Sunderland, England (KP) – For the past ten years meat and alcohol parties had been allowed at the Sikh Leisure Centre that forms part of the Gurdwara complex of the Sunderland Sikh Association. This month, the Satkaar Campaign raised awareness of the serious issue and worked alongside with the Sikh Council UK and Sunderland Sikh Association to ensure Sikh Maryada is adhered to.
On Sunday 12th March, the Sunderland Sikh Association took a bold positive step to formally pass a resolution that they would adhere to the 2006 Sri Akal Takht Sandesh that prohibits meat and alcohol parties.
Members of the UK Sangat had objected to the violation of Sikh Maryada and Sikh ethics 6 years before. In July 2010, the Sunderland Sikh Association passed a resolution signalling their intent to stop parties at the hall, though no firm deadlines were given as to when this would take place. Further bookings had taken place since July 2010. However, after receiving requests from the UK Sangat, the Satkaar Campaign and the Sikh Council UK, the Sunderland Sikh Association committee formally passed the recent resolution confirming that no further bookings for parties at this hall will be taken. A copy of this resolution, signed by President of the Sunderland Sikh Association:
(Click to view resolution)
The Sikh Council UK showed support for the underlying principles of the Satkaar Campaign, which is to ensure implementation of Sikh Maryada and the 2006 Akaal Takhat Sahib Sandesh.
(Click to view Sikh Council UK Letter)
The Satkaar Campaign said in press release, “We are thankful to the SCUK for their involvement on this issue, and we believe that their engagement made a notable contribution to resolving the SSA issue. As the leading umbrella Sikh organisation which represents the UK Sangat, the Satkaar Campaign looks up to the SCUK in this regard, and we wish to continue working hand-in-hand with the SCUK in ensuring that all UK Gurdwaras follow the 2006 Sandesh so that the authority of Akaal Takhat Sahib is not undermined and maximum Satkaar for Sri Guru Granth Ji Maharaaj is maintained.”
All Gurdwara Sahibs need to ensure Sikh Maryada is observed in all Gurdwara owned premises and that Sikh Ethics is not undermined for monetary gains. The Satkaar Campaign with the support of the UK Sangat will continue to highlight any violations of Sikh Maryada and ensure the sanctity and respect of Sri Guru Granth Sahib is maintained.
