A recent video by YouTuber Dhruv Rathee, titled "The Sikh Warrior Who Terrified the Mughals | Legend of Banda Singh Bahadur," has sparked controversy and drawn strong criticism from the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC). The SGPC and other Sikh bodies allege that the video, which uses AI-generated visuals to depict Sikh Gurus and historical events, distorts facts and disrespects Sikh sentiments.
The SGPC, a prominent organization responsible for managing Sikh Gurdwaras, has come out strongly against Rathee, accusing him of misrepresenting Sikh history. Gurcharan Singh Grewal, the General Secretary of the SGPC, stated that the Sikh community does not need AI-based interpretations of their history from Rathee or anyone else. He criticized the YouTuber for inaccuracies in the video, particularly concerning the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji and the legacy of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur. Grewal also condemned the casual use of Guru Sahib's name without proper honorifics, deeming it deeply disrespectful.
Specifically, the SGPC General Secretary pointed out that the video inaccurately portrays key events and lacks reverence for the Sikh Gurus. He also raised concerns about the depiction of Banda Singh Bahadur as a "Robin Hood" figure, which he argued, trivializes the warrior's historical significance. The SGPC argues that Rathee's video could mislead younger audiences and those unfamiliar with the Sikh faith, potentially fueling misinformation and hurting religious sentiments.
Following the SGPC's objections, Dhruv Rathee responded on social media, acknowledging the concerns raised by members of the Sikh community about the use of animation to depict Sikh Gurus. Rathee stated that he would consider blurring certain parts of the video that are deemed offensive but maintained that creating such a video without AI-generated animation would be difficult. He also initiated a poll on social media to gather opinions from the Sikh community on whether to delete the video or take other actions.
The controversy has ignited discussions across social media platforms. Many members of the Sikh community are demanding that the video be taken down or amended to address the historical inaccuracies and disrespectful portrayals. Some have expressed concerns about the increasing trend of using AI for religious or historical content without proper scholarly oversight and cultural sensitivity.
Other Sikh leaders and organizations have also voiced their disapproval of Rathee's video. Harmeet Singh Kalka, President of the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC), strongly condemned the video, calling it culturally insensitive and deeply offensive to Sikh sentiments and traditions. Kalka also highlighted the historical inaccuracies and misrepresentations in the video, particularly regarding the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji and the legacy of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur Ji.
The SGPC has urged the government to take strict action against Rathee and called for regulations on AI-driven historical content, especially when dealing with sensitive religious matters. They argue that misinformed storytelling can have detrimental effects, especially on younger audiences who rely on digital media for learning about their history and faith.
This isn't the first time Dhruv Rathee has faced controversy. In the past, he has been criticized for his social media posts on sensitive topics, such as the Kolkata doctor rape-murder case, where he revealed the victim's identity. He has also faced legal battles, including a defamation suit filed by a BJP spokesperson, and has had videos blocked by the Indian government for allegedly containing a distorted map of India.
The current controversy underscores the challenges and sensitivities involved in creating historical and religious content using AI. While AI can offer new and engaging ways to present information, it is crucial to ensure accuracy, respect, and cultural sensitivity, especially when dealing with religious figures and events.
