Watford (KP) – On Sunday 16th July 2006, the UK Sikh Sangat rescued Satguru Sri Granth Sahib jee’s Pavitar Saroop from a group of perpetrators responsible for violating the Hukamnama of Sri Akal Takht Sahib.
Two months prior to the incident, members of the Sikh Sangat from across the UK concerned about the beadbi (violation of sanctity) of Guru Sahib’s Pavitar Saroop, had been in discussion with a small group of individuals from Watford who hold monthly divans (Sikh religious gathering) at the Multi Racial Community Centre Hall in Watford. After numerous meetings with the Community Centre, Hertfordshire Police and the Commission for Racial Equality (Hertfordshire), a small faction of this group of individuals were still adamant to proceed with taking Satguru Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee’s Pavitar Saroop to the Community Centre.
In accordance to Gur Maryada (Guru’s code of conduct), the Pavitar Saroop of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji cannot be taken to environments where alcohol, meat and tobacco or any other narcotic intoxicants are served, stored or consumed.
As a result of growing numbers of gross violations of the sanctity of Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee, in particular the UK, the Sri Akal Takht Sahib (the Sikh’s supreme authoritative body) has had to issue a Hukamnama (Edict) and more recently a Sandesh (memorandum) to reinforce Gurmat (the Guru’s principles) and guard the sanctity of Guru Sahib. Unfortunately, the individuals in concern refused to work towards having the divan at Sri Guru Singh Sabha Gurdwara, Watford. This was allegedly because the concerned individuals were not voted in as Committee members in the new committee and therefore they apparently held animosity with the new Gurdwara Management Committee.
On 16th July 2006, over 80 members of the Sikh Sangat from around the UK gathered to peacefully protest at the Multi-Racial Community Centre, Watford and prevented the Pavitar Saroop of Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee from being taken into the complex. After performing Ardas at the Sri Guru Singh Sabha Gurdwara, Watford, the Sangat proceeded towards the Multi-Racial Community Centre. The Sangat continued attempts to persuade the group of so-called “Sikh” individuals at the Multi Racial Community Centre to adhere to Sikh Rehit Maryada (Sikh Code of Conduct) and rearrange the divan to the local Gurdwara Sahib.
The concerned Sikh Sangat were shockingly surprised to discover the Pavitar Saroop of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji was huddled in a small metal suitcase kept in a seat of a car which was parked on the road opposite the Community Centre. Gursikhs were deeply hurt the sight of this and how someone could maintain Guru Sahib’s Saroop in such a derogatory manner. In response to the sacrilegious act, the protesting Sikh Sangat gracefully gathered around the vehicle and began reciting Chaupayee Sahib for over an hour. During this time, the perpetrators of the sacrilege remained in the car.
The Hertfordshire Police and representatives of Commission of Racial Equality (Hertfordshire) were present at the scene. Both the police and Commission of Racial Equality representatives agreed and supported the demands of the concerned Sikh Sangat to allow Panj Singhs (Five Sikhs) to take Guru jee’s Pavitar Saroop to Watford Gurdwara Sahib and not allow the Community Centre divan to proceed. At Watford Gurdwara Sahib Ardas was offered to thank Waheguru for blessing the Sangat to prevent further beadbi of Guru Sahib’s Pavitar Saroop.
Further victory came for the Sikh Sangat when the so-called “Sikh” individuals from the Multi Racial Community Centre committee verbally agreed, in the presence of the Police and the CRE representatives that no divans would take place again outside the Gurdwara Sahib. Also a young member representing this committee attended Watford Gurdwara after the incident and apologised for the group's behaviour and reiterated to the Sikh Sangat that the divan in the Community Centre will never take place again. The perpetrators also agreed to produce a written statement to the Police and the CRE agreeing to not hold any future divans in the Community Centre or any other premises in violation to Gur Maryada.
The UK Sikh Sangat will only be satisfied fully when the perpetrators of the beadbi fulfil their obligations and produce their written agreement that any disrespect towards Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee and offence to the Sikh Sangat will not happen again.
Video of the beadbi:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bi2h-w7NPLg
