ALLOW WOMEN TO SING HYMNS AT GOLDEN TEMPLE: SIKH AMERICANS

n WASHINGTON: Sikh-Americans have proposed that women should be allowed to sing “shabads” or hymns at the Golden Temple to recognise the important role played by them in strengthening the Sikh faith.

About 120 Sikhs between the age group of seven and 17 from across the United States and Canada, gathered in a Maryland suburb of Washington, raised the question of why Sikh women are not performing “kirtan” at the Golden Temple.

“It is clear from many historical references that Sikh women were crucial to success of the religion and it is important that we give them their deserving role in Sikh affairs,” Rajwant Singh, one of the Sikh-Americans who taught the campers said.

Sikh youth camp was organised by Washington-based Guru Gobind Singh Foundation.

“This Panth will not be where it is today without actions of Sikh women, so we should recognise their contributions,” said Sehejneet Kaur, one of the counsellors who is pursuing dentistry.

Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee chief Kirpal Singh Badungar was not available for comments. However, SGPC’s executive member Bhai Ram Singh said the ‘kirtan’ tradition cannot be altered. “We comment on the centuries-old practice,” he added.