Fatehgarh Sahib (KP) – Widely known as a historical Sikh center, Fatehgarh Sahib District is now home to thousands of alcohol addicted Sikh youth. A local dera of “Baba Mast Ram,” located in Jattana Khurd, that openly promotes alcoholism has been a concern of the Sikh Community for a while but no actions have been taken by Sikh authorities in its regard. The main problem with the dera is that not only is alcohol served, but that parkash of Guru Granth Sahib is also done there. A complaint was recently filed by an SGPC member, Ravinder Singh Khalsa from Amloh, regarding the issue of alcoholism and the parkash of Guru Granth Sahib. Avtar Makkar, President SGPC, who is well-acquainted with the issue, assured that after receiving a detailed investigation report, appropriate actions will be taken. Similar complaints have been filed by local Sikh community members, but so far no one has heard their pleas.
Baba Mast Ram Dera attracts a large number of visitors every day, and some vulnerable Sikhs, especially the youth, have fell prey to the anti-Gurmat activities that go on at the dera. According to the report filed by Ravinder Singh Khalsa, people offer alcohol as an offering at the dera. While most people who visit the dera are not Sikhs, many from Sikh families come solely for the desire of free alcohol.
The history of the dera goes back fifty years and the act of offering alcohol has been in practice every since. People offer alcohol in hope their wishes would come true. During the rise of the freedom movement, a ban was put on the dera’s activities and parkash was done instead. However, the same agenda of anti-Gurmat activities has geared up once again and the “congregation” that had reduced in the 80’s and 90’s has started to increase now.
While the SGPC does not hold any governance over the dera, the major concern is that even though parkash is not done inside the actual premises, but nearby, intoxicated persons mistakenly show up where parkash of Guru Granth Sahib is done. Furthermore, another strange practice of some of Baba Mast Ram’s followers is that they sprinkle alcohol on the walls of the dera.
Considering the possible sacrilege, the SGPC is urged by the local sangat to speed-up its processes and put an end to the beadbi that is taking place at the Baba Mast Ram Dera. Sikh leaders from Fatehgarh Sahib District are also appealed to leverage their efforts of promoting anti-drug living within the Sikh masses, especially the youth.