Sri Guru Ramdas Library located in Sri Darbar Sahib group will be Digitized: Advocate Dhami

AMRITSAR: The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has announced plans to establish its own press in the United States for the printing of the sacred version of Sri Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of Sikhism. This decision marks a significant step in promoting Sikh religious literature and outreach overseas. The press will be situated in Tracy, California, where the SGPC's Dharma Prachar Kendra (Religious Propagation Center) will also operate, contributing to spiritual education and awareness in the region.

The Decision to set up the press and expand SGPC's presence in America was made during an internal committee meeting held at the SGPC office, chaired by Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami. Advocate Dhami explained that the late S. Didar Singh Bains generously donated 14.5 acres of land in Yuba City, where a Dharma Prachar Kendra will be established to initiate various religious activities. In addition to this, the Sikh diaspora in America will witness the establishment of a dedicated SGPC center in Tracy, California, thanks to the support and offers from Gyan Singh Sandhu in Canada and Colonel Singh Sandhu in America.

The Proposed center in Tracy, California, will include a printing press specifically designed for producing sacred images of Sri Guru Granth Sahib, catering to the demand from the Sikh community in America and Canada. Gurudwaras (Sikh temples) will also be set up in both centers, providing access to religious literature and resources for the Sangat (congregation). Responding to requests from the Sikh community in Australia, 220 holy images will be adorned and transported by sea in a special bus.

Advocate Dhami underscored that these decisions have been made in response to the considerable demand for holy images worldwide, reflecting the commitment to meet the spiritual needs of Sikh communities around the globe. Additionally, SGPC intends to digitize the Sri Guru Ramdas Library associated with Sri Darbar Sahib, Amritsar, creating a dedicated website for the library, complete with catalogs and details of important books.

Furthermore, the SGPC has initiated a campaign to promote cleanliness and green initiatives in Guru Nagar Sri Amritsar, reinforcing its commitment to environmental sustainability. The Central Sikh Museum will feature portraits of Giani Jagtar Singh, former chief Granthi of Sachkhand Sri Harmandir Sahib, and Sikh historian Swaran Singh Chuslewar in recognition of their significant contributions to the Sikh heritage.

In a special acknowledgment, Amritbir Singh, a 21-year-old Sikh youth from Umranangal village in Gurdaspur district, will be honored with a monetary award. The Inner Committee of the SGPC has also approved a 4 percent Dearness Allowance installment for the organization's employees.