SAN JOSE, California, USA—There is uproar amongst the local Sikh Sangat of San Jose as the newly re-appointed Gurdwara Sahib committee has removed pictures of Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale from its langar hall. As per information shared with Sikh24, there were at least 3-4 photos of Shaheed Sant Jarnail Singh Ji Bhindranwale, Shaheed Bhai Amrik Singh Ji, Shaheed General Subegh Singh Ji, and Akal Takht Sahib in the langar hall, which have now been taken down.
While some local Sikhs believe that this was done deliberately, committee members claim that this was a temporary move.
It is important to mention that the San Jose Gurdwara Sahib langar hall is typically used to cater to weddings. A partition is set up, where tables and chairs are arranged on one side to accommodate wedding guests. While some Sikhs feel that the removal of the pictures is part of a larger plan by the committee, it may have also been done to provide a more “calming experience” to the guests.
A committee member, Sarabjot Singh Swaddi, also the General Secretary of the Akali Dal (Badal), recently stated that people with malicious intent are purposely spreading false information about the pictures. He said that a museum is being worked on in the Gurdwara Sahib building, and these pictures have been relocated there. He said that in the coming days, pictures of 1978 Shaheeds, Shaheed Bhai Beant Singh and Satwant Singh, Babbar Khalsa, and other Singhs will be added.
However, contrary to the claims made by committee members, local Sikhs have questioned the need to relocate the pictures. Why couldn’t committee members acquire additional copies of the pictures to install in the museum, leaving the originals in the langar hall?
Bikram Singh, a local Sikh who is an active member of the Gurdwara Sahib, stated, “Regarding his comment that they moved to a different hall, our note already addresses that the committee wants these photos moved to a room upstairs that less than 1% of sangat visits.” He added that the committee’s intentions are to move the pictures out of sight of Sikh Sangat.
Recently, the San Jose Gurdwara Sahib committee also invited some backlash when its name was listed as a “Welcome Partner for the Community Reception for the Honorable Prime Minister of India” on Modi’s California trip website. After several complaints, the committee had the Gurdwara Sahib’s name removed from the website.
The following is an excerpt from a press release issued by local San Jose Sikhs in relation to the removal of the pictures –
Photos of Sri Akal Takht Sahib & 1984 Shaheeds removed from San Jose Gurdwara Sahib
“It has been learned that photos of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, Bhai Amrik Singh and General Subegh Singh have been forcibly removed from the Langar Hall of San Jose Gurdwara. These 3 photos have been in the Langar Hall for over three years.
According to the local sangat, the issue was brought to the notice of Gurdwara committee over two weeks ago. Committee informed sangat that some miscreant individual had taken these photos down but as of today the Committee has not restored these photos to their original location, neither any action has been taken against the individual who did this. This raises suspicion that some of the committee members may be directly or indirectly involved in removing the photos.
“Removing photos of Sri Akal Takht Sahib and the Shaheeds who defended it in 1984 has deeply hurt the sentiments of the Sikhs. It is not just a matter of photos but of a deeper conspiracy and motive behind this move. Whoever did this deliberate act has tried to divide the Sangat and cause unnecessary controversy at this sensitive time for Sikh community. This type of activity will not be tolerated and all Sikhs are urged to rise above their political affiliations to stand united in support of those who sacrificed their lives for the community.” stated a local Sikh member.
There are also indications that some committee members are not in favor of restoring the photos in the Langar Hall but want these transferred to a second floor room where less than 1% of sangat visits on any given day. “We fully support forming of a gallery upstairs to depict historic events and information. However, these three photos should remain at its original location in the Langar Hall. Shifting them elsewhere is like getting them out of sight. Besides any measure taken to decide about this important matter should be done via a proper calling of a general meeting where sangat can be present to express their views.
The Gurdwara Committee is an elected body and important matters not only warrant input from the sangat but a voting on record by each member of the committee for public and sangat knowledge and reference. The sangat deserves to know where each member stands on important matters and not let this be a decision by a few.” stated another Sikh member adding “We are proud of our brothers and sisters who sacrificed their lives for us and will continue to fight against this move in a passionate and democratic fashion. We urge the Sangat to raise their voice and ask the committee to restore the photos.”
Please send in your letters of protest to Sarabjot Sawaddi by emailing [email protected]
Although there are much bigger concerns right now..of human rights violations, Im glad this was also sent in, for highlighting, as ALL Shaheed Photos Have Been Taken Down, By Darlington North Yorkshire Gurdwara, in United Kingdom. They have not been returned to the individuals who Paid for them, and placed them. Darlington Gurdwara Trustee, Keval Singh Randhawa, and Sikh Sevadars, Gurcharan Singh. Further state, that Darlington Committee, mostly comprised of persons without basic knowledge of Sikh Faith, have threatened Kewal Singh Randhawa with Litigation, in an ongoing attempt to remove him from Trusteeship. Kulvanth Kaur, (Unresolved Victim of Harrassment, Previous Sevadar of the Gurdwara).