Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) president Manjit Singh GK has sought an appointment with Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh to raise the issue of giving equal status to baptised Sikh women regarding certain religious practices and customs.
“I have sought a meeting next week,” GK told The Tribune on the phone.
“Women have played a great role in the Sikh religion. Bebe Nanaki, Mata Gujri and Mai Bhago are among the key names,” said GK. “Women largely enjoy equal status in various spheres of Sikhism. However, there are certain deficiencies which need to be addressed,” he added.
He said it had been observed that men were dominating Sikh customs and practices. “Sikh women who play a vital role in religious services should be given equal recognition,” asserted GK, adding that he had decided to take up the issue after discussing it with Sikh scholars.
“I will request the Jathedar to consider women for Panthic awards such as the Panth Rattan award. Men are honoured on important Sikh occasions. The same should be done in the case of baptised women,” he said.
When asked whether he will also raise the issue of allowing women to perform ‘kirtan’ in the sanctum sanctorum of Darbar Sahib, the DGSMC president said he would first take up the matter of honouring baptised women at Panthic functions.