Sikhs of America during joint press conference
Washington, DC: Wednesday, May 11, 2016: Representatives of Gurdwaras of the Washington, DC, area came together on Monday night and jointly gave a statement to condemn the recent alteration of the maryada of the Amrit Ceremony by Bhai Kuldeep Singh of Sikh Sangat of Virgina, a congregation based in Chantilly, VA. On April 14, 2016, Kuldeep Singh and four other individuals performed the traditional Amrit ceremony but without reciting the Jaap Sahib, Swayyeaa and Chaupai banis.
This has outraged many community members across the globe and many organizations have condemned this act. According to the press reports, Akal Takht Jathedar has appointed Satpal Singh of California to look into the matter but person is yet to take any step.
Following statement was issued jointly by the representatives of the Washington area gurdwaras along with other Sikh organizations:
Joint Statement of the Gurdwaras and Sikh Organizations on Violation of Amrit Ceremony of Sikh Rehat Maryada
We, the representatives of Washington Metropolitan area Gurdwaras and Sikh organizations, have gathered here at Guru Gobind Singh Foundation to discuss the violation of Amrit Maryada.
This gathering was to finalize of the original statement drafted at Singh Sabha Gurdwara on May 4th, 2016.
After deliberations the gathered representatives express their dismay and outrage at the actions of Bhai Kuldeep Singh of Sikh Sangat of Virginia and his associates including Bhai Surinder Singh, Amarjit Singh Narula, Gurdeep Singh Ahluwalia, and Rajinder Singh Bakshi.
We strongly condemn this serious transgression by these individuals. No single individual or organization has the right to change the Amrit Guidelines as set by Sikh Rehat Maryada.
We strongly urge Kuldeep Singh and his associates to desist from further irresponsible acts and submit to correcting themselves according to the Panthic traditions. The Sikh community should be aware that this act is to be considered a major violation. We appeal and caution the Sikh community not to be misled by individuals who are attempting to cause confusion and disorder in the Pantb and are deliberately undermining the Panthic unity.
Gurdwaras:
Guru Gobind Singh Foundation, Rockville, MD
Guru Nanak Foundation of America, Silver Spring, MD
Gurdwara Gur Gian Sagar, Burtonsville, MD
Sikh Association of Baltimore, Randallstown, MD
Sikh Center of Manassas, Manassas, VA
Sikh Foundation of Virginia, Fairfax Station, VA
Sikh Gurdwara DC, Washington, DC
Sikh Gurdwara of Greater Washington, Chantilly, VA
Sikh Mission of Virginia, Herndon, VA
Singh Sabha Gurdwara, Centerville, VA
Sikh Society of Baltimore, Dundalk, MD
Sikh Organizations:
American Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee
Baba Budha Ji Foundation of Maryland
Guru Harkrishan Institute of Sikh Studies
Shri Harmandir Sahib Academy