logo
AAP government under fire over AI image of Golden Temple, Sikh body seeks apology

AAP government under fire over AI image of Golden Temple, Sikh body seeks apology

India Today24-05-2025

The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) President, Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami, has sharply criticised the Punjab Government for publishing a distorted, AI-generated image of Sri Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) in an advertisement.The advertisement is about inviting suggestions for upcoming Sikh centenary celebrations. Dhami described the move as a grave insult to Sikh sentiments and a violation of the sanctity of the revered shrine.advertisementDhami emphasised that Sri Darbar Sahib is the spiritual nucleus of Sikhism and is revered by Sikhs worldwide.
SGPC chief emphasised that altering its appearance using computer techniques is not only disrespectful but desecrates its spiritual aura, which resides in the soul of every Sikh.Additionally, he stressed that the Punjab Government should have consulted the SGPC before using any religious imagery.Dhami also stated that it is painful to see that, despite the availability of hundreds of authentic images of Sri Harmandir Sahib on the internet, the government resorted to deliberately altering the image using computer techniques.
SGPC chief asked the government to clarify its stance on the issue and issue an immediate apology.advertisementAdvocate Dhami reiterated that organising events related to Sikh centenaries is the SGPC's exclusive responsibility.He urged the state government to concentrate instead on civic development in cities associated with Sikh Gurus and to collaborate with the SGPC on meaningful commemorations.Must Watch

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

‘Sanjeev Arora replaced ‘dabangai' with devp-oriented governance'
‘Sanjeev Arora replaced ‘dabangai' with devp-oriented governance'

Time of India

timean hour ago

  • Time of India

‘Sanjeev Arora replaced ‘dabangai' with devp-oriented governance'

Ludhiana: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Punjab president Aman Arora on Saturday said that the party's candidate from Ludhiana (West) Assembly constituency, Rajya Sabha MP Sanjeev Arora, had ushered in a new era by replacing "Dabangai kind of politics" with development-centric governance. Addressing an election meeting at Sarabha Nagar, Aman Arora described Saneev Arora as a refined, honest, and soft-spoken politician. "His campaign is being conducted in a smooth, positive, and people-friendly manner. I am confident that the results will be in his favour," he said, commending Sanjeev for executing significant development works over the last three years. Highlighting the "pro-people" and "pro-industry" approach of the AAP-led Punjab government, Aman Arora said, "Our govt is ensuring the welfare of all sections of society. The policies are entirely people and industry-centric, and the positive outcomes are clearly visible." Urging citizens to exercise their franchise on June 19, he said, "Every vote cast will strengthen Ludhiana's development journey. I also appeal to residents to plan their vacations either before or after polling day to fulfil their civic responsibility." MP Sanjeev Arora said that he had learned a lot from AAP, which was working for his campaign as one family. He acknowledged the dedicated efforts of MPs, MLAs, councillors, and volunteers in his campaign. "Such unity is not only commendable but should also be reflected within our families," he said. Arora reiterated his commitment to public welfare, saying that he had worked "happily" over the last three years and would work with even more responsibility if elected. "Every vote matters. Your support will be a mark of your trust and a symbol of our unity," he said. Punjab minister Hardeep Singh Mundian, Sunil Modi and Arun Sharma were also present at the meeting. Sanjeev Arora also visited Sikh kirtan singer Bhai Harjinder Singh in BRS Nagar and congratulated him on being awarded the Padma Shri. Arora was accompanied by his wife, Sandhya and son, Kavya. MSID:: 121694205 413 |

Former Damdami Taksal spokesperson questions narrative on June 6 Ardas and Jathedar appointment
Former Damdami Taksal spokesperson questions narrative on June 6 Ardas and Jathedar appointment

Time of India

timean hour ago

  • Time of India

Former Damdami Taksal spokesperson questions narrative on June 6 Ardas and Jathedar appointment

Amritsar: A war of words has erupted within Sikh religious circles after the Akal Takht's officiating Jathedar, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, was accused of bypassing a long-standing tradition by not delivering the customary June 6 'sandesh' — a formal message to the Sikh community on the anniversary of Operation Bluestar , a 1984 military operation to smoke out holed up terrorists from the Golden Temple. Former Damdami Taksal spokesperson Sarchand Singh has pushed back against attempts by the Akal Takht secretariat and the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) to suggest that Giani Gargaj's 'sandesh' was embedded within his 'Ardas' (prayer), arguing that this kind of claims reflect a basic misunderstanding of Sikh religious practice. "An Ardas is a humble supplication to the Guru; a 'sandesh' is a directive message to the 'quom' (community)," Sarchand Singh said. "There was nothing new or directive in this year's Ardas compared to previous commemorations. To equate the two is misleading." The criticism follows mounting scrutiny over Giani Gargaj's role and legitimacy. Sarchand Singh expressed dismay that Gargaj — who was declared 'tankhaiya' (guilty of religious misconduct) by the Panj Pyare at Takht Patna Sahib — was given a 'Siropa' (robe of honour) reportedly at the Akal Takht, despite Sikh tradition dictating that a 'tankhaiya' must first complete prescribed penance and receive formal absolution before being honoured at any Takht. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Memperdagangkan CFD Emas dengan salah satu spread terendah? IC Markets Mendaftar Undo Sarchan Singh said: "Offering a Siropa to someone declared tankhaiya without due absolution sets a dangerous precedent. This violates religious protocol directly." The controversy also reignites long-standing debates over the SGPC's authority to appoint Jathedars. While acknowledging that the SGPC holds administrative power over Takht appointments, Taksal's former spokesperson asserted that this kind of decisions lacked spiritual legitimacy unless endorsed by broader Sikh institutions. He said: "The identity of the Panth cannot be upheld if Sikh sects, Nihang groups, and Sabha societies are excluded from the process. Jathedars are being appointed like SGPC employees, diminishing the stature and sanctity of these positions. The dispute highlights deeper fissures within Sikh religious governance, raising fresh questions about accountability, tradition, and the role of representative consent in decisions affecting the global Sikh community. MSID:: 121695262 413 |

Beware of Delhi's ‘lootera gang,' warns Manjinder Singh Sirsa
Beware of Delhi's ‘lootera gang,' warns Manjinder Singh Sirsa

Time of India

time2 hours ago

  • Time of India

Beware of Delhi's ‘lootera gang,' warns Manjinder Singh Sirsa

Ludhiana: Delhi environment minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa reached Ludhiana on Saturday to campaign for BJP candidate Jiwan Gupta. Addressing a press conference at the BJP election office on Ferozepur Road, Sirsa warned voters against the "lootera gang rejected by people of Delhi. " He claimed that after looting Delhi, they were eyeing Punjab and added that if the BJP got a chance to represent the West constituency, both the Centre and Delhi governments would work for betterment of the city in the next 1.5 years. Sirsa claimed that Aam Aadmi Party convener Arvind Kejriwal, when rejected by people of Delhi in the election, did not stand with them for a single day and reached Punjab instead because he was addicted to power. He claimed that Kejriwal would implement the liquor policy implemented in Delhi in Punjab too. Sirsa said, "Kejriwal is working on an American policy. Like America destroyed countries like Iraq, Afghanistan, and Libya in the name of development, Kejriwal has done it with Delhi, and now it is being done in Punjab." He added that like the liquor mafia, the land mafia had also come to Punjab from Delhi, with the state government planning to acquire nearly 25,000 acres of land in villages of the state. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Top Dermatologist: Don't Use Lotions On Dark Spots! Use This Household Item Instead Miami M.D. Undo Sirsa said that Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia, and AAP leaders would fill their pockets by selling prime land of Punjab to builders. Saying that he came to Ludhiana to highlight the modus operandi of Kejriwal and his team. Sirsa said, "This looters' gang has three ways. In Delhi, they first announced that they would end the problem of paddy straw with some chemical, even though there is no issue of paddy straw in Delhi. They purchased a Rs 28 lakh compound and spent Rs 32 crore on advertisement. Then they paid Rs 83 lakh to SC children in the form of scholarships and spent Rs 50 crore on the promotion of this scheme. The Delhi government also started the odd-even scheme. While the government has no role in the same, it still spent Rs 55 crore in Delhi on just advertisements," Sirsa said, adding that now, money from Punjab was being drained out by the AAP government in other states as well. Sirsa said that while AAP "damaged" Delhi, the BJP gave a chance to three Sikh faces. Hailing the Union government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said that the government had reduced the number of people living below poverty line to 75.24 million from 344.47 million. He also observed that states governed by the BJP were more developed than Punjab. Soliciting votes for Jiwan Gupta, Sirsa urged residents to give him a chance and ensure development of the constituency. Attacking AAP again, he said that the party had only intensified the drug menace instead of curbing it. Drugs are even being peddled in schools, he claimed. Meanwhile, Jagpal Singh Nambderdar, booth in-charge of Aam Aadmi Party, Satpal Singh Khalsa, vice- president of AAP rural SC Morcha, Janak Raj, booth in-charge, Raj Kumar, ex-block president of AAP rural, Bhupinder Kumar, and Kanwardeep Singh joined BJP in the presence of Manjinder Singh Sirsa. BJP leaders like Anil Sarin, BJP state general secretary, district president Rajnish Dhiman, Parminder Singh Brar, Gurdev Sharma Debi, etc., attended the press conference. MSID:: 121693518 413 |

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store