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OP
- ED October
10, 2003: California, USA Sikhs all over the world have begun celebrating the 400th Anniversary of Compilation of Guru Granth Sahib coming in 2004. The message of the Guru Granth Sahib is meant for all of humanity, and it is up to the Sikh Diaspora to bring its message to humanity. For this purpose, a 28 minute documentary on DVD by Joginder Singh of Canada, produced and released in 2001, is recommended. It would be an excellent tool, not only to introduce the Guru Granth Sahib to non-Sikhs, but also to whet their appetite and curiosity to find out more about the sublime and unique teachings of the Guru Granth Sahib. Technically, it is very well done; sound, music, and photography is excellent. It was judiciously edited in depicting the practice of Sikh values. For example, as it states that women have equal status in Sikhi, women are shown participating in Akhand Paath, and participating in Pangat and Langar. Narration by Gerry Birt is very impressive and the commentary script is excellent. This documentary addresses four topics: teachings, history, compilation and significance of the Guru Granth Sahib in the daily life of a Sikh. Considering the length (28 minutes), the documentary covers these four topics concisely. A Reference made to setting up of Guru's room in a Sikh residence as a family focus point is really inspiring. Two important milestones in human life - marriage and death are very nicely covered with emphasis on Sikh teachings for the occasions. Sikh institutions of Seva, Langar, Pangat and Kirtan are well presented. The universal nature of the teachings of the Guru Granth Sahib is emphasized by stressing the fact that the teachings of other saints who believed in One God are included. In that sense, the Guru Granth Sahib is unique, and is the only truly non-denominational scripture for mankind. But, as they say, every good thing can be made better. Some of the items that could be improved are: showing Sikh children with hair and turban instead of focusing on two Sikh youth without hair; the writings of Late Dr. Sahib Singh, who proved that Guru Arjan Dev had the original writings of the earlier four Gurus as the only source for compilation, should have been referenced; when mentioning the theory of Karma, the uniqueness of Sikh concept in washing out the Karmas of eons with Guru's blessing, should also be mentioned. The documentary does not give references to quotes from contemporary authors such as Noble Laureate Ms. Pearl S. Buck, Professor H.L.Bradshaw, Ms. Dorothy Fields, Arnold Toynbee, Duncan Greenless, Macauliffe, Dr. Bittencourt and the like. Since the projected audience is non-Sikhs, such quotes with their pictures would excite more interest. In addition, including UNESCO's declaration of the Guru Granth Sahib as the heritage of humankind, and initiating the English Translation, would be very enlightening. I would like to suggest that the producers include a flier saying that the CD would make a great gift for non-Sikhs. Such a flier that included a list of selected Sikh websites would be a welcome value added resource.
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©The Sikh Sentinel 2003 |