http://www.panthic.org/articles/5258
Essex, UK (KP) – With great shock, shame and disgust, Khalsa Press was been informed that on Sunday 30th May 2010, the 12 member Committee of Grays Gurdwara were overruled by the local sangat who ignorantly voted to allow the serving of meat and alcohol at parties that would be held at the premises of the Gurdwara complex.
Eight of the twelve Gurdwara committee members were against the proposal to allow meat, alcohol and parties at the annexed hall within the Gurdwara complex, however four members were in favour. The four members managed to influence the remaining committee to have an Annual General Meeting open to the local Sangat, in which they strategically placed a large number of their family members within the voting sangat who were then able to swing the vote in their favour.
Although common sense for any Sikh, the Akal Takht Sandesh of 2006 strictly forbade meat, alcohol, intoxicants, singing, dancing or any activities that go against the principles of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji on any property owned or controlled by a Gurdwara Sahib. The Akal Takht Sandesh was articulately presented to the local Grays sangat, however the Sandesh was completely ignored and disrespected by the voting Sangat.
Around nine independent individuals from the wider UK sangat (not from Grays) attended the AGM but were not allowed to participate in the vote and were later verbally and physically abused as they questioned the sacrilegious decision made by the local sangat. One of the individuals had his turban pulled and was then assaulted by members of the local Grays sangat as he left the Gurdwara hall after voicing his concerns.
Subsequently, at the end of this AGM a sub committee was formalised to manage the bookings of this Gurdwara annexed hall.
The entire Sikh Sangat must wake up to this gross violation of Gurmat and disrespect of the sanctity of the Guru’s House. We have received various reports that a small group of individuals in the Leamington & Warwick sangat are stirring trouble and wish to overrule the Gurdwara resolutions passed last year by the Gurdwara Committee which stated that no alcohol, meat or parties could be held on the Gurdwara premises or any building owned by the Gurdwara Sahib.
Individuals and groups that seek to overrule Gurmat and violate the sanctity of the Guru Ghar for their own benefit will be exposed to the worldwide Sikh community and their names will be brought to the light of the Sri Akal Takht.
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Despardes Weekly article (18th June 2010):
