Siropa culture

The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) authorities have finally decided to discontinue presenting the siropa (robe of honour) to all and sundry. From now on, only select visitors will be given this honour. The sanctity of this robe is often not maintained after receiving it from gurdwaras as it used as an ordinary piece of cloth, which is a matter of concern and against the values of Sikhism. The right decision, though late, deserves to be applauded. It is good that the robe has been replaced with presenting religious books, which will spread knowledge about Sikh history among various communities. This direction should be notified in all gurdwaras and implemented in letter and spirit.

JP Singh

Jalandhar