High Priests Direct SGPC To Form ‘censor Board’ (via Blog Of "maninblue")

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Tribune News Service

Amritsar, August 7. To prevent eruption of controversies over books and films based on the Sikh religion, gurbani, history and culture, the five Sikh high priests have directed the SGPC to constitute a “censor board” comprising Sikh scholars to examine and clear books and films before their formal release.

The SGPC has been asked to constitute a censor board. Any book, published material and films related to the Sikhism, history and culture will have to be subjected to examination by the board before their release. This is being to done to avoid any controversies in the future,” said Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh.

The five Sikh high priests, led by Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh, have also asked the SGPC to divide Punjab into three regions-Majha, Malwa and Doaba-to spread message of Sikh Gurus and that of “Gurbani” in a better way.

The Dharam Parchar Committee of the SGPC will distribute published material like books on the Sikh religion among Sikhs through Akhand Kirtani Jatha head Baldev Singh and other Sikh religious preachers.

The three regions, according to Giani Gurbachan Singh, will also have SGPC-operated missions on lines of the similar institutions operating in Jammu.

“The Sikh high priests will also visit these regions from time to time,” said Giani Gurbachan Singh.

The idea to set-up an SGPC-operated “censor board” came up for discussion among the Sikh high priests after a recent controversy of the publication of two books “Gian Sarovar”- an encyclopedia for primary classes in Punjab-and “Balu De Wal”.

SAD (Amritsar) president Simranjit Singh Maan had raised objections over the books following which Director-General (School Education) Krishan Kumar had tendered an apology.

The Akal Takht Jathedar had accepted the apology and had asked the Sikh sangat to consider the issue “as closed”.

 

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My personal take on the situation is that it is the political power play at its best!

For the past few years now, the AKJ (Akhand Kirtan Jatha) & Damdami Taksal have been vying to CONTROL the Akal Takht/SGPC by having their 'persons' as Jathedars there. So far Harnam Singh Duma of Damdami Taksal (who sympathizes with the RSS) with the backing of BADALS is in control not only of AKAL TAKHT, but SGPC in every sense of the word! Now the Jathedars have 'captured' Baldev Singh of AKJ for the Badals!

There is no 'specified' budget set for such parchar at the level they have envisioned. Dividing Punjab into three regions with names like Majha, Malwa and Doaba will promote more separation of Majhal, Malwai, Doabia Sikhs ! Sure they could come-out with better synonyms!

Will they consider/select/appoint only duly qualified Sikhs for the 'censor board' or just their 'political friends'? They will only 'censor' the material of their so called opponents, not their friends. Their past practices are a good indication of the future actions! The Badals will never allow an open & independent operation of the SAD, SGPC or of the Akal Takht!

Avatar Singh Makar has stated on several occasions in the past that SGPC is the over-riding organization of the Sikhs NOT the Akal Takht. Changing the Nanakshai calendar is just one example only. So how can the Jathedars direct the SGPC on any issue now ! SGPC has never paid any heed to the previous pronouncements of the Akal Takht.

I strongly feel the hand of Sukhbir Singh Badal behind this shenanigan to tighten his control over the Sikh affairs for 'votes & notes" !