Amritsar: The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has lodged a complaint against a Dalit woman for performing Yoga inside the premises of Sri Darbar Sahib, also known as the Golden Temple, located in Amritsar. This action follows the circulation of visuals on social media showing the Instagram influencer practicing Yoga at Sri Darbar Sahib Prakrama on International Yoga Day, June 21.
SGPC President Harjinder Singh Dhami expressed strong disapproval, emphasizing that such actions contravene the sanctity of Guru Mati at Sachkhand Sri Harmandir Sahib. He lamented that despite the historical significance and sacredness of the place, some individuals disregard these aspects and engage in inappropriate behavior.
Dhami disclosed that the Sikh community felt deeply offended by the conduct of Archana Makwana, the Dalit woman in question, leading to the filing of a formal complaint against her. He noted that Makwana had already issued an apology for her actions, urging against behaviors that necessitate subsequent apologies.
In response to the incident, Sri Darbar Sahib's General Manager Bhagwant Singh Dhangera confirmed that CCTV footage was reviewed to verify the incident after images surfaced on social media. The footage revealed that Makwana had assumed a Yoga pose for a brief period of approximately 5 seconds within the premises.
Consequently, disciplinary measures have been initiated against three employees—Gaganpal Singh, Harjinder Singh, and Palwinder Singh—accused of neglecting their duties. Two employees have been suspended, while one has been fined ₹5,000 and transferred to Gurdwara Garhi Sahib Gurdas Nangal.
Dhangera emphasized that the conduct of the woman had deeply hurt Sikh sentiments, prompting the SGPC to lodge a police complaint against her. Makwana has since removed the photos and videos from her Instagram account. The incident has sparked controversy and raised concerns about maintaining the sanctity of religious places and respecting community sentiments.
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