| No to ACs, yes to hi-tech sound system at Golden Temple |
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| Written by Dharmendra Rataul, Chandigarh Newsline | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Tuesday, 24 July 2007 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 Amritsar. The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has shelved the proposal to install air-conditions (ACs) at sanctum sanctorum of the Golden Temple, while hi-tech sound system by international company Bose has been allowed to air gurbani and kirtan in the complex.The proposal of installing ACs received widespread resentment from Sikh intellectuals, historians and heritage lovers from across the world. They had said it would mar the beauty of the 16th century gurdwara, where rare frescos and paintings had already been damaged, allegedly due to the neglect by the SGPC. “The proposal of ACs has been sent to the cold storage. The sound system has been installed and it is being appreciated too,” confirmed SGPC secretary Dalmegh Singh. He said technicalities of the AC installation and opposition to the proposal had been taken into account while deciding to stall the move. “We wanted that the heritage and serenity of the Darbar Sahib remain intact,” he added. Various SGPC members, including Bibi Kiranjot Kaur, Manjit Singh Calcutta and conservationist Gurmit Rai, besides Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (Intach) had spoken against setting up ACs. Intach convener Dr Sukhdev Singh said how could ACs be installed at the structure which is already exposed to the pollution around it and its foundation in water? On the other hand, some SGPC members, who pushed the idea for installation of ACs, said when the sanctum sanctorum was electrified in 1920, similar reactions were heard. “People said lanterns and ghee diyas were more natural and the electric bulbs would mar the religious ambience around the gurdwara. The time will come when everyone will agree for ACs,” he said.
Manjit Singh
said:
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| I think Punjab should plant more Pipal, Bohr, Neem, Jamun, mango and other big trees intead of just Safeda and Poplar to prevent ever increasing damage of declining water table in the state and keep themselves cool along with stopping diversion of precious water to desert areas. Now some of you out there may think I am crazy but these trees are rainfall have a great relationship. Also, what I don't get is why SGPC is allowing Nescafe sign right infront of Ram Dass Niwas with a clean shaven model dispalying coffee. Nescafe must have paid someone lots of money to get that sign. Firstly it is all this commercialism around the premisses that takes the spirituality away from the place slowly. I know I know spirituality is not confined to a Gurdwara! But if Sikh history is to be preserved, this type of commercialism for Nescafe, Coca Cola, Bajaj has to go. Secondly, even if it is to be allowed why not use Khalsa Sikhs with proper uncut hair, turbans etc. The way it is going, there will be commercials all over the premises! Some companies are even posting ads on buildings, poles, structures that are higher and are visible from within the complex. If this is development and modernization for Punjab, only God knows where this Sikh shrine and Sikhs will end up. |
Manjit Singh
said:
| Oh yeah! I forgot to mention, the stones in memory of people's family etc with names etched on them in Sikh Gurdwaras. What is a poor person to do if he or she can't afford a stone with the names? Why don't SGPC erect a hospital, school, charity, museum wall with their names on them instead of a historical site like Harimandir Sahib! |
AMARJEET SINGH
said:
| In my opinion what is needed in Sri Darbar Saheb premises/Sanctum Sanctorum is not the air conditioners which are harmful to the health ,otherwise. What is needed is a good quality Sound System. It may be prominently noted that when Raagis sitting on the left or right of the main Raagi sing portions from " ASA DI WAAR"in the morning, it is hardly audible from parts of the holy Parikarma. I think something is neened to be done for COMFORT of the soul not for bodily comforts. |
sajjan singh convenor SHFHD
said:
| I think we should review the proposal of air-conditioning the darbar saheb. the ancient paintings on walls and the manuscripts of Sri Guru Granth Saheb ji in darbar saheb is deteriorating due to the internal environmental pollution , humidity and the temperature variations throughout the year ( which are quite extremes on both the ends). the flow of sangat in darbar saheb is always on the peak. we request to the concerned people to visit the darbad saheb in different times and different seasons and they can feel the humidity and the temperature inside the darbar saheb. this should be recorded and analysed , then they can recommend , what should be done? to preserve our haritage, manuscripts heritage and culture. further, with new technology the AC can be installed any where out side and through conduits it can ber maintained. Not only darbar saheb even the Ajaib Ghar also need the installation of AC. |
sarjitsinghkhalsa
said:
| these people who try to put air conditioners they cant see further than their nose these are not sikhs dont worry khalsa raj is coming soon |
Balbir Rye
said:
| It's the 21st Century and we still don't have a Khalsa Schools-(for small kids and high school kids) or a Sikh funeral chappel, and a Sikh Banks any where in the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. but building more Gurdwaras and bigger Langer Halls is more important to them now than building school & funeral chappels or a BANK for that matter..... Why doesn't the Sikh Comunities in USA look at the Canadians as an example Sikh Comunities that has ACCOMPOLISHED to build to there needs and, to get an Air Conditioner installed in the Golden Temple is like geting the Sikhs that live in America to build a school, a bank or funeral it will never happen........be like the Sikhs in America build more Gurdwaras........ |
Prajeet Singh
said:
| I am not an Arhaeologist, so I can't comment if the Air-con installation will mar the rare paintings of Darbar Sahib. But otherwise, I don't see any issue. There is no such issue of polution of water. We should not be against keeping the archaelogical stuff but planting Air-con is not an issue. If somebody thinks Darbar Sahib will not remain natural if Air-con is planted then better we should remove all the bulbs and tube lights and put Desi Gheyo de Deeve and remove Fans and such other things and better give pakhiyan to sadh sangat ji. |
Harjeet Singh
said:
| With More comforts and conviniances one tends to be more outward looking. The purpose and the very core of the Sikh Philosophy is to look within, to rise above body, the mind and the intellect. This is very amply demonstrated by Our Gurus. Whether it is martyadom of Guru Tegh Bhadurji or the sacrifices of the four Sahebzadas. Hence the very thought of Airconditioning Darbar Saheb for the creature comforts for somebody who barely come for a few moments of their long lives goes against the very grain of Sikhism. it shall dull our senses and not make us aware of the knowledge and the wisdom that Guru Granth Saheb and the Ragi Singhs are constantly trying to convey. |
Pally singh
said:
| wjkk wjkf I think they should also intall big projection screens with "sikhitothemax" gurbani translation aswell... So everybody can take in the gurbani and be inspired..... |
Maninder S Dhaliwal
said:
| All we as sikh cummunity toady, are missing is a true leader like Maharaja Ranjit singh. Every person elect has ego big as Himalayas! Nobody gets along, every body has differnt fundas, minor issues become major controversies! SGPC can exersice bit of commen sense and logic still adhering to our most valued traditions and Marzada. Please don't blame SGPC, we as sangat never question their financial accountability to sikh sangat in Punjab or anywhere else. |
Ravinder Singh Bhutani
said:
| It is very happy to learn that the SGPC is installing high class sound systems to air gurbani. I will be thankful to them if they consider to increase the timings of relay of gurbani kirtan in the evening till sukh assan seva at night , as those coming from their work late in the evening will be able to listen gurbani and have the darshan of sri guru granth sahibji and also will be able to watch sukh asaan seva being performed and be blessed. |
Sarwan Singh
said:
| Installing a good Hi-Tech sound system is very commendable indeed. Besides this, the SGPC should consider the following: 1) They should look into live radio broadcasting using High powered Transmitters so that the Sikhs overseas can listen on their radios. 2) Make arrangements with some TV networks to air live gurbani to all over the world, where the TV telecasts its programmes.3)Think of installing Air Conditioning around the Harmandir Sahib, by building a "clear Polycarbonate bubble-like dome" to cover the whole Sarowar. It can be done, I am sure, with the modern technology available. We Sikh must move with the time and be progressive and be ultramodern, if we are to be a force to be reckoned with. "Raaj Karega Ga Khalsa". Gur fateh. |
KULWANT SINGH
said:
| Guru Gobind Singh Ji bestow GURU ship to LIVINg GURU Guru Granth Sahib JI and GURU Khalsa in 1608 and ordered Sikhs to follow Guru none other than GURU GRANTH SAHIB JI, Expert Sikhs under GURU GRANTH SAHEB JI inspiration engrave unique Sikh REhat Maryada to disembark discipline and united sikh/s all over globe. Under your guidance SIkhs like Prof. Darshan Singh , Maskin ji, Bhai Jasbir Singh ji, Prin.Saheb Singh ji, Paramjit Singh Khalsa, Bhai Harinder Singh ji, Prof. Maninderpal Singh and many others a number of time requested to adopt Sikh Rehat Maryada but to no avail but we practice false ritual like lighting candles, agarbattis, Photo Puja , contoversy for installing Air conditioner , Deh Puja etc. due to our ignorance/Manmath. Until and unless we (Sikhs) read , understand and implement GURBANI in our day to day life and totally surrender ourselves to will of Waheguru , we may end up fighting for issueless issues. Remember Nitnem is must , Ardas is for rest , World is only dust if Guru Granth Sahib Ji GURBANI is in chest, nothing need next. |
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