NEW DELHI, APRIL 18 — A high-level delegation from the Global Sikh Council (GSC) met with Rajya Sabha Member Vikramjit Singh Sahney on Saturday to seek legislative intervention regarding the protection of religious freedoms and the challenges posed by emerging technologies. The delegation, representing Sikh organizations from 28 nations, called for immediate reforms to address the harassment of students over articles of faith and the rise of digital distortions of sacred texts.
Led by GSC Vice President Paramjit Singh Bedi, the representatives noted that Sikh students frequently face pressure to remove religious articles during competitive examinations. The council also expressed grave concerns regarding “technological sacrilege,” where artificial intelligence and deepfake media are utilized to misrepresent Gurbani on social media platforms. The GSC stated that regulatory intervention is necessary to curb fabricated narratives that undermine the sanctity of Sikh principles.
During the meeting, the delegation proposed the establishment of a “Central Gurmukhi University” to be granted the same national status as the Central Sanskrit University. They maintained that a dedicated national institution is essential to promote the Punjabi language and the Gurmukhi script. Additionally, the council sought the nomination of a Sikh scholar to the Central Board of Film Certification to ensure an informed evaluation of content related to Sikh history and identity.
In response to these grievances, Mr. Sahney extended his full assurance to the GSC, committing to raise these matters during parliamentary sessions. He affirmed his dedication to engaging with union ministers through formal representations to protect cultural rights. The Member of Parliament also accepted an invitation to attend the GSC’s annual general meeting in Chandigarh this October, signaling a sustained partnership to address the global interests of the Sikh community.
