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Saturday 19 November 2005 - Sikhs the world over
have in the last couple of weeks been marking
the 536th Birthday of Guru Nanak Dev Ji the founder
of Sikhism and first of the 10 Sikh Gurus. At
a time when we are facing many challenges we should
be using this celebration to remind ourselves
of Guru Nanak Dev Ji's teaching that all men and
women are equal and worthy of respect and that
we all have a duty of service to our fellow human
beings.
The Gurdwara is the 'House of God' where the Guru
Granth Sahib Ji dwells. Sikhs believe that the
highest authority is God, and that his truth is
revealed through the Gurus and is contained in
the Guru Granth Sahib Ji. Since the scriptures
take the place of the living Guru, the Guru Granth
Sahib Ji is treated with the utmost respect and
is central to the Sikh way of life.
Visitors to a Gurdwara will be aware that the
Guru Granth Sahib Ji occupies the most revered
place, covered with a rumalla, resting on cushions
on a dais, with a canopy above it. A member of
the congregation remains in constant attendance
and waves a chaur. The worshippers enter the presence
of the Guru Granth Sahib Ji without shoes and
with heads covered. They bow before the Guru Granth
Sahib Ji and touch the floor with their heads
before sitting down. All these actions are symbolic
of the importance of the Guru Granth Sahib Ji.
These are the marks of respect shown to the teachings
contained in the Guru Granth Sahib Ji.
Following last weeks' incidence at Leamington
Gurdwara there has been considerable debate regarding
the consumption of alcohol and meat in the Gurdwara
building and the disturbance that resulted due
to this sacrilege. Alcohol or meat should never
be brought into, let alone consumed, in a Gurdwara.
To do so is highly disrespectful and flies in
the face of the respect otherwise shown by Sikhs
and non-Sikhs to the Guru Granth Sahib Ji and
described above.
The disturbance that resulted in Leamington due
to the sacrilege in the Gurdwara should have been
avoided as the type of violence that has been
reported has resulted in immense personal insult
and shown the Sikh community in a negative light.
Due to some poor media reporting and irresponsible
discussions on the Internet the Leamington Gurdwara
situation has become highly charged with accusations
and counter accusations.
The Sikh Federation (UK) wrote to James Plaskitt
MP on 14 November, as it was reported he was present
at the Gurdwara and caught up in the disturbance.
Many have either assumed he was not aware that
alcohol and meat is strictly prohibited in Gurdwaras
or was misled because of the actions of those
that run the Gurdwara, who should know much better.
The Federation set out in detail how and why Sikhs
respect the Guru Granth Sahib Ji and wrote to
him again today (19 November), requesting him
to clarify his position following a number of
media reports. At the time of issuing this press
release no response had been received.
Any Sikh worthy of the name will know alcohol
and meat is strictly prohibited in Gurdwaras.
Therefore, this situation should have been avoided.
There has been an inevitable increase in hostility
with the potential for further violence. The situation
must be resolved through dialogue with the Sadh
Sangat of Leamington having a huge responsibility
to ensure everyone pays the utmost respect to
the Guru Granth Sahib Ji and avoid this type of
situation in the future.
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