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http://www.tribuneindia.com/2006/20060821/punjab1.htm#5Writer of controversial book fails to appear at Takht
Vedanti authorised to decide on Dasam Granth
Varinder Walia
Tribune News Service
Amritsar, August 20
Even as the author of controversial book, Mr Jaswinder Singh, who had challenged the authenticity of Dasam Granth had failed to turn up for open debate at Akal Takht, today, the Sikh conclave, held here said that the writer did not deserve further time to clarify his position and hence stern action be taken against him as per Sikh ‘Maryada’.
With the result, the representatives of various Sikh organisations authorised Jathedar Akal Takht to take final decision to clear the doubts about the authenticity of Dasam Granth for times to come.
The mood of the Sikh conclave was to take stern action against the author for his alleged ‘blasphemous book’ since he had published the same despite personal intervention by Jathedar Akal Takht. There was consensus that Akal Takht should sternly implement the directive under which discussion on Dasam Granth was banned. With this, the section of Sikh scholars who had been raising doubts on the authenticity of Dasam Granth might take a back seat in the coming days.
Earlier, the author of the controversial book had offered Rs 1 crore to anyone who would prove that Guru Gobind Singh had authored Dasam Granth.
In a hard-hitting speech, Jathedar Vedanti said that Dasam Granth comprises Bani which had been part of daily prayer of the Sikhs and ‘Amrit Sanchar’ and hence its authenticity could not be questioned. Quoting from the Sikh history, Jathedar Vedanti said that any objections to such ‘Bani’ could not be tolerated. He said the hymns composed by Guru Gobind Singh had been an entry gate into Sikhism and certain forces wanted to demolish the same that needed to be curbed.
Setting in motion another controversy, Giani Gurbachan Singh, head granthi Harmandar Sahib said that the Bani of Dasam Granth used to be recited from Darbar Sahib, Muktsar when he was posted Granthi there. He said it needed to be probed under what circumstances it was discontinued.
Meanwhile, Jathedars Hazoor Sahib and Patna Sahib in their written messages said that they would endorse any decision taken by Jathedar Akal Takht on this issue. Jathedar Patna Sahib, Giani Iqbal Singh, however, said that the Bani of Dasam Granth was being recited at both Takhts outside Punjab and hence they could not tolerate raising of any doubts on its authenticity.
Sikh scholar, G.S. Lamba, a editor of ‘Sant Sipahi’ said that as per Sikh Rehat Maryada decision about the compilation of Dasam Granth and its authenticity could not be questioned by any individual or group since it had to be taken by the Sikh Panth only . He alleged that some so called scholars of Sikhism had been indulging in ‘anti-Sikh’ activities. He suggested that such pseudo-scholars should not be called at Akal Takht.
Earlier too, those who had questioned the authenticity of Dasam Granth were sternly dealt with as per Sikh traditions. So much so such scholars were declared “Tankhahiya”.
On the other hand, the representatives of various Nihang and other Panthic organisations have sought registration of criminal case against Mr Mohinder Singh Josh for using derogatory language against the ‘Bani’ which is part of ‘Rehras’ (daily evening prayer of the Sikhs). In a memorandum they asked the Home Ministry through the Deputy Commissioner to register a case under Section 295 of the Indian Penal Code for hurting religious sentiments of a community .
