The year that started off "interesting"

All of you would have heard by now about the incident that took place a few days ago. It was all over the social media, the community news, and from what I gather, has spread all over the world.

It is a sad, and grieving, and unfortunate thing, and it has left all of us with a less-than-pristine feeling. But today I feel I must write about it.

I am going to write about what I see as not-so-terrible from the episode.

1. The panth came together, and stood together to solve the issue. It was so heartening to see that immediate action was taken, and the sanggat was informed of it, and that in a calm and professional manner, it was analysed, a decision was made, and it was announced. 
2. This could have happened anywhere in the world. But for one of the most progressive panth to see it happening - and this is so apt - to point out "Wrong number hai yeh" and then for action to be taken, that is a step. And for people from the entire world to see that this should never, ever happen again, well it is a positive step. 
3. The entire sangat, and gurdwara committees now learn that clear, detailed guidelines need exist. There need be detailed information provided to all parties when it involves an outside of gurdwara event. 
4. Everyone involved learnt a hard, but probably necessary lesson. 

I urge us all to have but some compassion and forgiveness though. As the panj pyare pointed out, we should not shun them away. Instead, offer them your love and understanding and kindness, it is only the beginning of the year, we should have some left - everyone makes mistakes. Plus, they are ashamed enough, and they have faced the Panj Pyare. 

I urge you to forgive and forget. It is an important lesson, for all of us, but instead of spreading the negativity and unkindness - through harsh words, through mockery of those involved, spread kindness and words of the Guru, spread love. And as someone has said, let this be a lesson for all of us to reconsider our own actions. 

Yesterday my friend told me of her niece who after samelan, chose to sit next to a classmate who did well in math. When asked, she said "I am choosing the right sangat". 

Let this guide us towards a better year, and a better sangat. 

As always, love to all.