Edinburgh Gurdwara Committee adheres to Akal Takht Sandesh

Front view of Gurdwara with connected Pary Hall

Edinburgh, Scotland (KP) – Last month it was brought to the attention of the UK Sangat that Guru Nanak Gurdwara in Edinburgh had violated the Akal Takht Sandesh (edict) that prohibits the consumption or promotion of meat, alcohol, tobacco, dancing and parties on any property owned by the Gurdwara or funded by the Sikh Sangat’s money. However, after consultations with Akhand Kirtani Jatha UK and the Satkaar Committee and support from Taruna Dal, a local Gurdwara
Committee meeting was held on Monday 16th November 2010, in which Committee happily passed that they will be abide by the Akal Takht Sandesh in stopping meat, alcohol and parties in any of the Gurdwara owned premises.

Rear view of Gurdwara with second Party Hall

This is a monumental result in the movement of educating the Gurdwara Committees to adhere to Sikh Maryada. The Edinburgh Sangat must be congratulated for being the first Gurdwara in this new Satkaar campaign that has begun in the UK, to take the affirmative step of recognising the mistake and rectifying it.

In a statement by the Committee of Guru Nanak Gurdwara Edinburgh, they declared:

"We would like to pass on our gratitude to the Satkaar Committee, AKJ, Tarna Dal & GNNSJ for all their help in resolving this issue and giving us that final push to eradicate this problem and also appreciate the initial support given to us by the Respect for Guru Granth Sahib Ji campaign Sevadars. On behalf the Edinburgh Sangat we would like to thank all who have supported in this matter there are many nameless individuals who have helped and we are very grateful to each and every one of them. We would also like take this opportunity to encourage all other Gurdwara's who are in similar situations as we were to accept the Akal Tahkts Sandesh and put a stop to the Beadbi." Gurcharan Singh Landa (President) Kuldeep Singh Bhai (General Secretary)

The official letter issued by the Gurdwara can be viewed here.

It is praiseworthy that Guru Nanak Gurdwara Committee in Edinburgh has recognised its responsibility and made these positive steps in guarding the Sikh Maryada. The Panthic organisations and individuals that have worked with the Gurdwara are also commended for their
efforts in helping to resolve the issue. As Edinburgh has now set the trend, we are confident that others will also see that these party halls and such immoral acts must be stopped in all Gurdwaras or any Gurdwara owned property. We hope to bring further good news in the coming week to the Sangat about the same issue that is being resolved in Grays.