Performance of SGPC, Mini-Parliament of the Sikhs
Recent seismic events started by Sri Akal Takht Hukamnama of 2 December 2024 also brought into question the role of the Shromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, called the Mini-Parliament of the Sikhs. That role needs clearer definition by the Sikhs themselves as the body controls vast daswandh funds donated by the sangats for Panthic Miri-Piri activism and Sarabt da bhalaa causes.
Over the decades, the SGPC has not done too well in preserving Sikh heritage, promoting Panjabi language, Sikh religion and culture. It has not been able to prevent beadbi (desecrations) of the Guru Granth Sahib. It has allowed large amounts of historical Sikh scriptural manuscripts to be systematically cremated. Such vandalism has been brought to our notice by Sikh heritage organisations.
Instead of influencing Panjab politics towards Panthic objectives and the welfare of the state in areas and agro-economics and the environment, it has allowed one family to take control of its own decision-making process. So far, the SGPC has been ineffective in implementing the Hukamnama of 2 December 2024 leaving a vacuum in global Sikh affairs. The credibility of the new Jathadar appointees continues to be questioned due to the highly irregular method of appointment, literally in total darkness! The question is if the directions given by these Jathedars would be acceptable to the Panth.
One of the main roles of SGPC is to preserve archaeologically rare and sacred artifacts. Yet, preservation of Sikh history, heritage and related powerful structural symbols of the rise of the Panth (Panth parkaash), for posterity, has not been considered by the SGPC. There have been recorded alleged corruption charges against the body. These charges may or may not have a bearing on the high cost demolition/re-building projects continually undertaken by SGPC.
Experts have not been consulted regarding the damage done to even Darbar Sahib building by installations of modern facilities like electricity wiring, TV and air-conditioning etc. The ignorance of those doing kar sewa about such matters, is appalling.
The latest controversy is about the new high-rise building structure near Sri Darbar Sahib. It is an eyesore which, according to many high-profile Sikhs including ex-MP and Minorities Commissioner, Sardar Tarlochan Singh, violates sanctity rules. From Sikh architectural symbolism aspect represented by Sri Darbar Sahib structure, a high-rise building visible in the sky-line is certainly a sacrilege. The controversy is just one example of the lack of clear and visionary thinking in SGPC.
Many years ago, I went to Gurdwara Badshahi Baag just outside Ambala city. The gurdwara was under the jurisdiction of SGPC at the time. I went specifically to see an ancient jamola (jaman) tree associated with Guru Gobind Singh. In childhood we used to play under this huge green tree. The legend is that Guru Gobind Singh ji and Bahadur Shah stopped here. Much to my amazement, despite local protests, the tree had been cut down on the orders of a kar-sewa wala baba to make way for a building. The parbandhaks told me the whole story and confirmed that the centuries old tree was in good condition and at the centre of the Baag (garden).
Regrettably, the SGPC falls well short of its role when measured against most performance criteria. For too long the organisation has been controlled by one political family faction.
A major overhaul of the SGPC is long overdue so that it can serve its Panthic role next to Sri Akal Takht Sahib.
Gurmukh Singh OBE
Principal Civil Servant retd (UK)
E-mail: sewauk2005@yahoo.co.uk
Sikh ideology articles: https://www.sikhmissionarysociety.org/