A viral video showing a young girl dressed as Guru Nanak Dev Ji, has sparked controversy and anger within the Sikh community. The video originated from Shahdol, Madhya Pradesh showing a girl in the attire resembling first Sikh Guru. She was sitting on stage in a manner that mimics Guru Nanak Dev Ji. The incident has deeply offended Sikh religious sentiments, leading to official apologies and calls for action from community leaders.
What Happened in Shahdol and Why Did the Sikh Community Demand Strict Action?
The video is reported to have been filmed during a program organized by the Sindhi community in Shahdol, Madhya Pradesh. The community was celebrating Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Gurpurab. In the video, the girl, who participated in the event, dressed up as Guru Nanak Dev Ji, seated herself on stage, and mimicked the Guru’s iconic posture. The act of impersonation has sparked outrage as Sikhism explicitly prohibits any form of idolization or imitation of Gurus.
In response to the incident, Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) President, Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami, promptly initiated an inquiry. Advocate Dhami issued a statement saying that imitating Guru Sahiban (the Sikh Gurus) is forbidden in Sikhism.
“This act has deeply hurt the sentiments of the Sikh community.”
Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami
Dhami further emphasized that while the Sindhi community deeply respects Guru Nanak Dev Ji. He added everyone must respect the traditions and customs of Sikhism and refrain from acts that contradict Sikh values.
How Did the Sindhi Community Respond to the Guru Nanak Impersonation Controversy?
Following the incident, members of the Sindhi community and the family of the girl involved have apologized for the act. In a meeting held at Sindhu Bhavan, attended by Sikh representatives from Ujjain, the family expressed remorse over the impersonation. The girl and her family were advised to present themselves to the Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee. The community leaders also formally apologized for the act in front of the media.
Ramesh Khatri, President of the Sindhi Panchayat, noted that the impersonation occurred in the excitement of the Gurpurab celebrations.
“The girl expressed her wish to dress up as Guru Nanak Dev Ji, and in the spirit of the festival, we allowed it.”
Ramesh Khatri, President of the Sindhi Panchayat
He clarified that the Sindhi community celebrates Gurpurab with great devotion, including events like the Prabhat Pheri and other religious festivities. However, Khatri recognized that allowing the girl to dress as Guru Nanak Dev Ji was a mistake and apologized to the Sikh community for any offense caused.
Why Are Sikh Leaders Demanding Strict Action Over Guru Nanak Impersonation?
The act has been condemned by prominent Sikh leaders despite the issued apologies. Giani Harpreet Singh, Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, called the impersonation “deeply disrespectful” and demanded strict measures to avert similar incidents in the future. Sarbjit Singh Sonu Jandiala, chairman of the Punjab BC Cell, also lodged a formal complaint with the Deputy Commissioner of Amritsar, Sakshi Sawhney, alleging that the impersonator intentionally hurt Sikh religious sentiments.
Baldev Singh, in-Charge of the Madhya Pradesh Sikh Mission, stated that Sikhism prohibits the creation of idols or the imitation of Gurus.
“In Sikh society, the Guru is not a form to be replicated, nor should anyone assume the form of a Guru. The viral video from Shahdol is a direct violation of this core principle.”
Baldev Singh, In-Charge of the Madhya Pradesh Sikh Mission
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Mallika Sadhu is a journalist committed to revealing the raw, unfiltered truth. Mallika's work is grounded in a dedication to transparency and integrity, aiming to present clear and impactful stories that matter. Through comprehensive reporting and honest storytelling, she strives to contribute to provide narratives that genuinely inform and engage. When not dwelling in the world of journalism, she is immersed in the colors of her canvas and pages of her journal.
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