Context: SGPC has appealed to the Central Government to regulate AI platforms spreading misinformation about Sikh teachings, history, and Gurbani, highlighting concerns over digital misrepresentation of core religious texts.

What is SGPC?

The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) is the apex representative body of Sikhs, responsible for managing key historic gurdwaras, religious affairs, and institutions. It operates under the guidance of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, the highest temporal authority in Sikhism.

• Established: 1920 (as part of the Gurdwara Reform Movement)
• Legal Status: Recognised under the Sikh Gurdwaras Act, 1925
• Headquarters: Amritsar, Punjab

Historical Background

• SGPC emerged in response to the mismanagement of Sikh shrines by Udasi mahants and the British colonial state.
• Played a central role in key movements:
  • Nankana Sahib Massacre (1921)
  • Guru Ka Bagh Morcha
  • Jaito Morcha
• Became a symbol of religious autonomy, community mobilisation, and self-governance for Sikhs.

Key Functions of SGPC

• Manages 200+ historic gurdwaras under Sections 85 & 87 of the Sikh Gurdwaras Act.
• Organises elections to its 191-member general house, representing Sikhs from across India.
• Operates:
  • Educational institutions (schools, colleges)
  • Medical centres and hospitals
  • Religious publications
• Addresses sacrilege cases, religious misinformation, and threats to Sikh spiritual and cultural integrity.
• Promotes Gurbani awareness, Sikh values, and community welfare.

About Gurbani

What is Gurbani?

Gurbani refers to the sacred hymns and divine revelations composed by the Sikh Gurus, preserved primarily in the Guru Granth Sahib — the central scripture of Sikhism. It is considered the eternal spiritual guide and living Guru for Sikhs.

Key Features of Gurbani

• Divinely Inspired: Not human literature; viewed as divine truth revealed through the Gurus.
• Guru Granth Sahib: Contains verses by six Sikh Gurus and over 15 Bhagats (saints) from diverse backgrounds.
• Written in Gurmukhi: Primarily uses Sant Bhasha, Punjabi, and poetic Raags (musical modes).
• Musical & Poetic Structure: Composed in 31 Raags, meant to be sung for spiritual impact.
• Universal Ethical Teachings:
  • Truth, humility, compassion
  • Equality beyond caste or religion
  • Service (Seva) and remembrance of God (Naam Simran)
• Authority in Sikhism:
  • Considered the final Guru after Guru Gobind Singh Ji
  • Cannot be altered or reinterpreted arbitrarily
• Daily Practice: Sikhs recite Gurbani (Nitnem) daily — key prayers include Japji Sahib, Rehras Sahib, and Kirtan Sohila.

Conclusion

SGPC plays a critical role in safeguarding Sikh heritage, promoting religious literacy, and ensuring that sacred texts like Gurbani are preserved from distortion, especially in the age of digital and AI-generated misinformation. Its appeal reflects a growing need for ethical regulation of religious content on modern platforms.

Source: The New Indian Express