Sangat Tv, What;S Your Problem?

rinku_sikh · September 9, 2011

Sangat TV what is your problem.

Before I start this post I just want to make it clear that I am not affiliated with any Sikh TV Channel. I am absolutley disgusted after listening to Sangat TV (yes a Sikh TV Channel) and specifically, Ranjit Singh (?) Rana over the last couple of days regarding their views on Dastar Awareness Day - the initiative by The Sikh Channel.

1. Rana and Co keep re-iterating that there is no issue and Sikh Channel are making a fuss over nothing.

All dastar wearing Sikhs living in the UK and Europe know that raising awareness of our Dastar can only be good for all Sikhs. It has been proven that there is a an issue at many European Airports which is why Dastar Awareness Day (25th September) was originally planned. I do not know of such as issue in the UK, although do believe that it is only a matter of time until such an issue arises. On a personal level I have regularly travelled to Edinburgh on business and have had my dastar "patted down". From my experience it all depends on the security personnel on duty which is why not all people get this issue. It is only a matter of time until we in the UK will be asked to remove our dastar. How can raising awareness on Dastar Awareness Day be a bad thing? How may issues have we heard of in previous years in Schools, work places, airports etc." This is a good thing and the event needs to encouraged.

2. They also have an issue the Sikh Channel calling it "D-Day".

This one's simple D is for Dastar and Day is for ... eh "day". What is wrong with calling it Dastar Day or D-Day? It's catchy and sticks in your mind.

3. Rana and Co believe that it is wrong to gather and peacefully protest on the 25th outside the Houses of Parliament.

My personal view on this is that such a protest is long overdue. According to Rana there is no issue in the UK. A question to all Dastar wearing Sikh's out there. I am a professional and work with a lot people from around the UK. The first time colleagues (gore) see you question's such as "What's that on his head?", "Is he a terroist?" go through their minds. Raising awareness through events such as Dastar Awareness Day can only be a good thing. The reason for the protest outside the houses of parliment is simple. We are part of the European Union and in this country political leaders can influence leaders and decision makers in other countries. Simple. The peaceful protest will raise awareness and hopefully will lead to this becoming a regular event that will attract media attention. Let's face it, following 9/11 many view Sikhs and Muslims as one and the same. As Sikhs we live in a world where day on day our own brothers and sisters are going away from Sikhi and cutting their Kesh. Reasons for this include peer pressure from colleagues and friends. Raising awareness and educating people can only help in making others appreciate the significance of our dastar and religion to us.

4. They believe this is not the job for a TV Channel

We are fortunate to be blessed with Sikh TV channels. Why can't they organise events to promote Sikhi? Let's face it, many organisations have failed in educating and raising awareness so why is this a bad thing? Only good can come of this. Many organisations have tried and failed to organise such events so let's give Sikh Channel a chance. Sikh Channel have managed to reach Sangat across the world and organise Dastar Awareness Day in many cities in Europe. No single organisation has the coverage or capability to do this. Again, nothing negative can come of this.

My final question is to Sangat TV. Are the views of Rana consistent with your views? If not I think Rana should be removed from the Channel as at the moment he is a detriment to Sikh's across the world. If these views are coherent with your views then you seriously need to think about the message you are putting across. This is definately not "Sangat" TV.

I do certainly hope that this is not a petty "Us Vs. Them" channel war because if it is, Sangat TV, you are pathetic.