CALGARY, Canada—Baba Darshan Singh, a santhia (correct pronunciation of Gurbani) teacher from Calgary, Canada, recently gave an interview on Jaag Punjabi TV Show, giving an explanation on the recent Akal Takht Ban on his Santhia Pothis. Baba Jee begins the interview by going over the history of his special Gutka Sahib and Pothis.
Importance of Correct Vichrams in Gurbani
Baba Jee explains that with the permission of then Jathedar of Akal Takht Sahib, Giani Joginder Singh Vedanti and Singh Sahib Tarlochan Singh of Sri Kesgarh Sahib, he printed the first Gutka Sahibs using his special color coded technique to help readers to correctly put the right vishrams (pauses and commas) in Gurbani. Baba Jee gives an example from Gurbani to show how important it is to pause at the correct spots in Gurbani.
In the following line, the importance of correct vishrams is demonstrated: ਗੁਰੁ ਅਰਜੁਨੁ ਘਰਿ ਗੁਰ ਰਾਮਦਾਸ ਭਗਤ ਉਤਰਿ ਆਯਉ ॥੧॥ if the pause is given after the word ghar (ਘਰਿ) then the meaning of the line would be: In the house of Guru Arjun, Guru Ram Das the Bhagat appeared. Now this is not correct, instead the vishram should be after arjun (ਅਰਜੁਨੁ). In this way the meaning of the line is: In the house of Guru Ram Das, Guru Arjan, the Bhagat appeared.
History References
Giving historical precedence by showing Puratan (old) Saroops that also had different colours of ink Baba Jee showed that his work was not against any Maryada. In fact the current Jathedar (appointed) of Akal Takht Sahib had also previously approved of Baba Jee’s work. Baba Darshan Singh said there is nothing wrong with the work that has been done, in fact it is needed in the Panth, in order for those not able to go to Taksals (traditional schools of learning) to be able to learn the correct pronunciation of Bani.
Baba Darshan Singh says if anyone has an issue with his name appearing on the Pothis, or any issue with him leading this seva, then he has told the Jathedar of Akal Takht Sahib that he will give over the rights to publish to the SGPC. He only wants the parchar and seva of Gurbani to continue, and does not want any glory given to his name. He feels that the only reason this issue has been raked up by members of his own Jathebandi (Damdami Taksal) is because they are jealous or have personal animosity with him. Baba Jee has spoken to the Jathedar who said he will bring up the issues in the next meeting of Panj Singh Sahiban.
For anyone wanting to watch the full interview it is provided below.
I think he is right