:dateline:Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara in Southall has a large Afghan Sikh Sangat.�In light of events uncovered by the Sangat, in which 22 saroops of Guru Granth Sahib were stored in a warehouse, the Afghanistan Sikh community have been extremely concerned about the impact to their businesses and loss of earnings.
The issue began in early September when sangat accompanied by a Sikh Channel TV crew arrived at a warehouse associated with the Gurdwara committee. At the warehouse they found beds and preparations for saroops to be shipped to India. But before the sangat’s arrival, the saroops had been taken to Guru Nanak Darbar and stacked in a small room.
The sangat was told that the Guru Granth Sahib saroops were birdh (elderly). When sangat examined the saroops, they were all in good condition and after some debate, were taken to other gurdwaras.
As a result of numerous complaints via phone and email–from members of the Afghan community and the sangat across the UK–a meeting was held to discuss the matter on Tuesday 17th September 2013 at Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara Sahib in Southall.
Despite representatives of Guru Nanak Darbar on Tuesday 17th September 2013 meeting agreeing to hold an Akhand Path to ask forgiveness from Guru Sahib and the Sangat, the Akhand Path did not take place. An acknowledgement that a Beadbi has occurred has not been formally issued by the Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara, Southall.
Khalsa Diwan Afghanistan and Members of the Afgan Sikh community are eager to ensure Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara Committee in Southall do not allow this to happen again.
