|
Harimandir Sahib may go solar |
|
|
|
|
Written by Varinder Walia/TNS,Amritsar
|
|
Saturday, 19 January 2008 |
 There was a time when hardliners had opposed the move to introduce electricity in the Golden Temple on the plea that such an attempt would be aimed to violate the “Maryada” (Sikh traditions). However, despite the opposition, bulbs lighted up the sanctum sanctorum in early 1920s.
Now, the Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) is introducing hi-tech technology, in almost in every sphere, to streamline its functioning. Apart from computerisation of its departments, the committee has already launched its website.
The technology has entered the kitchen too. With the chapatti-making machines already in place, the committee is now planning to cook the langar with the help of solar energy.
For centuries, womenfolk have taken time out of their household chores to converge around a huge iron tava in the Golden Temple to make fresh parshada for the sangat as part of the community kitchen or langar. And for anyone to actually get a chance to do the seva was considered a privilege. But now the community activity, which traces its origin to the times of Guru Nanak Dev, has been modernised with the introduction of a parshada-making machine. Earlier, the SGPC had installed the water -filtration plant for Sarover of Golden Temple, despite objections raised by the then Head Granthi , Giani Puran Singh.
The Rs five-crore plant was the result of efforts of US-based Tut brothers. However, no brows were raised when imported, battery-operated scrubbing machines were donated by Surinder Singh Kandhari, an affluent Sikh from Dubai.
These machines cover a phenomenal area of 4,500 sq /m per hour and clean and dry simultaneously, leaving the Parikarma floors sparkling clean.
The US-based Sikh scholar and noted columnist, Harjap Singh Aujla, told The Tribune that during his conversation with SGPC chief Avtar Singh, the latter had in principle agreed to introduce solar power system in the complex.
Aujla told SGPC chief that power scarcity, especially during the summer months, was a common feature as the overburdened PSEB was in no position to supply the required quantity of power. The scholar suggested that since SGPC has ample, it should about generating power to relieve pressure on PSEB.
Aujla suggested that SGPC should give a call to Sikh Diaspora to install solar power generating plant. The latter would be more than happy to respond, he said, adding that the former could come forward to donate the equipment and the land can be provided by SGPC.
He also offered services of Sikh diaspora to install astroturf and a synthetic track at Gurdwara Khadoor Sahib. Aujla said he was glad to receive positive response from SGPC chief who promised that all the proposals were under his active consideration.
| Comments () >> |
 |
| Write comment |
| You must be logged in to post a comment. Please register if you do not have an account yet. |
 |
