Akal Takht Jathedar Addresses Drugs And Cheating Problem, Asks Parents For Proactive Role

[JSinghnz]

November 4, 2013 By Daily Sikh Updates

Akal Takht jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh expressed concern over drug addiction among the Sikh youth and the use of unfair means during examinations in schools and colleges.

“Drugs, liquor and copying have become the main hurdles in the progress of the Sikh community. We have always been a community associated with hard work, progress and development, but unfortunately these evils have taken hold of our youth,” the jathedar said in his customary Diwali day or Bandhi Chhor Divas message to the community from atop Darshani Deori.

He appealed to one and all, including parents, to take steps to check drug addiction and liquor intake among their children. On the use of unfair means in exams, the jathedar sought to remind members of the community that such methods would not take a youngster very far.

“It is unfortunate that Diwali has become associated with drinking (liquor) and gambling. We are forgetting that it is an important religious event for all,” he added.

Giani Gurbachan Singh regretted that due to lack of proper guidance, particularly from parents and teachers, Sikh youngsters were not being taught their mother tongue (Punjabi). “The result is that children are not familiar with Sikh religion and history and are being drawn away from their culture and customs, he added.

“I appeal to all to make the use of Punjabi a habit at home. Nameplates at homes and work places should also be in the mother language. We must make it a habit to print marriage invitation cards in Punjabi,” he added in his message.

He called for setting up more sporting facilities in Punjab so as to prevent the youth from being hooked to drugs and liquor. He also called for imparting quality education and taking stern steps to check the use of unfair means in exams.

Prayers in memory of 1984 riot victims

Prayers were offered at the Akal Takht on Diwali day in memory of those who were killed in the anti-Sikh riots on November 1-3, 1984.

After the ardas, Akal Takht jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh, in his address, regretted that even after 29 years of the massacre, justice had not been done. The wounds inflicted on the Sikh community have not yet healed, he told the gathering at the Akal Takht.

“It was a planned and organised attack on the community. Entire families were wiped out and those who had organised these attacks were later rewarded with ministries and became MPs,” the jathedar added without naming anyone.

He recalled the manner in which rioters went from one Sikh home to another, butchering men, women and children. Tyres were put around the necks of some of the victims and they were set afire, he added.

“When Nathuram Godse assassinated Mahatma Gandhi, no community was targeted and so was the case when Rajiv Gandhi was killed. Then why was the Sikh community targeted?” he asked.

The jathedar regretted that despite numerous inquiries and commissions, justice had not been done. On the contrary, threats are being issued to witnesses, he alleged.

On the occasion, the jathedar honoured Paramjit Kaur, who had lost 24 members of her family in the riots in Delhi.

Originally Published by: HT

[JSinghnz]

Great initiative by the Jathedar of Akal Takht Sahib highlighting the burning issues of the present generation of Sikhs.

He is so right when with his views as below.

Giani Gurbachan Singh regretted that due to lack of proper guidance, particularly from parents and teachers, Sikh youngsters were not being taught their mother tongue (Punjabi). “The result is that children are not familiar with Sikh religion and history and are being drawn away from their culture and customs, he added.

​TIME FOR US TO WAKE UP AND DO SOMETHING FOR OUR GREAT RELIGION.

[luckysingh99]

Oh, WOW !!! :respect:

Has he just woken up and realized that there is a huge issue concerning drugs/heroin/liquor/addictions/aids/prostitution ?? :blink2:

So, there may be a link with all the classroom copying and exam cheatings that go on ?

Yes of course, you get caught cheating, then you don't end up on drugs or become an addict!!

That is absolutely amazing that he has confirmed and made a statement to address these issues. :wow:

Because us guys over here, some 7,000 miles away, would never have known about the problems there.

it must make everyone in Punjab feel so assured that the big guys are looking after them.

Now, he can just sit back and relax until the next issue arises.

Because he's fulfilled the duties of his responsibility for this one! :stupidme:

[Shaastar]

Punjabis were once known for their energetic dynamism from Business Hard work labouring to Soldiery.

The community need to address Alcohol abuse. Generations are different. Olders become immune to the effect and crack on till they drop. Youth will experiment with cheap drugs then move onto more crap.

We need to celebrate hard work and labouring. The community is starting to frown on each other.. My Grandads cousins were rich, he became an orphan started poor and started work aged 13 and kept head above water. Everyones got their own maqudhr to fulfill.