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This project was initiated when we came in contact with Ms. Gurmeet Rai
in New Delhi, India.
Gurmeet, a professional conservation architect, had done some research on
the deteriorating conditions of various Sikh monuments in India and Pakistan.
She had found that UNESCO would sponsor any project evidencing harmony between
two religions. During her research Gurmeet located “Guru Ki Massit” in the
city of Sri Hargobindpur near Amritsar. Guru Ki Massit is a mosque built by
the sixth Sikh Guru, Sri Hargobind Sahib, for his Muslim subjects. This
historical monument underscores religious tolerance emphasized in the Sikh
scriptures and taught by the Sikh Gurus.
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In early 2000, Dr. Narinder Singh Kapany, the Chairman of the
Sikh Foundation, visited the site of the Guru Ki Massit along with
Gurmeet Rai. Due to neglect the mosque had deterioted. To avoid
further decay the Nihang Singhs had converted a small portion of the
building into their Dera or living Quarters. Dr. Kapany was deeply
saddened at the shabby condition of this historically significant
monument, a monument with so much relevance to Sikh philosophy and
history. Immediately upon his return to the United States, the Sikh
Foundation approved funding for the renovation of the Massit. Thus
began the restoration work of this historically significant
monument. The restoration work is currently moving forward under the
joint supervision on Gurmeet Rai and UNESCO officials.
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We are very satisfied with the progress
under Gurmeet and UNESCO’s supervision. Apart from sanctioning
additional funds, we have suggested that some adjoining land might also
be acquired for the conservation of this monument.
Currently plans to build a world class research library and center
for Sikh and Muslim studies are also under progress. This will
play a vital role in the upkeep and maintenance of the
monument once the restoration work is complete. It is also proposed that after
the renovation work, all religious leaders be invited for a
grand inauguration ceremony. Can you imagine the recognition Sikhism and its
religious tolerance philosophy will get at this reception?
With this conservation work moving forward, The Sikh Foundation
is currently doing extensive homework and research to take on the
Herculean task of renovation and long-term conservation of various
monuments of Sikh importance.
This is undoubtedly an Herculean project but we feel, that if the
Sikh youth have to understand the message of the Sikh Gurus, they
must be able to see and appreciate through our historic
architecture, the history and legacy of our Gurus and
Maharajas.
Gurmeet S. Rai is a conservation architect based
in New Delhi. Having worked in the field of conservation in Punjab
for over five years now, she has extensively documented historic
buildings in the state. As the Managing trustee of the Punjab
Heritage Preservation Trust, she is pursuing the idea of developing
a comprehensive database of historic buildings in Punjab. She also
plans to work towards disseminating information on Sikh historic
buildings and the need to preserve them.
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