Latest news with #Gurmat
Time of India
4 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Denied rites at gurdwara after mother's death, says Sikh family in Germany
Amritsar: A Sikh family has alleged that Gurdwara Singh Sabha in Singen, Germany, refused them the right to perform Bhog and Antim Ardas there after the death of their mother. The grieving family has approached Akal Takht, seeking the intervention of the Jathedar, even as the Singen gurdwara management said that the family was stopped from entering the gurdwara on the directions of local police. The controversy has sent shockwaves through the Sikh diaspora. Balwinder Singh, a resident of Singen for over four decades, said that brothers Daljit Singh and Paramjit Singh approached the local gurdwara to hold the Antim Ardas and Bhog ceremony for their mother, but the management denied them. The letter, written by the 'entire Sikh sangat' of Singen, says, "Regrettably, due to personal grudges, the current gurdwara committee denied permission to hold this religious ceremony. This decision is not only unjust and against Sikh values, but also a clear violation of Sikh Rehat Maryada (Sikh code of religious conduct) and Gurmat principles." Balwinder Singh said that the sangat spoke with the gurdwara management committee and asked them to reconsider, reminding them of the core Sikh values of compassion and inclusion. "But the committee didn't listen or show any intention to resolve the issue with understanding or care," he alleged. Davinder Singh, president of Gurdwara Singh Sabha, Singen, told TOI that the management committee stopped the family from holding the ceremony on directions from the local police. He claimed that the persons involved had previously clashed with members of the sangat and caused disturbances, prompting police to advise the management not to allow them entry to the gurdwara. Balwinder Singh said that the family brought a granthi from another Gurdwara, nearly 150km away, to perform the Antim Ardas and Bhog. "We have now requested the Jathedar of Akal Takht to investigate the incident, summon the gurdwara management to the Akal Takht, and deliver justice," he said. MSID:: 123016954 413 |
Time of India
7 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
SGPC objects to misinformation about Sikhism through AI platforms
Amritsar: The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has objected to the dissemination of misinformation related to Gurbani (holy Sikh verses), Sikh history, and Gurmat (Guru's wisdom) through artificial intelligence (AI) tools. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami said on Thursday that the AI platforms to which the SGPC has written include ChatGPT, DeepSeek, Grok, Gemini AI, Meta, Google, VEO 3, Descript, Runway ML, Pictory, Magisto, InVideo, DALL·E 2, MidJourney, DeepAI, and others. Dhami said that the Sikhism has its own sacred traditions which must not be altered under any circumstances. "In this era of technology, distorted depictions of Sikh Gurus and historical narratives through AI-generated content—especially altered images—have deeply hurt the sentiments of the Sikh community," he said. Dhami pointed out that many AI platforms are distributing content that misrepresents revered Sikh religious figures, scriptures, and symbols. "Young generations increasingly rely on technology to learn about their heritage, but the incomplete and inaccurate information being generated by AI is misleading them and causing harm to the spiritual integrity of Sikh principles," he added. Dhami said that even some Gurbani apps are not presenting it in its correct form, and the SGPC has already initiated action against such applications. Terming the matter extremely serious, he said that the SGPC will seek the cooperation of people and organisations working in this field to tackle the issue effectively. Dhami appealed to the Sikh community to avoid relying on such apps for spiritual learning and instead consult authentic historical sources for accurate knowledge about Sikh history and traditions. The SGPC president made an appeal to Union home minister Amit Shah, asking the govt to officially take cognisance of the sensitive matter and frame a concrete policy to curb such practices. MSID:: 123020317 413 |
Indian Express
9 hours ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
AI generating inaccurate information related to Sikh history, Gurbani: SGPC
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has said it objected to the dissemination of inaccurate information related to Gurbani, Sikh history, and Gurmat through artificial intelligence (AI) platforms. Responding to complaints from various members of the Sikh community, the SGPC has sent emails to various AI service providers requesting corrective action. The platforms contacted by the SGPC include ChatGPT, DeepSeek, Grok, Gemini AI, Meta, Google, VEO 3, Descript, Runway ML, Pictory, Magisto, InVideo, DALL·E 2, MidJourney, DeepAI, and others. SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami stated that the content generated by some AI tools, including altered images and interpretations, has caused concern within the community. He said that the Sri Guru Granth Sahib is the central religious scripture of Sikhism, and its content must not be changed. He further claimed that some AI tools are producing modified versions of Gurbani, which he described as a serious issue. According to Dhami, the SGPC has received multiple objections regarding such content and has formally asked the platforms involved to stop publishing or generating such material. He also noted that some AI-generated outputs misrepresent Sikh religious figures, texts, and symbols, which may affect how younger generations understand Sikh history and principles. He added that some Gurbani-related mobile applications are also presenting text in an incorrect form. The SGPC has taken action against certain apps and plans to continue addressing the issue. Dhami called on individuals and organisations working in the technology field to support efforts aimed at preventing the spread of incorrect content. He also urged the Sikh community to avoid relying on such platforms and to consult established historical sources for learning. In addition, Dhami has written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, requesting government intervention and the formulation of a policy to regulate such activities.
Time of India
15 hours ago
- Time of India
Sikh family in Germany denied right to perform their mother's final rites at Gurdwara; approaches Akal Takht
AMRITSAR: A Gurdwara in Germany's Singen, has allegedly denied a local Sikh family the right to perform Bhog and Antim Ardas following their mother's death, sparking concern among the Sikh diaspora. The grieving family has approached the Akal Takht, seeking intervention from the Jathedar. However, the Gurdwara management claimed that the family was barred from entry following directions from local police. Balwinder Singh, a long-time resident of Singen, said that Daljit Singh and Paramjit Singh lost their mother recently and approached the Gurdwara to conduct the final rites. However, their request was refused by the Gurdwara committee. In a letter reportedly written by the "entire Sikh sangat" of Singen, it was stated, 'Regrettably, due to personal grudges, the current Gurdwara committee denied permission for this religious ceremony. This decision is not only unjust and against Sikh values but also a clear violation of the Sikh Rehat Maryada and Gurmat principles.' The sangat said they had urged the Gurdwara committee to reconsider the decision, reminding them that the Guru's house is open to all and highlighting the Sikh values of compassion and inclusion. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Up to 70% off | Libas Purple Days Sale Libas Undo 'But the committee didn't listen or show any intention to resolve the issue with understanding or care,' Balwinder alleged. When contacted, Davinder Singh, President of Gurdwara Singh Sabha, Singen, claimed that the management acted on advice from local police. He alleged that the individuals involved had previously clashed with members of the sangat, causing disturbances. As a result, the police reportedly advised the Gurdwara not to permit them entry. Meanwhile, Balwinder said the family eventually brought a granthi from another Gurdwara nearly 150 kilometres away to perform the rites. 'We have now requested the Jathedar of Akal Takht to investigate the incident, summon the Gurdwara management, and ensure justice is delivered,' he added.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Akal Takht summons Punjab minister Harjot Bains, languages dept director over dancing at martyrdom event
1 2 Amritsar: Taking cognisance of complaints over a state-organised Sufi-singing event in Srinagar to mark the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur, Akal Takht officiating jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargaj on Saturday issued summons to Punjab minister Harjot Singh Bains and the director of the state languages department, Jaswant Singh, to appear before the five Sikh high priests at Akal Takht on Aug 1 to give a clarification on the issue. The summon came even as the minister had already announced to appear barefoot at the Akal Takht in a gesture of humility. Giani Gargaj slammed the continued silence of the minister and director, stating that despite the passage of considerable time, they neither offered any clarification nor apology for the controversial event that hurt Sikh sentiments. He said their refusal to respond reflected a disturbing disregard for community emotions and warned those holding constitutional positions carried an even greater responsibility to uphold public trust. The Punjab languages department recently organised an event in Srinagar to mark the martyrdom day of the ninth Sikh master, Guru Tegh Bahadur. During the programme, Punjabi singer Bir Singh performed. Video footage showed attendees, including women, dancing to his songs—an act that drew widespread criticism from the Sikh community for its perceived irreverence. The latest controversy comes at a time when the AAP govt in Punjab and Akal Takht are already embroiled in a war of words over events planned in the state to mark the martyrdom. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trade With Clarity, Not Confusion Teji Mandi Buy Now Undo Bir Singh appeared at Akal Takht on Saturday, met Giani Gargaj, and tendered an apology. However, a decision on his apology is yet to be announced by the Akal Takht. Giani Gargaj condemned the event, stating it was the first time in history that a programme dedicated to the martyrdom of a guru began with singing, dancing, and entertainment—something he described as completely unacceptable. "The Aug 1 gathering of the Sikh clergy will deliberate on panthic and religious matters, and both Harjot Singh and Jaswant Singh have been summoned to present their side," he said. He added the apology submitted by singer Bir Singh—against whom several complaints were also received—will be reviewed and considered by Sikh clergy during the upcoming meeting. Bagicha Singh, in charge of the Akal Takht Secretariat, informed that official summons have been issued to Harjot Singh and Jaswant Singh, directing them to appear and present their explanations. Bains: 'I seek forgiveness' Soon after being summoned by the Akal Takht, Bains put out a post on his X account, stating that he humbly accepted the command of Akal Takht. He explained that the languages department recently organised the event in Srinagar during which prominent intellectuals and scholars shared Gurmat insights. He confirmed that Bir Singh was invited to perform at the event. Bains acknowledged that due to an unintentional oversight by the organisers, certain incidents occurred during the programme. "As a Sikh and a minister, I seek forgiveness," he wrote. "As a humble Sikh, I accept the command of Sri Akal Takht Sahib and will appear barefoot to present myself. Acknowledging our moral responsibility, I will be bound to obey every directive issued henceforth," he said.
