Amritsar: YouTube has suspended the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee’s (SGPC) official Gurbani Channel for seven days, citing a violation of its Community Guidelines. The action was taken in connection with a programme streamed on October 31, the death anniversary of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
Following the restriction, SGPC has launched an alternative YouTube channel to ensure devotees can continue watching the live telecast of Gurbani without interruption.
Media expert and former PTC News Managing Director Rabindra Narayan commented on the issue through a detailed social media post. He explained why YouTube may have taken the action and advised SGPC to immediately file an appeal.
Narayan suggested that the appeal should clearly mention that the removed video featured a Sikh preacher describing historical events and the lives of Sikh warriors. He emphasised that the content was purely educational and religious, not political. He further advised SGPC to state that there was no intention to encourage violence or unlawful acts, and that the statements made in the video might have been misunderstood in context.
He also recommended highlighting SGPC’s longstanding reputation for producing safe, accurate and educational religious content. Narayan noted that the suspension has affected millions of viewers worldwide who rely on the channel for daily live Gurbani broadcasts.
He urged YouTube to review the strike and restore the channel at the earliest so that religious telecasts can continue seamlessly.