Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC)
Kartavya Desk Staff
Source: NIE
Context: The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has urged the Central Government to regulate AI platforms disseminating misinformation about Sikh teachings, history, and Gurbani.
About Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC):
What it is?
SGPC is the apex elected body of Sikhs that manages historical gurdwaras and religious affairs in India and abroad, acting under the spiritual guidance of Sri Akal Takht Sahib.
Year of Establishment:
• Founded in 1920 as part of the Gurdwara Reform Movement, and legally recognised under the Sikh Gurdwaras Act, 1925 after British-era religious mismanagement.
Historical Context:
• Emerged during the Sikh struggle against Udasi mahants and British control of Sikh shrines.
• Played a pivotal role in movements like Nankana Sahib Massacre (1921), Guru Ka Bagh Morcha, and Jaito Morcha.
• Became a symbol of religious autonomy and community self-governance for Sikhs.
Key Functions:
• Administers over 200 gurdwaras under Sections 85 & 87 of the Sikh Gurdwaras Act.
• Conducts elections for 191-member house, ensuring representation from across India.
• Manages educational institutions, medical centres, publications, and religious awareness campaigns.
• Acts on sacrilege, misinformation, and challenges to Sikh spiritual and cultural heritage.
About Gurbani:
• What is Gurbani? Gurbani refers to the sacred hymns and verses composed by the Gurus of Sikhism, primarily found in the Guru Granth Sahib, the central scripture of the Sikh faith. It is considered the divine word revealed by the Gurus, and is the spiritual and moral guide for Sikhs.
• Gurbani refers to the sacred hymns and verses composed by the Gurus of Sikhism, primarily found in the Guru Granth Sahib, the central scripture of the Sikh faith. It is considered the divine word revealed by the Gurus, and is the spiritual and moral guide for Sikhs.
• Key Features of Gurbani:
• Divinely Inspired Revelation: Sikhs believe Gurbani is the eternal voice of the divine, revealed through the Gurus, not man-made literature. Compiled in Guru Granth Sahib: All authenticated Gurbani is preserved in the Guru Granth Sahib, which contains hymns by six Sikh Gurus and 15+ saints (Bhagats) from diverse social and religious backgrounds. Written in Gurmukhi Script: The language is primarily Sant Bhasha and Punjabi dialects, written in Gurmukhi, and uses poetic meters called Raags (musical modes). Musical and Poetic Structure: Most Gurbani verses are composed in 31 Raags, and are intended to be sung. This enhances devotional engagement and memory. Universal Ethical Message: Gurbani emphasizes truth, humility, service (seva), compassion, and remembrance of God (Naam Simran) — transcending caste, religion, and gender. Authority in Sikhism: It is considered the living Guru after Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s declaration, and no one is allowed to alter or reinterpret Gurbani arbitrarily. Daily Recitation and Practice: Sikhs recite Gurbani (Nitnem) daily, including verses like Japji Sahib, Rehras Sahib, and Kirtan Sohila, as part of spiritual discipline.
• Divinely Inspired Revelation: Sikhs believe Gurbani is the eternal voice of the divine, revealed through the Gurus, not man-made literature.
• Compiled in Guru Granth Sahib: All authenticated Gurbani is preserved in the Guru Granth Sahib, which contains hymns by six Sikh Gurus and 15+ saints (Bhagats) from diverse social and religious backgrounds.
• Written in Gurmukhi Script: The language is primarily Sant Bhasha and Punjabi dialects, written in Gurmukhi, and uses poetic meters called Raags (musical modes).
• Musical and Poetic Structure: Most Gurbani verses are composed in 31 Raags, and are intended to be sung. This enhances devotional engagement and memory.
• Universal Ethical Message: Gurbani emphasizes truth, humility, service (seva), compassion, and remembrance of God (Naam Simran) — transcending caste, religion, and gender.
• Authority in Sikhism: It is considered the living Guru after Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s declaration, and no one is allowed to alter or reinterpret Gurbani arbitrarily.
• Daily Recitation and Practice: Sikhs recite Gurbani (Nitnem) daily, including verses like Japji Sahib, Rehras Sahib, and Kirtan Sohila, as part of spiritual discipline.