A True Statement ?

[Matheen]

I don't think we should have elected committees in Gurdwaras. The only reason most people want to be in these committees is the prospect of financial gain. If we take that away, no one would bother.

It would be good to put a system of 5 appointed Singhs in place, but the mechanics of it need to be worked out.

It's interesting to note that Gurudwaras like Soho Road in Birmingham never have these problems. The management - mostly volunteers - report to Bhai Mohinder Singh, who was appointed head of their Jatha by the Baba before him. I understand that counting of the Golak can be witnessed by anyone and all accounts are audited and available for inspection.

Having different parties and elections divides the already fragmented Sangat. The sole aim of the incumbents becomes the quest to stay in power. Guru? What Guru? They forget where they are and begin to think of Guru Sahib as a book. All fear is lost when they see maya freely available.

It would be different if they had to sit in front of 5 armed Singhs every week to explain what they were up to.

[AAA]

"Religious people and leaders of Religious institutes never really tell the sangat about real Sikhi, cos if the sangat knew rea Sikhi these people would never make any money"

Why do we need anyone to tell us about real Sikhi? Why can't we find out about it ourselves? We do not have to have a clergy. We all have access to guru Ji whenever we want.

We're brilliant at the blame game but really it is our own laziness that has given some currupt people this power over us.

AAA

[rupinder singh]

To the above post, Gurdwaras should be centers of empowerment. When our own Gurdwaras (atleast those that run them) become an obstacle, it is something we need to address.

Historically, Gurdwaras were places where sangat could gather and the illiterate became literate. We need to have spiritual centers where we can seek guidance, not everyone is born with the ability comprehend Gurbani or even Punjabi. If we cannot turn to our Gurdwaras to empower us, that is a definite problem.

For example Gurdwara Committees kicking out youth, not allowing them to teach Gatka Lessons, etc. That is an example of youth to trying to mobilize and empower themselves and others only to have these committees slam the door in their faces.

The scary part is that the ill treatment of committees towards those who actually try to do something, has almost become a norm and even an accepted.

I agree with what you have said above but I still don't see how things will change unless youth are willing to take FULL control of the running of Gurdwaras and not partial control of the Gatka class or the Kids workshop. There are essential daily activities performed in Guru Ghars such as Parkash, Sukhasan, Asa Di // kirtan, Kirtan, Langar, Degh, cleaning etc who can stop youth from carrying out those sewas out.

I have always said that we give the committees more prominence then they are due. At the end of the day it's those Gurmukh's sewas that keeps the Gurdwara going. Most of us automatically assume control is within the confines of the committees’ office but I strongly disagree with that and thats why I believe Maharaj isolates the true sewaks from those committees.