TAKHT ASKS GURDWARAS TO OFFER SPACE FOR QUARANTINE

AMRITSAR : The highest temporal seat of the Sikhs, Akal Takht, on Sunday asked gurdwaras across the globe to help the needy people amid coronavirus outbreak and keep the ‘serais’ ready for providing quarantine facility to those infected with the virus, if required.

In a ‘sandesh’ (message to community) issued here, Akal Takht acting jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh said, “The entire world has been badly affected by the deadly virus which has claimed lives of thousands of people across the globe. Panic has gripped the world as the virus is spreading swiftly. In such a situation, the Sikh community should come to the fore to accomplish its duties”.

He said, “As per the Sikh tenets, donations offered by the devotees are meant to help the poor and needy people. Following these principles, all the Sikh organisations and managing committees of all gurdwaras should help the needy people in their respective regions. They should make arrangements of langar (free food), medicines and other essential items for the needy. They should spend money open-heartedly to help the students studying abroad”.

He said serais of the gurdwaras should be prepared to quarantine the virus-hit people, if required. “Follow the advisories and directions of respective governments or health departments. Barring the routine maryada, all religious functions should be postponed for two weeks.” He added, “Every Sikh family should stay at home, recite gurbani, perform ardas for the well-being of all and undergo selfquarantine. Have faith in God and no one swhould be carried away by rumours.” HTC

ADVISES SIKH SHRINES TO HELP THE NEEDY, POSTPONE ALL FUNCTIONS FOR NEXT TWO WEEKS