Governments must take concrete action to stop AI-generated content hurting religious sentiments – Jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj

Sri Amritsar, September 24 Jugraj Singh Sandhu 

Taking serious note of the objectionable videos of Sachkhand Sri Harmandar Sahib being continuously created through Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology, the Officiating Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj, has asked the Punjab Government and the Government of India to take concrete measures to stop this highly objectionable practice.

He stated that Sachkhand Sri Harmandar Sahib is the central religious place of the Sikhs, whose four doors symbolize the message and principles of inclusiveness, universal communion, fraternity, and love for the entire humanity. He said that in the present technological era, mischievous elements are misusing AI to fabricate fake and objectionable videos about the internal management of Sri Harmandar Sahib, thereby deeply hurting Sikh sentiments.

He expressed deep concern that despite repeated complaints, governments—whether the Punjab state government or the Central Government—have so far failed to trace or take concrete action against the miscreants who earlier or now have produced such objectionable videos. This inaction, he said, raises direct questions about the intent of the authorities. He pointed out that if such objectionable content was related to someone else or any government minister, the governments would claim arrests of culprits within hours. But in Sikh-related matters, the ignorance of investigating agencies is unfortunate and gives Sikhs the impression that their concerns are being deliberately suppressed. Such negligence, he warned, emboldens mischievous elements to spread even more objectionable content and videos.

He stressed that governments should promptly identify such miscreants, publicly disclose their identities, and ensure they face appropriate punishment. He said that any person making such objectionable videos about Sri Harmandar Sahib must be harbouring extreme hatred towards this sacred shrine and the Sikhs, and it is very necessary to expose such elements. He also reminded that no information has yet been provided by the government regarding those miscreants who, in the past, sent threatening emails about Sri Harmandar Sahib.

Jathedar Gargajj asked the Central Government of India to issue specific directions to all AI companies operating in the country to ensure that they uphold the dignity of all religions and faiths. He noted that in the past, AI applications have also been misused to spread false information regarding Gurbani, Sikh history, and Gurmat philosophy.

The Jathedar made a special appeal to the public and the Sikh community not to share or repost screenshots or objectionable videos when such miscreants upload them, and not to publish them on personal social media accounts even for expressing protest. Instead, he advised, people should act wisely and report such content directly on the concerned social media platforms so that it does not spread further.

Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj further stated that he has held a special discussion on this matter with Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) President Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami. He said he asked the SGPC President to hold a special meeting for their consultation with AI experts, and based on their collective opinion, a policy-based strategy will be developed to counter this misuse of new technology. He appealed to all Sikh AI professionals and those working in this field to share their valuable suggestions with Sri Akal Takht Sahib or SGPC on the official emails: [email protected] or [email protected].