Apex Sikh Body Shromani Gurudwara Parandhak Committee on Friday criticised the recent comments made by Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi in Parliament, alleging that he linked Guru Nanak Dev's ideology with 'abhay mudra,' news agency PTI reported.
SGPC, besides taking strict notice of Gandhi's remarks, also prohibited any artist or actor from doing videography at the Golden Temple complex for their promotion. This comes after fashion designer Archana Makwana was booked for performing yoga at Harmandar Sahib.
The Sikh body announced these decisions at the executive committee meeting of the SGPC.
Referring to Guru Nanak, Rahul Gandhi said that Guru Sahib's image shows Abhay Mudra, is "completely wrong". In the resolution, it was clarified that "Guru Sahib did not recognize any such mudra or asana, instead, refuting such phenomenon, he taught to connect with only one 'Akal Purakh' (Timeless Being)," said the SGPC statement.
Criticing Gandhi's remarks regarding philosophy and image of Guru Nanak Dev, the SGPC stated that the "holy Gurbani and teachings of the Gurus should not be made part of political debates without full knowledge."
The resolution also stated that often political people misinterpret the basic principles of the Gurus and the meaning of the holy Gurbani, which hurts the sentiments of Sikhs, PTI reported.
The SGPC, through the resolution, appealed to the Rajya Sabha Chairperson and Lok Sabha Speaker to ensure the proceedings of Prliament do not hurt anyone's religious sentiments.
Rahul Gandhi's Controversial Parliament Speech
Gandhi, on July 1, while speaking during the debate on the Motion of Thanks on the President's Address, quoted Prophet Muhammad to highlight that the Quran talks about fearlessness."When hands are raised in dua, the abhay mudra can also be observed in a way," he said.
He also held pictures of Lord Shiva, Jesus Christ, and Guru Nanak, referring to Hinduism, Sikhism, Islam, Christianity, Jainism, and Buddhism, to highlight the significance of fearlessness.
He had also cited the teachings of Guru Nanak, Jesus Christ, Buddha and Mahavir, and attributes of Lord Shiva, in order to state how all the religions and the people of the country say,"daro mat, darao mat (do not be scared, do not scare others)."
Thereafter, pointing towards the BJP MPs, he said: "Shivji says 'daro mat, darao mat', shows the 'abhay mudra' (the right hand held upright with the palm facing outwards), talks about 'ahimsa', but those who call themselves Hindus indulge in hatred, violence and untruths round the clock."
SGPC To Lay Rules For Videography, Photography At Golden Temple
On the International Yoga Day on June 21, Fashion designer Makwana performed yoga at the Golden Temple complex, after which she landed in legal trouble for hurting religious sentiments.
She was booked under IPC section 295-A (deliberate and malicious intention of outraging the religious feelings of any class). However, she had apologised for her actions, clarifying that she never intended to hurt the religious sentiments of anyone.
SGPC chief Harjinder Singh Dhami, while speaking about the incident, stated: "every religious place has its own rules and deliberate actions are not forgivable."
In a statement, the SGPC president said in future, "rules will be laid down regarding photography and videography at Harmandar Sahib."
"However, with immediate effect, orders have been issued prohibiting any artist or actor from doing videography for their promotion," he added.
SGPC's Executive Commitee Passes Resolution Condemning Kangana's Remarks
Dhami also stated that the executive committee passed a resolution, condemning BJP MP Kangana Ranaut's alleged hateful comments. He also slammed the AAP government in Punjab for not taking any action in the matter, PTI reported.
After being slapped by a CISF woman constable at the Chandigarh airport last month, Kanagana in a video message had said: "I am safe but my concern is that terrorism and extremism are increasing in Punjab... How do we handle that?"