SGPC objects to Riyadh restaurant design, seeks Centre’s intervention

The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has approached the Centre and the Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh with a complaint against a restaurant constructed on a theme inspired by the Golden Temple.

The Sikh body also objected to the display of the pictures of the shrine by the restaurant, alleging that it was done purely for “commercial gains” by the owner.

SGPC secretary Partap Singh said the embassy and the Centre had been urged to register a strong objection with the Saudi Arabian authorities in this regard.

The move came after several Sikhs approached the Akal Takht — the highest temporal seat for the community — and the SGPC with a complaint against the restaurant.

“The Sikhs in Saudi Arabia have also told us that the restaurant interiors were kept like the sacred shrine. It appears as if the restaurant proprietor, knowingly or unknowingly, did this to attract Sikhs and Punjabi community living over there to gain business,” said Partap Singh.

“It is highly objectionable as it amounts to disrespect to the entire Sikh community,” he added.

“Golden domes identical to the Golden Temple have been constructed atop the building. Similarly, pillars were made golden with a change in the outer wall. We insist that the entire architecture of the restaurant be altered and all pictures of Harmandar Sahib be removed from its exterior and interior,” he said.

SGPC executive body meeting today

Amritsar: The executive body of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) will hold a meeting on Tuesday.

Though officials were tight-lipped over the agenda, sources said the issues pertaining to resentment expressed by a section of Sikh quarters over the Takht jathedars’ appointment could be discussed at the meeting.

The Damdami Taksal and other Sikh and Nihang Singh organisations have given an ultimatum of May 10 to the SGPC to reinstate the three Takht jathedars, otherwise they would resort to protests.

The pending mercy petition on behalf of death row convict Balwant Singh Rajoana to commute his sentence to life imprisonment could also be discussed at the meeting.

Punjab