CHANDIGARH: The Punjab Assembly took a significant step on June 20 by passing the Sikh Gurdwaras (Amendment) Bill, 2023, guaranteeing the free telecast of 'Gurbani' from the iconic Golden Temple located in Amritsar.
Ensuring Free Telecast of Gurbani: The term "Gurbani" commonly refers to a collection of compositions by the Sikh Gurus and other writers of the revered Guru Granth Sahib. It holds immense significance for the Sikh community.
Amendment of Sikh Gurdwaras Act for Free Telecast: The Bill was swiftly brought up for discussion in the Punjab Assembly. In a separate development, the Punjab Cabinet, on Monday, approved an amendment to the British-era Sikh Gurdwaras Act of 1925. The amendment aimed to ensure the free-to-air telecast of Gurbani from the Golden Temple in Amritsar.
Currently, the telecast of Gurbani is carried out by PTC, a private channel that is often associated with the Shiromani Akali Dal's Badal family.
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), the supreme religious body of the Sikh community, opposed the move made by the AAP-led Punjab government. The SGPC argued that the 1925 Act is a central legislation and can only be amended by Parliament.
However, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann affirmed the state government's full competence to amend the Act. He cited the Supreme Court's ruling on the establishment of a separate gurdwara committee for Haryana, stating that the Act in question is not an inter-state Act, but rather a State Act.
The passage of the Sikh Gurdwaras (Amendment) Bill, 2023 by the Punjab Assembly signifies a significant milestone in ensuring the free telecast of Gurbani from the Golden Temple. This step will help preserve the spiritual and cultural heritage of the Sikh community, allowing a wider audience to experience and connect with the profound teachings contained in Gurbani.
The Sikh Gurdwaras (Amendment) Bill, 2023 is an important legislative proposal aimed at guaranteeing the free telecast of 'Gurbani,' the sacred hymns from the Golden Temple, to a wider audience. The Golden Temple, also known as Harmandir Sahib, is the holiest shrine for Sikhs and holds immense spiritual significance.
The bill seeks to address the growing demand among Sikhs around the world to have unrestricted access to the divine messages and teachings contained in Gurbani. By ensuring free telecast, it enables Sikhs residing in different parts of the world to connect with their religious and cultural heritage, irrespective of their geographical location. With the passage of this bill, the broadcasting of Gurbani from the Golden Temple can reach a wider audience, including those who may not have had previous access to it. This initiative not only promotes religious freedom but also contributes to the preservation and promotion of Sikhism's rich traditions and teachings.
By leveraging modern technology and digital platforms, the Sikh Gurdwaras (Amendment) Bill, 2023 embraces the opportunity to spread the timeless wisdom of Gurbani, fostering a deeper understanding of Sikhism and promoting interfaith dialogue and harmony.
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