Picture of the spokes person of the Anti-Sikh newspaperThe Plan to Unravel the Sikh Panth by Removing the Source of Strength Coming to Fruition
Chandigarh, Punjab (KP) – Controversies continue to plague the notorious Rozana Spokesman newspaper and it’s editor, Joginder Sawney. The newspaper, which operates from over a dozen offices all over Punjab, seems to be creating a new controversy everyday it is published. Many have considered its views against Dasam Granth Sahib, Amrit Sanchar, and Rehit Maryada blasphemous. Recently, the newspaper has launched a new controversy by belittling Bhagat Bani in Sri Guru Granth Sahib Jee.
Joginder Sawney is embattled this time for allowing his newspaper to be misused by modern day unfounded missionary scholars. In its February 24th edition, the newspaper published a ‘tribute’ to Bhagat Ravidas on his birthday. The author of the ‘tribute’ – Harbhajan Sinh, entirely disbanded bani of Bhagat Ravidas Ji from the rest of Guru Granth Sahib Ji’s teachings and stated that when comparing the two, Bhagat Ravidas Ji seems unfamiliar from the teachings of Sikh Gurus.
Several sakhis (tales) of Bhagat Ravidas Ji were misquoted by Harbhajan Singh in ridiculing manner. The article erroneously states that no historical facts are present about the life of Bhagat Ravidas Ji. The same Rozana Spokesman that is trying its best to raise doubts about Dasam Granth Sahib and several other eminent Sikh practices is using the same agenda to now create doubts about the Bhagats.
Although Panthic groups should have dealt with Joginder Sawney long ago, even this time, Sikh groups failed to initiate any inquiries--whereas the Dalit community faced this matter with their own influence. Bhagat Ravidas Ji is without a doubt an eminent figure for the Dalits, but the Sikh community is also directed to give the same high status to Bhagat Ravidas Ji as it gives to other Saints.
Soon after the articles were published against Bhagat Ravidas Ji, the Dalit community filed FIRs against the newspaper’s editor-in-chief and the author of the article. As a result, teams of Punjab Police raided several offices of Rozana Spokesman and also arrested and filed charges against Harbhajan Singh for intentionally hurting the sentiments of a minority community. Charges have also been filed against Joginder Sawney who remains at-large.
Earlier, seeing the wrath of the community increase, Joginder Sawney had played a publicity stunt by publishing a statement to clear his stance. Joginder Sawney begged pardon from the Dalit Community and stated that the Rozana Spokesman is the voice of the Dalit Community. He further alleged that his entire team, including Harbhajan Sinh is regretful about the incident. Whether Joginder truly works to provide a voice to the Dalit Community remains unproven, but it is definitely true that he has hired people who hold no regards to the lower-caste communities, as well as Sikh scriptures and traditions.
| "With the Spokesman providing a lead, and those like Amarjit Halwara support the cause from behind..." |
In addition, Joginder Sawney and the entire staff of Rozana Spokesman have proven that their ideology is no different from that of the ex-communicated Kala Afghana who held Bhagat Bani with no regard.
With the Spokesman providing a lead, and those like Amarjit Halwara support the cause from behind, it seems like a new trend is emerging at a fast pace which allows people to raise questions about the Bani of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Jee, just as they did before with Sri Dasam Granth Sahib.
