Suggestions received from the Sikh Sangat will be placed before Sri Akal Takht Sahib for consideration: Kahlwan

Sri Amritsar, August 3: Kanwar Partap Singh / Tajeemnoor Kaur - At the Secretariat of Sri Akal Takht Sahib today, a group of Sikhs submitted a memorandum containing suggestions sent by the Sikh Sangat of Vancouver and the Lower Mainland, Canada, regarding sending sacred birs (scriptures) of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji overseas by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC). The memorandum was received by SGPC Secretary Balwinder Singh Kahlwan, Sachkhand Sri Harmandar Sahib General Manager Major Singh, and Secretariat in-charge Bagicha Singh.
Addressing the Sikhs who submitted the memorandum, SGPC Secretary Balwinder Singh Kahlwan clarified that the saroops recently sent to Canada by the SGPC were sent only after a request from the local Sikh Sangat and in accordance with the regulations framed by Sri Akal Takht Sahib in 2009 and the resolution of the SGPC Executive Committee. He asserted that no act of disrespect or negligence had occurred in the process.
He said that Sikhs now reside across various countries around the world, from where requests for sacred birs are regularly received by the SGPC. Keeping in view the propagation of Sikhi, sacred birs are sent overseas from time to time. He said that as some members of the Sangat have sent suggestions regarding the existing regulations governing the transportation of sacred birs abroad, the matter has been brought to the attention of Sri Akal Takht Sahib. In the same spirit, the letter of suggestions submitted today has been accepted and will be placed before the Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib for further consideration. He said that necessary action will be taken in accordance with the directions issued by the five Singh Sahiban from Sri Akal Takht Sahib after they deliberate on the matter. Until then, sacred birs are not being sent abroad.
Balwinder Singh Kahlwan further said that certain individuals have been spreading misinformation that the SGPC sent the sacred birs to Canada in a container and in a dilapidated bus, and that the birs had suffered damage due to dampness. He categorically termed these allegations as completely false. He said that the sacred birs were transported in a brand-new specially designed Palki-style bus, respectfully installed in Sukhasan in accordance with Sikh traditions, rules and Maryada. Upon arrival in Canada, the sacred birs were received with full reverence in the presence of five Panj Piaras (beloved ones) and respectfully enshrined at the concerned Gurdwara.
He further stated that before the sacred birs were sent, SGPC member Bhai Rajinder Singh Mehta had personally visited and inspected the Gurdwara where the saroops were to be enshrined and found all arrangements to be complete and in accordance with the Sikh code of conduct. After the sacred saroops reached Canada, the Gurdwara management organised a thanksgiving ceremony with the Bhog of Sri Sehaj Path Sahib. During that occasion, SGPC Executive Committee member Bibi Harjinder Kaur personally visited the Gurdwara and also found all the arrangements to be satisfactory.
Balwinder Singh Kahlwan said the truth is that no disrespect whatsoever has occurred to the sacred birs, nor has any saroop suffered any damage due to dampness. He said the sacred birs reached Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha, Surrey, Canada, completely safely, and the SGPC has also received numerous letters of appreciation from members of the community from there. He added that the Gurdwara management has been issued SGPC guidelines, and a complete record is being maintained by the SGPC regarding every person or institution to whom the sacred birs are subsequently entrusted.
He made a special appeal to the Sangat to remain fully cautious of false and misleading information being circulated on this issue until an official decision is announced by Sri Akal Takht Sahib.
Also present on the occasion were SGPC Additional Secretary Jaswinder Singh Jassi and Sri Darbar Sahib Additional Manager Gurwinder Singh Devidaspura.