Thursday, March 17, 2011

PUNJAB RELIGION: Ring Tone Controversy

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SGPC Chief objects to the use of 'gurbani' as Ring Tone

The president of Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), Avtar Singh Makkar, has objected to the use of 'gurbani' as ring tone that are extremely popular among the Sikhs. He said its use is against the scriptures.

Makkar's comment has triggered a heated debate with some Sikhs questioning his wisdom. Last week, addressing a gathering, Makkar warned cellular companies from using word 'Gana' (song) for Gurbani.

The SGPC chief said word 'Gana' cannot be used for Shabad (religious song). He said that he had warned cellular companies to stop this earlier but they did not bother. Makkar said: 'If cellular companies do not take serious note of this warning then we will take strict action against them.'

An official from a cellular company, on the condition of anonymity, said: 'We don't have any intention to disrespect any religion. It is a prerecorded message and it is used for every kind of musical ring tone be it Shabad, Bhajan, song, prayers etc.'

S. Daljit Singh, editor, Amritsar Times, said he agrees with Makkar on this issue. 'Cellular companies should pay attention towards this issue.

May be they do not have wrong intention but since this issue is in the news now, they should change their prerecorded message. It is not an issue of Sikh, but applies to other religions too. They should pay respect to every religion. It is a matter of sentiments.'

However, a senior research fellow of Panjab University, Upneet Mangat, said: 'I think if a ring tone takes the religious message to the youth. This should be viewed positively.' There are mixed reactions on this issue.

Many people say the SGPC chief is just squabbling over trifles. There are many other challenges, being faced by the Sikh religion. Dr. HS Randhawa, Retd. Professor, Punjab Agriculture University, Ludhiana said: 'The Shiromani committee has an annual budget of billions. Also it has a separate budget for promotion of religion. Besides, there are many issues related to the Sikh religion that are yet to be solved. Sikh leaders should pay attention towards these issues like education, curb social evils like caste and intolerance. Ring tone is not a big issue. May be companies are not aware about this.' The Shiromani committee has an annual budget of Rs. 508 crore for the year 2010-11, from which Rs. 46 crore was earmarked for religious activities.

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