Post-grad, Ph.d scholars to provide free-cost guided tour in Amritsar's Golden Temple
Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) now plans to extend internships in Golden Temple to scholars specializing in Comparative Studies from different universities. This move is geared towards enhancing pilgrims' comprehension of Sikh religion and traditions, providing insights from various perspectives and languages.
Additionally, the initiative seeks to cultivate a skilled cohort of future guides, offering cost-free tours of the Golden Temple.
GS Grewal, the General Secretary of SGPC, revealed on Monday that the successful response from the current guides acted as a catalyst for the program's expansion. Grewal told TOI, «We've decided to offer internships to university students involved in Comparative Studies.
This approach will allow them to engage with followers of different faiths, facilitating their understanding of Sikhism's religious values, traditions, and maryada (Sikh code of religious conduct).» He emphasized the potential for cross-cultural exchange and enhancing visitors' spiritual encounters while nurturing knowledgeable guides well-versed in Sikh ethos.
Amritpal Singh, Assistant Information Officer at SGPC, provided additional insights. Presently, the institution boasts six trained guides for the Parikrama (circumambulation) of the Golden Temple and five guides within the information department.
Singh explained that these guides don white kurta pajamas or pant shirts, adorned with a jacket. A dedicated office space is being arranged in the Parikrama area, where these guides have proven indispensable in assisting foreign delegates and visitors, including those from South India.
Notably, two guides are even pursuing their Ph.D. studies.
Singh acknowledged the skepticism some pilgrims harbor
