SURREY, BC (KP) – Sikh organizations and members of the Lower Mainland Sangat held a press conference at Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara Sahib (Surrey–Delta) on Tuesday, calling for an immediate end to the practice of transporting Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Saroops overseas in commercial sea cargo containers.
The press conference, held at the Shaheed Bhai Hardeep Singh Nijjar Memorial Building, was organized in response to the recent shipment of 225 Saroops of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji from Punjab to Canada via commercial container ship. Speakers emphasized that the issue is not directed against any individual or organization, but is solely concerned with preserving the highest standards of Satkar (reverence), Gurmat Maryada, and Panthic principles in the transportation and handling of the Guru Granth Sahib’s Saroops.
Sri Akal Takht Management Asked to Issue Directive
Addressing reporters, representatives of the Sangat reiterated their long-standing opposition to transporting Saroops by commercial cargo vessels, palletized freight, or other methods used for ordinary commercial goods. They called upon Sri Akal Takht Sahib to issue a clear Panthic directive requiring that Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Saroops destined for countries outside India be transported only by air and in accordance with established Gurmat Maryada.
The Sangat noted that the Sikh community in British Columbia has consistently opposed sea shipment of Saroops since 2014, arguing that the concerns raised by the community over the past decade have not been adequately addressed. They urged Panthic institutions to respect this long-standing position.
Call for Appropriate Record Management of Whereabout of Saroops
Among the resolutions presented at the press conference were calls for comprehensive records to be maintained for every requested Saroop, including the identity and address of the recipient institution or family and confirmation that they are capable of maintaining the required Maryada. Organizers also asked that claims of high demand for Saroops be supported with verifiable evidence, noting that several Gurdwaras in the Lower Mainland have reported instances where Saroops have later been returned because proper care and maryada could not be maintained.
The Sangat further called for the development of comprehensive worldwide Panthic guidelines governing the printing, transportation, custody, and transfer of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Saroops. They also demanded an independent and transparent investigation into all decisions surrounding the recent shipment of 225 Saroops, with accountability established where appropriate.
Opposes Overseas Printing Presses
Another resolution expressed opposition to establishing printing presses outside India for the printing of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Saroops, stating that the Lower Mainland Sangat does not support such initiatives.
E-Mail Campaign Site Launched
To encourage wider Panthic participation, organizers announced the launch of StandForSatkar.org, a website that enables Sikhs around the world to send emails directly to Sri Akal Takht Sahib and the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC). The campaign urges Panthic institutions to discontinue the overseas shipment of Saroops through commercial sea cargo and to adopt transportation methods that fully uphold Sikh Maryada.
Responding to recent statements by SGPC officials that the Saroops were transported safely and without any disrespect. The speakers maintained that the issue extends beyond just the physical condition of the Saroops. They stated that the standard of reverence being applied to the transportation process itself does not meet the expectations of the Lower Mainland Sangat.
Organizers repeatedly stressed that their objective is not to create conflict with the SGPC or any other institution, nor to divide the Sikh community. Instead, they said their goal is to elevate the standard of respect afforded to Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and to ensure that similar controversies do not arise in the future.
The press conference concluded with an appeal to Sri Akal Takht Sahib, the SGPC, and Panthic organizations worldwide to address the matter promptly and establish uniform global standards governing the transportation and care of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Saroops in accordance with Gurmat Maryada.
The press conference was attended by Bhai Jaimal Singh, Bhai Gagandeep Singh, Bhai Lakhwant Singh, Bhai Amandeep Singh, Bhai Bhupinder Singh Hothi, Bhai Jasbir Singh, Bhai Gurdeep Singh Samra, Bhai Hardeep Singh Nagra, Bhai Ranjit Singh Khalsa, and members of the Sikh Sangat from across British Columbia.
Original Press Release in Gurmukhi: 225 ਪਾਵਨ ਸਰੂਪਾਂ ਦੀ ਬੇਅਦਬੀ ਦੇ ਮਾਮਲੇ ਸਬੰਧੀ ਬੀ.ਸੀ. ਦੇ ਗੁਰਦੁਆਰਾ ਸਾਹਿਬਾਨ ਅਤੇ ਸਮੂਹ ਸੰਗਤ ਵੱਲੋਂ ਪ੍ਰੈਸ ਕਾਨਫਰੰਸ
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