Akali Dal and SGPC oppose auction of Golden Temple model, call it ‘disrespectful’
The model is part of the fifth e-auction of gifts received by PM Modi which started earlier this month.
The Akali Dal and Shiromani Gurudwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) have opposed and expressed concerns over the plans to auction off a model of the Golden Temple in the ongoing e-auction of mementos gifted to the Prime Minister of India.
Senior Akali Dal leader, Sukhbir Badal declared that he was “deeply saddened” by the inclusion of the “sacred model of the Sachkhand Sri Harmandir Sahib” which was presented to PM Modi by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee.
“This model was presented as a sacred symbol of the gift and blessings of the Akal Purakh and the Guru Sahibs… My humble request to the Prime Minister to stop this auction immediately. If the government feels unable to handle this sacred and priceless gift, then I request that this sacred symbol be kindly handed back to the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee,” his post read.
The model is part of the fifth e-auction of gifts received by PM Modi which started earlier this month on October 2 and will go on till the 31st of October. Along with this model other mementos such as a statue of Lord Laxmi Narayan Vitthal and goddess Rukmini, replica of the Sun Temple in Gujarat’s Modhera, the Vijay Stambh of Chittorgarh and a painting of a ghat of Varanasi are also being auctioned off. It is said there are altogether 900 items that will be auctioned, some of which have been displayed at the National Gallery of Modern Arts.
The Prime Minister had announced the exhibition on X, saying the objects on display are a “testament to the rich culture, tradition and artistic heritage of India”. “Starting today, an exhibition at NGMA will display a wide range of gifts and mementoes given to me over the recent past. Presented to me during various programmes and events across India, they are a testament to the rich culture, tradition and artistic heritage of India,” he had posted on October 2.
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