WSO Calls for Constructive Dialogue on Satkaar and Maryada

Surrey (September 29, 2026): The World Sikh Organization of Canada (WSO) is concerned about the recent controversy involving Saroops of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji in Surrey and the manner in which this issue is unfolding within the Sikh community. We have reviewed the communication issued by the Secretariat of Sri Akal Takht Sahib. We welcome the emphasis on establishing the facts surrounding what occurred and, importantly, the call for the Sikh Sangat in British Columbia and Canada to approach this matter in a spirit of mutual respect, goodwill and unity. The utmost Satkaar of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is paramount for Sikhs. Any questions concerning the transportation, handling or care of Saroops must be taken seriously and addressed in accordance with Sikh Maryada. There are legitimate questions arising from this episode that deserve thoughtful Panthic discussion. This includes whether it is appropriate for Saroops of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji to be transported by sea and what standards of Satkaar and Maryada must apply throughout such a journey. At the same time, it is essential that discussion of this particular incident be based on facts. With respect to what occurred at Sri Guru Singh Sabha in Surrey, as far as what the Gurdwara committee has said and the video of the incident illustrated, the Saroops were never placed inside the vans shown in the video and were not handed over to the individuals who had travelled from Toronto to receive them. The Gurdwara has acknowledged that the vehicles should have been inspected before the Saroops were brought out and has accepted that this was an error. When the vehicles were inspected and found not to have appropriate arrangements, however, the Saroops were taken back inside. We are concerned about misinformation and disinformation circulating around this episode. Legitimate questions about Satkaar and Maryada should not be dismissed, and where mistakes have occurred they should be acknowledged and corrected. At the same time, allegations should accurately reflect what actually occurred. We have seen in the past that deeply sensitive issues involving Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji can be used by forces seeking to sow, foment and exploit divisions amongst Sikhs in Canada. The community should be vigilant against efforts to inflame emotions, spread inaccurate information or transform legitimate concerns about Satkaar into conflict and division. We particularly reiterate the message contained in the concluding paragraph of the communication from Sri Akal Takht Sahib: the Sikh Sangat in British Columbia and Canada should remain guided by respect for Guru Sahib and work cooperatively with the Gurdwara Sahib’s management to foster an atmosphere of mutual love, goodwill and unity. This is the spirit in which this matter should move forward. There must be room for questions, accountability and improvements to existing practices, but these discussions should take place through dialogue and with mutual respect. Sikh institutions, Panthic bodies and the Sangat should come together to establish appropriate standards for the transportation and distribution of Saroops in Canada and North America. Our shared commitment to the Satkaar of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji should be a source of unity for the Panth, not an opportunity for exploiting divisions. The World Sikh Organization of Canada (WSO) is a non-profit organization with a mandate to promote and protect the interests of Canadian Sikhs, as well as to advocate for the protection of human rights for all individuals, irrespective of race, religion, gender, ethnicity, or social and economic status.