Puneet Sahani, a Sikh Scholar, has initiated a ground-breaking project aimed at using artificial intelligence (AI) to resurrect suppressed or seldom sung verses of Gurbani, the sacred scriptures of Sikhism.
His endeavour seeks to illuminate verses that have been overlooked, providing word-to-word translations with Puranic references in which these compositions were written to ensure a comprehensive understanding of their meaning and significance. Sahani believes that this innovative approach will resonate particularly with the youth who may not traditionally engage with Gurbani, offering them a fresh perspective on spirituality and fostering a deeper connection with the god.
In a recent presentation, Sahani unveiled the first video of his project by spotlighting a verse penned by Guru Ram Das ji, the fourth Guru of Sikhs and the founder of Amritsar. The verse, which states “Neech Jaati Hari Japateya, Uttam Paddati Paye,” translates to “Low-castes chant Shri Hari and attains highest strature.”
NEW INITIATIVE!
Will use AI to generate audio of #Gurbani that’s suppressed or rarely sung.
Here’re verses of 4th #Sikh Guru, Shri RamDas. The one who founded the city of #Amritsar.
Listen with open mind & judge for yourself: is he a #Vaishnava Hindu or a good Momin as per SGPC? https://t.co/pob5mY5wOh pic.twitter.com/0uvBrbp631— Puneet Sahani (@puneet_sahani) April 4, 2024
Furthermore, Puneet Sahani plans to unveil numerous verses in a similar way in the near future. Notably, earlier, Sahani presented a weekly video series titled “Beadbi Budhwar,” which aired every Wednesday. Through this show, he actively promoted lesser-known verses from the Gurbani, and this series was quite popular and well-received by the audience.
#बेअदबी_बुधवार
Guru Tegh Bahadur assures chanting Hari’s name brings freedom from suffering —just as it protected Draupadi, redeemed Ganika, gave salvation to Ajamila!
Shri @SGPCAmritsar Sahib Ji: how’s #Sikh Hari not same as Shri Hari Vishnu then? Who’s committing blasphemy?! https://t.co/Fude59uopC pic.twitter.com/l9lGePqcdX— Puneet Sahani (@puneet_sahani) May 17, 2023
Puneet Sahani pointed out that such verses, often neglected by mainstream Sikh institutions like the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC).
While speaking to Organiser, he criticised SGPC for its alleged neglect of these verses, attributing it to misconceptions surrounding certain terms, such as “Hari” referring to Bhagwan Vishnu. He emphasised that Sikhs, as followers of the Sanatani tradition, hold reverence for ‘Hari Naam’.
Sahani who is widely known for his criticism of the SGPC argued that such misconceptions have been propagated by SGPC, hindering a comprehensive understanding of Sikh theology.
He further told Organiser that, before SGPC’s establishment, Sikhs used to embrace practices such as applying tilak. Citing examples of Guru Ram Das ji and Sher Singh ji, the son of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, Sahani highlighted instances where they both adorned the tilak, symbolising their devotion and spiritual alignment with Bhagwan Vishnu. He pointed out that before SGPC took over, most Sikhs used to follow this tradition. “If you see the painting related to Sikh history prior to the establishment of the SGPC, around 90 per cent, of Sikhs used to apply tilak”, he added.
Puneet Sahani’s initiative not only seeks to revive forgotten verses of Gurbani but also aims to correct historical inaccuracies and dispel misconceptions propagated by SGPC. By harnessing AI technology, Sahani aims to help young people reconnect with Sikh spirituality in a new way.
