Reality show judge angers Sikh groups in Punjab

Chandigarh, Aug 4 (IANS) The exit of a seven-year-old participant from the 'India's Got Talent' reality show after judge Sajid Khan commmented that the martial arts dance form he performed was too violent has angererd Sikh groups in Punjab.

'Gatka' (a traditional martial arts dance form of the Nihang sect of the Sikh religion) bodies are objecting to the ouster of Manpreet Singh of Tarn Taran from the reality show that runs on Colours TV and debarred him from demonstrating the routine.

Sajid Khan had commented, after Manpreet's performance, that the 'Gatka' performed during the show was too violent.

The Gatka Federation of India (GFI) and Punjab Gatka Association (PGA), recognized by the Punjab Olympic Association, have urged the Akal Takht head (Jathedar) Gurbachan Singh to take strict action against the television channel.

In a statement, GFI general secretary H.S Grewal and PGA joint secretary Jagmohanjit Singh said that Sajid Khan's reaction on the TV show had hurt the sentiments of Sikhs and Gatka sportspersons by terming it violent for his age.

They added that Gatka, a traditional martial art of self-defence, was introduced in India around 4,000 years ago by the Aryans and is the mother of all martial arts.

Grewal said that even the Punjab Olympic Association had recognised Gatka and the education department in Punjab has also incorporated Gatka game in Punjab schools, colleges and universities sports calendars.

The GFI and PGA have sought an unconditional apology from the channel and its judge.

Even the Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC) has objected to the comments of the TV show judge.