Plans to Setup Guru Granth Sahib Printing Press in California Move Forward

YUBA CITY, California, USA—Having made appearance in British Columbia, Canada, briefly, an SGPC delegation is set to visit Yuba City, California, to chalk out plans of opening a printing press here.  A facility is in the talks that would facilitate printing of Guru Granth Sahib Ji’s Saroops in North America.  The printing facility, as well as an educational center, are going to be discussed between Yuba City Sikhs and the SGPC delegation.

The SGPC had earlier approved setting up the printing press here in Yuba City, after land was donated by Didar Singh Bains, a rich farmer, with close ties to Punjab and Sikh leaders.  It has been learnt that at least 13 acres were donated to the SGPC by Bains.  The land would be used for the printing facilities, a school, and an education center.

Didar Singh Bains has stated that Sikhs have to go through much hardships in order to obtain volumes of Guru Granth Sahib Ji from India.  He said that by setting up a center here, it would resolve the issue.  Bains has already established a corporation under the name of SGPC USA, Inc. and funds are being collected to make the press a reality.

It should be noted that in addition to Yuba City, the SGPC is also planning to setup a press in British Columbia, Canada, as well as one in Europe.

Sikhs Express Concern Over Printing of Guru Granth Sahib

Sikhs in North America, including California and British Columbia have expressed concern over opening of printing presses by the SGPC.  In relation to setting up a press in BC, Gagan Singh, a youth involved with the newly constituted Gurbani Satkar Committee BC, had earlier told a local TV station that “the local sangat does not want a printing press.  If one was to be setup, it must be done with cooperation of local sangat”.

Lack of Maryada A Grave Concern

While Didar family is looking to open a printing press in California to ensure proper respect for Guru Granth Sahib Ji’s volumes, lack of Panthik maryada at the Terra Buena Gurdwara Sahib has been a concern to Sikhs living here.  The Gurdwara has intentionally violated Akal Takht Sahib mandates asking Gurdwara committees to remove chairs and tables from the Gurdwara.

Didar Singh Bains, who currently does not hold a position at the Gurdwara, was not too long ago a voted member with much power at the Gurdwara.  Even during his reign, he had failed to fully adopt Akal Takht Sahib mandates.

Sikh24 has reached out to major Gurdwara Sahibs in the North America, asking if any approval has been sought by the SGPC before setting up the printing press.  Most have expressed surprise over the news, while none has shared any feedback with the SGPC.