The destruction of Sikh Heritage

[shindasingh]

Found this article today, falls in with the discussion I think...

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Covering ‘beri’ tree may disturb birds’ habitat

Varinder Walia

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, June 25

The over-enthusiasm of the SGPC to cover the five-century old “Ber Baba Budha†tree with fibre glass to keep “parikarma†of the Golden Temple free from shedding leaves could disturb the natural habitat of birds, especially sparrows.

The existence of the ancient tree is under threat as the SGPC has put up a steel frame around it without consulting experts. A marble frame has already been constructed around lower portion of the tree to preserve the memory of Baba Budha, the first Head Granthi of Darbar Sahib who used to supervise the construction of the Sikh shrine. The iron frame is also obstructing the view of the Golden Temple.

This is being done at a time when the SGPC has been making allout efforts to get the Golden Temple declared as world heritage site by UNESCO.

Mr Major Singh, manager, Darbar Sahib, however, claimed that experts were consulted before making efforts to preserve the tree. He said the existence of the tree was under threat and experts from Punjab Agricultural University had started visiting the Golden Temple for organic treatment against insects. He said the fibre glass was being put up to save “parikarma†from droppings of the birds.

However, Dr Gurbachan Singh Bachan, former SGPC secretary, said that in his capacity as Coordinator, NSS, Guru Nanak Dev University, had made the first-ever attempt to save the ancient three “beri trees†in the Golden Temple complex about two decades ago. He said he had sought the services of Dr Khem Singh Gill, the then Vice-Chancellor, PAU, who had deputed a high-level team for preserving the tree. He, however, said that loading the tree with tonnes of iron frame and fibre glass would definitely disturb the natural habitat of sparrows. He said Sikhism was compatible to the environment and ecology and hence many Sikh shrines were named after trees.

Dr Suresh Chauhan, nature expert, said that the efforts of the SGPC to cover the lower portion of the tree with fibre glass would adversely affect the air pressure too. He said there was need to lessen the weight rather. Dr Chauhan said that engulfing of tree with iron and electric tubes would adversely affect its health.

Dr Bachan said that in 1986 he had persuaded the radical Sikhs, who were in full control of Darbar Sahib, to prune some branches of the tree with a view to lessening its weight. The experts had also helped in sprouting “beri†at the root level.

[amandeepm]

THe 500 year old Beri tree needs to be protected not the 50-60 year old marble parkarma which is littered with tacky inscriptions from people who donated money. I have personally seen SGPC employees clambering all over this quite delicate old majestic tree in order to fix flourescent tubes to it in preparation for Diwali - one day they will succeed in killing it. But that's ok they can replace it with a pot of geraniums from B&Q

[kamalroop singh]

The problem at the moment it that all the organisations involved in Sikh Heritage are sitting on the fence, a public conference is needed, and protest against this mis-management. Gurus Kirpa I hope well can all get together to do something.

[SAadmin]

There are lot of events happening in North America and all over the world by Sikh Heirtage Foundation.

Is there anyway we can present this topic "The destruction of Sikh Heritage" to any of these events???

Here is their offical site:

http://www.sikhheritage.org/events.html

[kamalroop singh]

http://www.tribuneindia.com/2004/20040706/punjab1.htm

does anybody know how much 200 to 800 crore would be in dollars or pounds?

[SAadmin]

Here is the whole story (sometimes link dont work)

SGPC poll a ‘dharam yudh’, says Baba Bedi

K.S. Chawla

Ludhiana, July 5

Baba Sarbjot Singh Bedi, president of the Gurmat Sidhant Parcharak Sant Samaj and chief patron of the Panthic Morcha, said here today that the SGPC elections were a “dharam yudh” to cleanse the gurdwaras of maladministration and restore the “maryada” of the Sikh religion.

He said the elections should be a purely religious affair and no politics should be involved. “Sikhs should throw out the anti-Sikh forces working at the instance of the RSS. The politicians should also be thrown out,” he said.

Talking to this correspondent he said the Panthic Morcha was committed to restoring the supremacy of Akal Takht and its autonomy. It would also set up a separate secretariat for Akal Takht.

Alleging large-scale corruption in the SGPC, Baba Bedi said SAD president Parkash Singh Badal was helping committee officials who had not paid lakhs of rupees to the educational institutions being run with the money received as offerings at gurdwaras. He alleged that Mr Badal had got them “no-dues certificates” from the SGPC offices.

Baba Bedi said the annual income of the SGPC was not Rs 200 crore but Rs 800 crore. A theft of Rs 600 crore was taking place in the SGPC funds. “We are collecting data about all such doings and will soon expose those responsible,” he added.

He demanded that renowned economists should look after the accounts of the SGPC.

Baba Bedi claimed that more than 90 per cent of the candidates of the Panthic Morcha were staunch Sikhs whereas a large number of candidates put up by Mr Badal were “patit” Sikhs.

[Hari]

http://www.tribuneindia.com/2004/20040706/punjab1.htm

does anybody know how much 200 to 800 crore would be in dollars or pounds?

Indian Rupee fluctuates between 70-85+ Rupees per Pound Sterling.I believe at the moment it is around 80-85 R to every £1.

For those who don't know, one kror (crore) is ten million (10 000 000).So lets take Pounds Sterling exchange rate at 80, that would mean:

200 kror = £25 000 000 (twenty five million Pounds)

800 kror = £100 000 000 (one hundred million Pounds)

If I've made a mistake in calculation, then please correct, but don't get too excited about it.

[Guest]

For those who don't know, one kror (crore) is ten million (10 000 000).So lets take Pounds Sterling exchange rate at 80, that would mean:

200 kror = £25 000 000 (twenty five million Pounds)

800 kror = £100 000 000 (one hundred million Pounds)

Just imagine how much kirat da kamiya of sangat has been used by this evil malech SGPC :evil: :evil:

[tSingh]

Rest assured, heritage is still out there, although dusty, neglected and being eaten by mites and mostly outside punjab (there's not much left in majha, fair bit in malwa though!) but as sporty spice on bo'selecta says...

yuv jus gorru looooooook for it

[kamalroop singh]

http://rawa.fancymarketing.net/statues2.htm

draw your own comparisons................

[SAadmin]

Here is audio clip by sant inderjit singh raqbe wale about destruction of sikh heritage during singh sabha movement:

 

http://kam1825.podbean.com/e/the-destruction-of-sikh-heritage-during-the-singh-sabha-movement/

[Northern]

It is important to protect historical sites of our Guru Jis and ancestors in the motherland, as well as any artifacts especially everyday objects as they show the way of life back in the day.

SImilarly, where people have migrated to other countries and set up Gurudwaras it's vital to maintain and protect these sites.  Central London is the home of the first Gurudara in Europe.  However this isn't greatly maintained for a number of reasons, one being that people want to visit grand lavish Gurudwaras in Kent or Southall.  This Central London Gurudwara should have a museum within there upper floors showing the history of SIkhs in London and wider Europe when they first moved into the area; thus, protecting our heritage.