Mumbai/India (March 18, 2013): As per media reports the Hindi TV channel named Colors has announced to change the title of it’s show that was caught up in controversy over it’s title – “Gurbani”.
An official statement from channel Colors, reportedly issued on March 18, 2013 informed that the title of the show shall be replaced. The decision comes after various Sikh organisations has objected at the title of the drama serial.
It is notable that “Gurbani” is a sacred word for the Sikhs, which means the “Words of the Guru”. It also refers to the sacred Sikh scripture.
Gurbani – A new serial scheduled to begin on Colors TV from March 18, 2013
“With utmost respect and humility, we request the complainants to view ‘Gurbani’ as merely a name and in context of a fiction show that endeavours to bring a social issue to the fore. However, to respect the sentiments of the people, we have decided to change the name of the show,” read the statement from the channel.
“Our team will get in touch with the concerned people or organisations to seek some time to change the name and will try and implement it as soon as possible,” added the statement.
Shiromani Gurudwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Avtar Singh makkar had strongly objected to the title of the show.
A representative of the All India Sikh Students Federation (AISSF) had written a letter to Sri Akal Takhat Sahib Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh, seeking his intervention in this matter.
As per information available with Sikh Siyasat News (SSN) three Sikh advocates from Nagpur, namely Jatinder Singh Uppal, Taranjeet Singh Bewali and Jagjeet Singh Bamrali had also sent a legal notice to the Colors TV channel, raising objections to the title of the serial.
An FIR was also reportedly registered at Jalandhar against the channel under section 295-A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) on the complainant of a local Sikh.
It is notable that initially the channel had adopted arrogant behaviour while responding to the legal notice sent by Nagpur advocates. Instead to accepting the mistake the channel’s advocates, in their reply to the legal notice, went on to challenge the authority of the Sikh advocates to send a legal notice to the channel on behalf of the Sikh community.
But now, in it’s statement the Colors channel has stated that it had tremendous respect for all communities, including the Sikhs, and they would never do anything to hurt or disrespect the sentiments or religious feelings of any community.
“Our protagonist is a girl who lives for everyone but herself. She is pure, kind-hearted and god fearing. She is, in fact, the kind of girl who will be an inspiration to all. It is through her that we showcase purity, sacrifice and love, love for family and mankind,” the statement reportedly reads further.