Update: Sikh24 has received a letter from Dr. Hardyal Singh in regards to his meeting with Professor Darshan Ragi at Hayward Gurdwara on July 21st, here in California. Dr. Bains was taken to the Gurdwara for a regular Sunday program when the meeting took place. In light of this new information we accept Dr. Hardyal Singh Bains’ version of events and ask that our readers do the same. It has become clear to our editors that the neo-missionary group responsible for the program used selective editing in the video to show support from Akhand Kirtani Jatha elders, despite the contrary. Given this new information, we have removed the original video and apologize to Dr. Hardyal Singh Bains.
Dr. Hardyal Singh Bains’ letter can be found here: http://www.sikh24.com/2013/07/bhai-hardyal-singh-bains-writes-what-really-happened-with-darshan-ragi
The following excerpt is from one of the emails we received after publishing the article on Darshan Ragi’s recent program at Hayward Gurdwara. Our response to the email is also being provided for our readers.
Dear editors,
I can’t understand why you’ve written against Bhai Hardyal Singh Ji in your recent article involving Prof Darshan Singh’s program at Hayward. Although I’m not a fan of this guy in any way, I am surprised to see you also attacked Bhai Hardyal Singh Ji from California who is well respected.
Dr. Hardayal Singh is a Gursikh whose done a lot of seva throughout the United States and Canada. He has traveled to samagams and also teaches kirtan to children. He’s attended many camps spreading the message of Sikhi. He was also a contemporary of Bhai Randhir Singh Ji. Do you think it’s okay to attack an elderly Gursikh like this?
—J Singh
Response from Sikh24 Editors:
Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh
Dear J,
The editors are aware of Dr. Bains’ contributions, that is why we found his praise of Darshan Ragi’s “parchar” so shocking. Many of our staff were deeply shaken by Dr. Bains’ support of a person who is now questioning Amrit Sanchar Banian and the Amrit Sanchar itself. Our hope is that Dr. Bains comes out in support of Dasam Patshah’s Bani so as to not put a negative light on all of his positive contributions.
Our intention isn’t to attack but rather to point out that he may have made a mistake in as respectful a manner as possible. It is also important to mention that Bhai Randhir Singh made much of Sri Dasam Granth Sahib his daily nitnem. For Dr. Bains and others to now support a patit is something that all Sikhs should be concerned about.
We have also received some emails about the video being taken out of context. The context of the conversation between Dr. Hardyal Singh Bains and Darshan Ragi is quite clear, even though the video is just a short clip.
—Daasre
Dear editors,
“as respectful a manner as possible”
Please, do not try to hide your shallowness with such comments. If you were truly attempting to clarify this in a respectful manner a simple phone call to Dr. Hardyal Singh would have clarified any doubts you have regarding his stance on Sri Dasam Granth Sahib AND on Prof. Dharshan. Your “journalism” reeks of typical Inidan media tactics.
Your opinion may differ from mine, but, it is well known how much Dr. Hardyal Singh has contributed to the Sikh Panth, he should deserve a phone call before anyone slanders his name as you have done.