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August 2003
A twenty-eight minute English (DVD) documentary by Joginder Kalsi of Canada produced and released in 2001 is a very timely and excellent initiative. Efforts of producer in collecting materials and support from all over the world and a galaxy of contemporary Sikh scholars for authenticity are admirable.
Sikhs allover the world have started celebrating the 400th Anniversary of Compilation of Guru Granth Sahib that falls in 2004. Message of Guru Granth Sahib is for the whole of humanity and it is for the Sikh Diaspora to bring this message to humanity. This documentary is an excellent tool, not only to introduce Guru Granth Sahib to Non-Sikhs, but also to whet their appetite and curiosity to know more about the sublime and unique teachings of Guru Granth Sahib.
Technically it is a very well done job; Sound, Music, Photography is excellent. Very judicious use has been made in editing phase, of depicting the practice of Sikh values, for example if it is stated that women have equal status, then women are shown participating in Akhand Paath, and in depiction of Pangat and Langar. Reference and set up of Guru’s room in a Sikh residence is really inspiring as a family focus point.
Two important milestones in human life – marriage and death are very nicely covered with emphasis on Sikh teachings for the occasions.
Very important Sikh institutions, according to the teachings of Guru Granth Sahib, of Sewa, Langar, Pangat and Kirtan are well presented.
Similarly, the universal nature of its teachings are expressed by stressing the fact that even those saints who did not adhere to the Sikh faith, but their teachings emphasized the One God have been included. In that sense Guru Granth Sahib is unique and the only one as truly Non-denominational Scripture with mankind.
The documentary raises four questions: Teachings of Guru Granth Sahib, History, Who compiled it and Significance of the teachings in the daily life of a Sikh. Considering the length (28 minutes) answers to all of these four questions are concisely addressed.
Relevance and necessity of the ten gurus in human form leading to the eternal Shabad Guru is brought out very well. It stresses the significance in day-to-day life; the practical nature of the teachings expounded over five centuries is marvelously unique to the Sikh Scripture – Guru Granth Sahib.
As they say every good thing can be made better. In my opinion, some of the items that could be improved are: since the identity crisis for Sikhs comes early right in the elementary schools, showing Sikh children with hair and turban instead of focus on two Sikh youth without hair is highly recommended. Similarly, in the galaxy of Sikh Scholars, at least the writings of Late Dr. Sahib Singh could have been referred, who conclusively has proved that Guru Arjan Dev Ji had the original writings of the earlier four Guru Ji’s and not that he had to collect the Shabads, as the only source for compilation. It can be understood that some earlier paintings of Guru Nanak have been used wherein Guru Nanak Dev Ji is shown in Sehli Topi, however, Guru Ji’s aura comes out in a more inspiring way in the painting by S.Sobha Singh which could have been included, may be copyright hurdles were in the way. Again, when mentioning the theory of Karma, the uniqueness of Sikh concept, in washing out the Karmas of eons with Guru’s blessings must be emphasized. This modified Karma theory sets the Sikh Character apart from all other India based religions.
Narration in the voice of Gerry Birt is very impressive. Commentary script is excellent.
The documentary does not give references to quotes from contemporary authors such as Noble Laureate Ms. Pearl S. Buck, Professor H.L.Bradshaw, Ms. Dorothy Fields, Arnold Toynbee, Duncan Greenless, Macauliffe, and Dr. Bittencourt and the like. Since the projected audience is non-Sikhs, such quotes with their pictures would excite more interest. Similarly, mention of UNESCO, declaring Guru Granth Sahib as the heritage of entire mankind and initiating the English Translation would be very enlightening. May I suggest to the producers to include a flier giving the above information? It will greatly enhance the value of this production as a “Gift” to be given to non-Sikhs. Such a flier along with a list of selected websites would be a welcome “value added resource.”
Jasbir Singh Sethi
Houston
August 18, 2003 How
can I own a DVD copy of this documentary
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