sailing with the masters
How I was escorted out of a Gurudwara
For the first time in my life yesterday, I was asked to leave a Gurudwara premises and was escorted out. My crime was standing near the entrance of a Gurudwara to distribute a handout to raise awareness on the plan by Delhi Sikh Gurudwara Committee’s plan to clad the walls of Gurudwara Bangla Sahib with gold.
Gurdwara Sees Ganj
While I have no problem with gold being used for decoration as it is being use already, I think some balance needs to be maintained. I feel that this money could be better spent in other areas like improving the quality of schools run by the Gurudwara Committee and providing loans to poor students. Here is what transpired this morning:
I was standing at the entrance of Gurudwara Sees Ganj distributing the handout. After about 30-45 min I was asked by the Sewadars to stop doing what I was doing and take “permission” from the management. He took me inside to the office where the Manager and another person who also seemed to be part of the Gurudwara Management started questioning me.
———————–
Management: Why are you doing this? Who told you that gold was being put on the walls.
Me: DSGMC President Sarna Sahib told a reporter of the Tribune newspaper. I read the news report in the paper.
Mgmt: So what if we are putting the gold? Even Harmandir Sahib and Hajur Sahib have gold wallls. The outside crowns and palki Sahib are also of gold.
Me: I have no problem with gold per se. But I feel a balance needs to be maintained. The sangat has the right to know from where and how money is being used. As part of the sangat I have right to voice my concerns.
Mgmt: Then go and do this outside in market and not near the Gurudwara.
Me: I’m trying to talk to my fellow Gursikhs at the feet of the Guru’s house. Also, I’m already standing outside at the entrance and not in the main area.
Mgmt: We are already educating children of other faiths. Do you know we even have Muslim students?
Me: And that is commendable, but more could be done. We could improve the quality of the schools and give better education to the kids.
Mgmt: You think you know a lot huh. Why are you wearing a pagdi that matches your shirt. Isn’t that for decoration too?
Me: That point is irrelevant to the discussion. Besides (lifting my shirt) I’m also wearing a kirpan as the Guru instructed.
Mgmt: Go away from here and find Sikhs on the roads and colonies. We will do whatever we want.
Me: Gure Teg Bahadur said “Kanchan matti manae”. Consider Gold and Earth the same. You can have the Gurudwara to yourself and I will stand on the opposite street.
(I walk out of the office and I’m escorted out of the Gurudwara premises).
When I reach the other side of the road a middle aged Sewadar from the Gurudwara comes up to me and takes me around the corner. In a hush tone he tells says:
Sw: I agree 100 percent with your opinions and we need people like you to voice these issues. I’m very happy you are doing this and would like to bring some other things to your attention. Do you know that the Gurudwara Bangla Sahib doesn’t have proper arrangements for water. The water coolers are broken and there are not enough water kiosks. The bathrooms are in disarray. When this was brought to attention of President Sarna he said that people should bring water bottles from home.
Me: Are you serious? That’s pretty bad.
Sw: Look at the outside marble walls and pillars of the Gurudwara (Sees Ganj) in front of you. Half of them have cracks and are broken. The taps inside don’t have any water and neither does the serai (traveller lodge) and we have come outside to drink water. The shed covering the stairs is cracked and we have been asking for a while for funds to fix it. Most of the improvements are donated by individuals and not the Gurudwara Management. There is very little accountability of how the money is being spent. Supposedly, there are thousands Sewadars on the rolls but most do nothing and have been appointed through referrals and nepotism is rampant. There are schools run by the Gurudwara Management, but the fees are really high. The salary paid to the Sewadars is not enough and they have to go beg from people to pay the fees. Most teachers are also through referrals and are not well qualified and hence the quality of education is deteriorating.
Me: Really? I had no idea. Why don’t people complain?
Sw: They do but are put down by the President and his supporters. He is a devout man but is very powerful. No one can stand against him. All the other members and Managers are afraid of him and quiet in front of him and his family.
Me: Hmm I see. So what can we do? How do we voice these concerns? They just threw me out of the Gurudwara.
Sw: See there is no point taking to these people. The entire Management is in the President’s pocket and no one will listen to you. Arguing with these people is waste of time. If you want to change things then the pressure has to come from outside.
Use the power of your pen, that is your Kirpan. Send letters and petitions to the World Sikh bodies. Send notices to Amritsar and other Takhts. Talk to the media and get published newspapers. Print a few thosand pamphlets and distribute amongst the main Sikh neighborhood in Delhi. Help get the word out.
Me: Yes I will try for sure. But why don’t other people in the sangat here voice these concerns?
Sw: See everyone is busy with their daily lives. A lot of people know the problems but are afraid to voice their concerns. They are cynical and think it won’t make any difference.
Me: Ya I know it’s tough to break out of the cycle.
Sw: We need more people like you, my brother. Otherwise who will give us a voice?
Me: We will help you. Let me see what is possible.
——————–
After a day like today, my resolve to do something, anything about this issue has only increased. I have edited my original post and have now included some of the problems and issues raised by the Sewadar. I would like to get the opinions of some more people to see how many agree with this pamphlet.
Gold, Earth and the Sikh way of life – A Request
If you could please leave a comment and/or forward to other people, I would be grateful.
Related posts:
| Print article | This entry was posted by Brijdeep Singh on July 27, 2010 at 9:03 am, and is filed under Life. Follow any responses to this post through RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback from your own site. |
Gold, Earth and the Sikh way of life
about 1 month ago - 2 comments
According to a news report in the Tribune newspaper, the Delhi Sikh Gurudwara Management Committee (DSGMC) plans to cover the walls of the Gurudwara Bangla Sahib with gold at the approximate cost of 24 crores rupees. This money is being raised from monetary and gold donations from the Sikh sangat and the public. I don’t
about 1 month ago
Its funny how these issues run through a thread a commonality across religious institutions. I have been in situations (in overtly opulent temples) where there is no access to drinking water yet you see the pandits flashing their diamond ear rings, nose rings, chains, etc, etc !!
And when you actually question the issues at hand, its corroborated to chime like questions on your faith to the religion..!
But I am proud of your actions today and would be more than happy to join the movement in the future..
about 1 month ago
Exactly man .. infact this happens all over and people in power misuse is to their own ends..
The larger question is how we as regular people can questions or change things. There are vested interests that want to continue the status quo and it is very hard to take any steps in the other direction.
about 1 month ago
I am pleased to see that today also there are people who follow GURU’s teachings in the actual sence. I am with you and will be more than happy to give my contribution. Wahe Guru ji ka Khalsa, Whe Guru Ji Ki Fateh.
about 1 month ago
Sat Siri Akal,
I commend you on your courage and desire to serve Truth. I feel so inspired by you, thank you for sharing your experience!
I think that as soon as someone is getting paid for performing/organizing religious duties it starts somekind of gradual moral deterioration. There should be as much transparency of processes and rotation of people as possible to avoid this kind of thing, but unfortunately that isn’t the case in most places, in any of the religions of the world. Your pen truly is your Kirpan, Chardi Kalaa!
about 1 month ago
I think we all know that religion is a tool that’s used to control the masses. In fact that is what religious dogma is designed to do. Feeding on control it makes people believe that they will have to face dire consequences if they are questioned or not followed blindly.
Even Jesus was crucified on the cross for questioning religious dogma.
After reading your blog post I completely agree with the middle aged seewadar who spoke to you outside the Gurudwara. Most of the people are cynical because either they always want to be on the mightier side or they don’t have the time/energy to reason with them. And I believe knowing that fact the management of the Gurudwara had the boldness to say “Go away from here and find Sikhs on the roads and colonies. We will do whatever we want” .
To stop these institutions from laundering money in the name of God, the resistance to religious tyranny should have no room for pessimism or blindness, one has to expose corruption, lies, exploitation, fraud & stand up for freedom.
I too am proud of your actions and would be more than happy to join the movement to bring down religious tyranny.
“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.”
– Edmund Burke
about 1 month ago
Fantastic post Brij. I think there are a lot more people that share you frustration with the faith and I am certainly one of them. From the thieves and hardliners that have taken up key posts in Gurudwara committees to the lame duck Sikh Council, this ~400 yr old religion is losing any and all of its reformist roots.
In my opinion the best way to bring transparency to the process and make the Gurudwara committees realize that they can not do whatever they want with the money raised by people is to simply take your money elsewhere. Why must you put money every time you go to the gurudwara? In stead why not donate 10% of your salary to another cause or charity (the blind, autism society, cancer research take your pick).
I am by no means religious and definitely do not know much about the sikh faith. What I do know is that the elders and leaders in the Sikh faith have forgotten that the future of this faith are the youth of today and tomorrow.
about 1 month ago
Thanks for all the support guys… it means a lot of know there are amongst us people who feel strongly about these issues. One of the problems today is that a lot of the people who get into religious institutions and their management are doing it for the power they can wield with their positions. As long as they are doing good work, there is not much wrong with it, but then if sometimes their ideas are questioned, they strongly put down any dissent.
I agree that one of the easiest ways to handle it would be to move the money elsewhere. However, I think at the same time there are some basic transparent and democratic measures that need to be met for public institutions. There are hardly any true rational debates on community issues and mostly its because good people step back and don’t want to get involved in the muck. The Sikh teachings are especially important in such situations, Guru Nanak Dev Ji said, be like the Lotus flower, it has its roots in the muck of the lake but blooms and lives above it all.
What are the practical measures that can be taken? Simple things like, if you see someone overtly taking advantage of people or institutions say something about it. At the very least, talk about it with other people so that it goes viral and we all, together can change public opinion and help some people take proper actions.
You only need to light a small lamp to remove darkness in a large room.
about 1 month ago
You certainly have earned the right to wear that kirpan, bro! In my estimation, the kirpan means you are an ambassador of justice, who protects against tyranny. The spirit and meaning of ‘Kshatriya’. You have taken a stand to bend back the arm of greed whose hand has taken far too much from the mouths of the meek. This is a commendable act.
The ‘business’ that the Sewadar expressed concern about is no accident. People everywhere are working longer to earn a living that affords a mere subsistence. No one has time for politics and the politicians like it this way. As Alex said, ‘religion is a tool that’s used to control the masses’. It’s not the only tool. Economics, education, healthcare, the job market . . . anything that – if made scarce – can be used to drive up competition, aggression and crime, despondency, depression and apathy. The human psyche can be manipulated by the ebb and flow of supply and demand.
Relative to economics, we have a saying, ‘Vote with your note’, which means spend your earnings where you feel it can do the best good. For instance, instead of the big box store, buy from local, family run shops. The same philosophy can be applied to reforming and redirecting Sikh charity funds. The 4 local projects you listed on A Request – Gold, Earth and the Sikh way of life shows that you’re already thinking in this vein. Start small and stay small . . . encourage individual contributions of time, talent, trade. . . make the personal sewa contribution the most important reason for consolidating community efforts and NOT efficient distribution of resources. Encourage hands-on participation, rather than delegate representation. We all seem to think we are absolved of responsibility when we hand over the money we earn to an agent of good will. We need to be individually and personally responsible for how our energy – in the form of money or other resources – is being used in this world.
Spread your arm out wide . . . turn a full circle where you stand . . . whatever is within your reach is your responsibly. . . nurture it and help it grow to be good for all inside and outside your circle.
Of course, you know I will help in any way I can.
about 1 month ago
The best way to help spread the message… for this issue, email it to your Sikh friends. Most people don’t even now this is happening…
About 50% agree with the plan for putting gold on the walls and 50% don’t and more people need to feel that there are other worthy alternatives.
Public opinion is like a mighty river, people in power can put huge dams in it to change course because they have the resources. Otherwise it takes small dams, change 1 at a time, for the river to change its course.
You can share .. http://www.sikhsailor.com/2010/07/how-i-was-escorted-out-of-a-gurudwara/
And this has some practical solutions that can be executed …
Gold, Earth and Sikh Way of Life ..
http://www.sikhsailor.com/a-small-request/
about 1 month ago
Thats a really sad state of affairs of Gurudwara Bangla Sahib. I remember being so fascinated by this shrine and looked forward to having the famous ‘langar’ before I left Delhi which unfortunately didn’t happen.
The state described, of no water and other amenities, while these bodies are loaded with money from devotees is a common story in almost all the places. No one asks for any accountability from them and the moment anyone dares question (like in the present case), they start flustering and try to hush things under the carpet. This works most of the time because we are not persistent, no one has the time in today’s world or just don’t care. While some people do care, they wait for others to raise a voice – people like you.
The Sewadar says that the President is a ‘devout’ man, unfortunately power and money blinds even the best!
All the best…for a very good cause.
about 1 month ago
http://www.gursevak.com
Singh get in contact with Bhagat Jaswant if u really wana make a difference and ask them for there advice…..the website will tell u everything.
wjkk wjkf.
about 1 month ago
@ Simar: You are not only uninformed about your faith (assuming you are ATLEAST A BORN SIKH), but also hard on thinking and analyzing about what you see. Little knowledge is dangerous thing, and what Indian media shows you is most dangerous thing – because they NEVER DEPICT WHOLE TRUTH. THEY WON’T DARE SHOW YOU THE EVIL SIDE OF HINDUS, THE RELIGION I BELIEVE YOU LIKE TO ASSIMILATE IN.
@ Brijdeep: You are treading on a dangerous path by being incomplete in expressing your opinions. If you are Sikh then your suggestion of improvements in schools etc should be to Schools associated with Sikhi and Sikhs.
about 1 month ago
@Harpreet…
First, please refrain from personal attacks on the forum, if you have suggestions and constructive criticism of opinions, they are welcome.
Second, I’m not sure where you are getting the paranoia and fear mongering about other religions, but the the point your are trying to make is completely irrelevant to this issue.
Third, I’m not sure why you think I’m not expressing my complete opinions. Everything on this site is my complete and honest opinion. And yes, the suggestion is to improve colleges and education institutions run by Sikh Organizations, so please relax.
about 1 month ago
datz Really very bad as how can these ppl call themselv As sikhs
(( really Shame full
about 1 month ago
Harpreet ji,
I don’t understand what you mean when you say, ‘incomplete in expressing your opinions’. Is there anything specific that you think should also be stated about this issue that hasn’t?
Also, with your statement that ‘If you are Sikh then your suggestion of improvements in schools etc should be to Schools associated with Sikhi and Sikhs’, I am wondering if you believe that all sewa by Sikhs should only be for helping Sikhs, or if this recommendation for limited range of improvement is specific to the education system.
Do you think the gold should go up on Gurudwara Bangla Sahib?
Please do share your views on the issue. I am curious to see as many points of view as possible. : )
about 1 month ago
I want to ask everyone if the Gurdwaras they attend are using an earmarked donation system yet. If not, here’s an ideal . . . We draft a letter to Gurdwara management asking them to set up a system where the Sangat can mark their donations for use in specific causes. The Gurdwara management can review and select a number of worthy causes, including salaries, maintenance, as well as education funds, newcomer settlement support for immigrants, family crisis support for specific Sikh families, medical costs for specific Sikhs, etc. Bins would be set up and marked with the name and nature of the cause for which donations are being collected. Sangat member can choose which cause to donate to when they visit the Gurdwara. The totals of funds raised can be posted to these bins too.
This is a rather informal beginning, but it would move us all toward Gurdwara management accountability and transparency. If an earmarked donation system where in place now, there wouldn’t be a discussion about whether a Gurdwara should be gilded or a child should be educated. We would be able to ‘vote with our notes’ already.
We can fix these problems. We just need to TRY. Chardi Kala!
about 1 month ago
waheguru ji ka khalsa waheguru ji ki fateh…
i totaly agree with this that puting gold on the wall of gurdwara bangla sahib is total waiste of sangats hard earned money which they respectfully give to there guru sri guru granth sahib ji . but these management persons are using these money for wrong purposes . I ASK U ALL— if we do not put gold on gurdwara bangla sahib walls ki GURDWARA SAHIB DI maanta ghat jaayegi . ya gold lagan naal sagoon hor jaada tention create hoyegi ki koi chori na kare … te usde layi hor security guards rakho hor ik funds load gurdwara sahib uttey un necesasary pao…..te jithey tak duji gal hai saade jede school management commetee de andar chal rahe ne its a fact beyond doubt ki unna di padai da standard bahut hi gir chuka hai which is beyond doubt truth ,,, jis kar ke saanu sikhaan nu aapne bachya nu dooje christians ya hor convent schools de vich paana painda hai ….te uthe jaake bache sikhi naal tut jaande han te taahi eh kes katwaana te nashe karna shuru kar dinde han …….. je ehna paisa asi education standard sudharan te laga daiye te i can assure with in 5 years these schools will be top in the world. te duja ithey sardara de bachya le fees vi addi kar deni chahidi ki hoya je asi apne dharam parachar le eh karde hain i dont think we r doing any partiality ..hor dharma waalya kol vi paiasa hai beshak oh vi fees ghtan aapne bachyaan layi …. ..
about 1 month ago
WJK WJF
Yes i am agree with you. But i would like to add further that same thing is happening in Amritsar also. There are lots of problem we faced when we went to gurudwara sahib. But there is nobody to listen.
about 1 month ago
Jagdeep Singh ji,
Could you elaborate on the problems your faced and how you raised the issues. It would be to everyone’s interest to know more details..
Brijdeep
about 3 weeks ago
Ur are right my Khalsa brother they should use the money for better and good purposes. That sevadaar wasn’t a normal person but he was waheguru or a god sent person to tell you further info and what to do next. Waheguru already told u in your mind that it is wrong and then the next step god showed u. May god stay with u
about 2 days ago
Well done brother. You showed commendable courage. I also salute your selflessness in taking time out from your other commitments & spreading awareness about this issue.
May Waheguru take mercy on the people in charge of DSGMC & hopefully they would then realise how badly they have got their priorities wrong. A Gurudwara is a place where the poor, destitute & the needy should find shelter & we are turning them into places where we ostentatiously flaunt our opulence. And this, when there are so many people in our country (including Sikhs) who have difficulty to put bread on the table on a daily basis. When Maharaja Ranjit Singh Ji had decided to add gold to Sachkhand Sri Harmandir Sahib, he did it with his own money & that was the time when there was no poverty among his subjects. So, as a mark of respect & gratitude towards our Gurus & Akal Purakh for blessing his rule with such glory & grandeur, he made this gesture of adding grandeur to his Guru’s abode. Unlike then, now there are thousands of 1984 riot victims & a number of other economically backward Sikhs as well as Indians of other faiths right around us whose life would be drastically transformed for the better by just a fraction of the 24 crore rupees that the DSGMC is choosing to spend on adding gold to Gurudwara Bangla Sahib.
I hope we & our leaders never forget Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s divine lines, present on page 15 of Dhan Guru Granth Sahib Ji, which should be our guiding principle:
neechaa andar neech jaat neechee hoo at neech | Nanak tin ke sang saath vadia sio kya rees |
jithai neech samaaleean tithai nadar teri bakhsees |4|3|
Nanak seeks the company of the lowest of the low class, the very lowest of the low. Why should he try to compete with the great?
In that place where the lowly are cared for-there, the Blessings of Your Glance of Grace rain down. ||4||3||
Bhul Chuk Maaf
Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa
Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!