AMRITSAR SAHIB— Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) President Avtar Makkar made it evident that Sikhs from all over the world have been upset by misuse of a depiction of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Following complaints, the SGPC President has written to the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav demanding strict and urgent action against a Bihar-based tobacco products manufacturer named Kumar Enterprises of Chitrakoot who used a depiction of Guru Nanak Dev Ji on a packet of tobacco.
The misuse by the Bihar-based manufacturer is being viewed by Sikhs as a deliberate action that can only cause offense. The use of tobacco is strictly forbidden in the Sikh religion, to the extent that anyone using them is considered an apostate.
Ironically, the tobacco pouch has been named “Giani Paan Samagri”. Although the world “Giani” refers to a learned person,the word has developed a negative connotation in India. The term on the pouch could imply that this tobacco is for “Gianis”.
SGPC President Avtar Makkar has demanded the UP Government to take strict action against the manufacturer and register a case for hurting sentiments of the Sikh community. He also requested a ban on the company and sale of its products. This swift action by SGPC President is a result of complaints lodged by Sikhs living in all parts of the World. Social media played an active role in increasing awareness about this misuse of Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s picture ultimately leading to the SGPC’s official complaint to the UP CM.
