Today, Indians across the globe are in distress seeing the ravaging impact of the second wave of COVID-19 in India. We are battling colossal pain, suffering and loss on a daily basis. It wouldn’t be wrong to say that the nation is bleeding.

At such times, the global community is standing with us, supporting us as best as they can. Countries have let go of their enmities and are praying for the betterment of our nation, proving that humanity comes first. However, our very own Shri Harmandir Sahib along with other Gurdwaras paints an astonishing picture. Not only are visitors, Sewadars and Granthis flouting the six-feet distance protocol but also the one about wearing masks.

As a Sardarni, it is heartbreaking for me to watch the seat of Sikhism being viewed in the wrong light because of devotees not abiding by the protective norms. Since historic times, Sikhs have been identified as protectors. Yet today, we are not only endangering ourselves but also others around us by flouting protective norms in our place of worship. The premise for founding Sikhism was to liberate society from blind faith and yet we are hearing responses like, “baba di kher hai, kuch ni hona”. Gurdwaras are extending langar sewa to Covid-infected households and have even developed the concept of oxygen langar to meet people’s needs at this time of crisis. So while we are part of the solution to this crisis, why are we, at the same time, aiding it?

Thus, it is my sincerest request to the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) as well as the Government of Punjab to restore the correct image of Sikhs and Sikhism alike. For that very purpose, I urge them to aid the battle against Covid by enforcing and ensuring that devotees, Sewadars and Granthis inside the Gurdwaras mandatorily wear masks and practice social distancing at all times.