sikhism, the company has been apprised that the Sikh Gurus had equipped Sikh women for self-defense.
The company has been depicted as guilty under sections 153-A, 295-A, 499, 500, 501 & 502 of Code of Criminal Procedure.
Sikhism was meant to bring humanity together. This form of ISISism is not SIKHI. What WOULD the Gurus say!
They stood for the truth, looking after the truth is important. You lose the truth you lose your identity.