Burning Gurdwaras a Reason for Change

Many Sikhs around the world have heard about the recent arson attack and fires at Gurdwaras in the UK. Tragedies at Gurdwaras in the west in recent years are a black mark on the Sikhs living outside of India. Another memorable time when there was strong disrespect of Guru Granth Sahib was in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina when the New Orleans Gurdwara was flooded and saroops of Guru Granth Sahib Ji were left in the locked sukhasan room as it flooded to the ceiling with sewage.

These incidents are proof that the Sikh community still has not organized in such a way as they cannot even protect the honor of their living Guru and the king of kings from simple natural disasters. This is something that should be on the minds of all Sikhs—respect for their lord and master and ensuring that even by accident, such disrespect cannot happen.

What is the solution?

Some simple solutions that the Respect for Guru Granth Sahib Campaign, North America, has proposed is as simple as having dry sprinklers with fire retardant foam in Sukhasan rooms and Darbar halls. This foam is already used in libraries and would ensure fire does not go near Guru Sahib while also keeping Guru Sahib safe and dry. A part of this is also fire retardant cloth and materials used in construction and decoration.

Another solution is that all Gurdwaras have an evacuation plan to ensure that Guru Sahib's saroops are removed safely along with all occupants of the Gurdwara in an emergency. An evacuation plan includes having escape routes mapped out along with clear duties for Granthis/Raagis who are near the Sukhasan rooms or Darbar halls and can safely take Guru Sahib's saroops outside of the Gurdwara respectfully.

A Gurdwara should have a man guarding the main entrance from when it opens until it closes. Alot of students are looking for part-time work. Alot of singhs are out of work, somebody that has the capabilty should organise a security company and get contracts from guru ghars. It is harder to steal from wh Smith (because of security) then is was for the bow attacker to set fire to the Gurdwara.

These two simple solutions will ensure that sangat does not realize a horrible tragedy with respect to Guru Sahib if the Gurdwara building were to burn down or flood. Recent incidents are a good wake up call to committees and sangats worldwide to take these proposals seriously.