Tribune News Service

Amritsar, January 1

Ushering in the New Year, the SGPC staff will be seen dressed in a traditional look. In what could be termed as going ‘back to basics’, the staff will also be seen imparting knowledge to visitors at the Golden Temple. After taking over the reins of the SGPC, Bibi Jagir Kaur has embarked on a change-over of its staff, in sync with the Sikh ethos.

This change will be reflected in their appearance. The kurta-pyjama will replace coat-pent while the staff will keep an open flowing beard. Besides, the 225-member staff will also be trained in etiquettes, humility and Sikh history.

The entire office staff, which otherwise used to wear western clothes, has been strictly asked to don traditional attire such as kurta-pyjama and have SGPC identity cards around their necks. Similarly, they have been asked to grow beard.

Mukhtar Singh, manager of the Golden Temple, said the training was imparted to them by the officials of the SGPC’s Information Department. He announced that appreciation letters will be given to those who will achieve excellence during the course.

The course is likely to be concluded in the second week of this month. They are being trained to courteously handle tourists and provide them factual knowledge of the Sikh history and Gurus, during their stay in the Golden Temple.

The staff will also be trained in Punjabi, Hindi and English. They will also be in a specific dress so that they could be easily distinguished in the public. They will be seen in blue-coloured gown over kurta-pyjama during the summers. During winters, black long coat will replace the blue gown.