Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) is protesting against the government’s decision to auction the model of the Golden Temple, which was gifted to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) President Sukhbir Badal is also protesting and demanding to return it to SGPC.
SGPC has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to preserve this model in his house instead of auctioning it. SGPC President Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami has said that the model is not an ordinary gift but a symbol of devotion and respect. Not only the Golden Temple, but many other models have also been included in the auction. This auction is scheduled to end on October 31, 2023.
SGPC President Harjinder Singh Dhami said, “The model of Sachkhand Sri Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) should not be auctioned in the auction of honours and gifts received by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This is not an ordinary gift but a symbol of reverence and respect. I appeal to the Prime Minister to keep the spirit of Sri Harminder Sahib at his residence.”
Sukhbir Badal said, “I am very sad to know that the government is going to auction the sacred model of Sachkhand Sri Harmandir Sahib presented by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This model was presented as a sacred symbol of the gift and blessings of the Akal Purakh and Guru Sahibs and auctioning it would be grossly insulting and would hurt the religious sentiments of the Sikh community.”
He added, “It is my humble request to the Prime Minister that this auction should be stopped immediately. If the Government feels unable to handle this sacred and priceless gift, I request that this sacred icon be handed back to the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee.”
Union Minister of State for Culture and External Affairs Meenakshi Lekhi recently gave information about the PM Mementos E-auction. These include a model of the Golden Temple Amritsar, a statue of Lord Lakshmi Narayan Vitthal and Goddess Rukmini, Kamadhenu with calf memento, and a souvenir of Jerusalem. Along with this, Aranmula Kannadi (23A0039), brass idol of Lord Ram, Sita, Lakshman and Lord Hanuman (23A0012), and Ram Darbar idol (23A0623) are also included.
