Popular YouTuber Dhruv Rathee is embroiled in controversy over an AI-generated video titled "The Rise of Sikh," which featured a controversial depiction of Sikh gurus and warriors.
Dhruv Rathee: The popular YouTuber and social media influencer Dhruv Rathee is again facing backlash, this time for a video concerning religious sentiments. The video, utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) to create a 'visual representation' of Sikh gurus and warriors based on Sikh history, was uploaded under titles such as "The Sikh Warrior Who Terrified the Mughals" and "The Rise of Sikh." Following b reactions from the Sikh community, the video has since been removed.
Rathee, a resident of Haryana currently based in Germany, presented the saga of Sikh warrior Banda Singh Bahadur through AI visuals in his recent video. The video depicted Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji and other prominent Sikh gurus in AI animation, which the Sikh community has deemed a violation of Sikh Maryada (code of conduct) and traditions.
Strong Objections from SGPC and Sikh Leaders
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) bly condemned the video, labeling it a violation of the fundamental tenets of Sikhism and the 'Sikh Rehat Maryada.' SGPC member Gurcharan Singh Grewal stated unequivocally that "topics related to Sikh history and Gurus are extremely sacred and cannot be tampered with through commercialization or imaginative depictions. Creating the likeness of Guru Sahibaan using tools like AI is not only inappropriate but also a distortion of history."
Guru Gobind Singh Ji Depicted as a 'Crying Child'
The most sensitive aspect of the controversy is the video's portrayal of Guru Gobind Singh Ji as a crying child. This depiction drew sharp criticism from Delhi government minister and Akali leader Manjinder Singh Sirsa, who stated, "Depicting Guru Gobind Singh Ji, a symbol of courage and spirituality, as a crying child is not only an insult to the soul of Sikhism but also a mockery of the Sikh spirit of 'Charhdi Kala' (eternal optimism)."
Shiromani Akali Dal leader Sukhbir Singh Badal also expressed displeasure with Rathee's video, stating that such depictions are a direct violation of Sikh Rehat Maryada. He emphasized that no visual representation of the Guru Sahibaan can be shown, and such a presentation deeply hurts our faith.
Video Removed, But Controversy Persists
Following the escalating controversy, Dhruv Rathee removed the video from his YouTube channel. However, debate continues intensely regarding the use of modern technology like AI in the context of religious history, especially when it clashes with the traditions of a community. Rathee has yet to issue a public apology, further fueling the outrage.
Sikh organizations are demanding clear guidelines and sensitivity towards such digital content to prevent similar incidents in the future.
