The dilemma to open more schools and hospitals and create funds for the poorest and the ever-increasing middle class amongst the community instead of huge, monumental Gurdwaras has been agitating the Sikhs for long. Akaal Productions maiden venture ‘Dark Wisdom’ uses a simple story to convey the message and provide an alternative. Co-produced by Manmeet Singh and ably directed by Harjeet Singh Oberoi, the short movie questions the giver and receiver of Dasvandh for misplaced utilisation of community resources. The 20-minute short film emotionally reverberates with the viewer as many amongst Sikhs are agitated with this question.

CAN GURDWARA BUILDINGS BE SIMPLE WITH with more emphasis and outlay on the propagation of teachings of Guru Granth Sahib, Sikh nation-building and nurturing Sikh human capital and a place which is what a Guru-duar should stand for? Will you contribute your tithe -Dasvandh to the building or reconstruction of Gurdwaras alone or to other causes as well? Are our priorities in order?

The expressive short film ‘Dark Wisdom’ forthrightly poses the linear focus of the established politico-religious leaders of the community and the dilemma of the middle and rich sections of the Sikh community.

The protagonist of the story is actor Harjit Singh Basra playing the character of a young and rich painter Rajbir Singh -who desires to contribute rupees 50 million for a Gurdwara Sahib, till he is confronted with the soul of child artiste Jasnam Singh playing the role of Japji.

When Rajbir Singh meets the Gurdwara president and architect of the new building of the Gurdwara, they are passionate about building the most beautiful and the best Gurdwara in Delhi. This echoes such similar talk by most Gurdwara leaders across the Sikh world.

A reborn Japji calls Rajbir Singh as Agyan Singh -a man who is not wise. A very soft and soothing but strong talk between Japji Singh Rajbir Singh is the soul of the movie which highlights the thought process confronting the Sikh community.

Japji, narrates his past life and how his father could not cough-up the large amount of money needed for his heart operation with no assistance from any of the Sikh sources, including nothing from the rich and famous Rajbir Singh. The entire conversation shakes up Rajbir Singh from within. It gives him a new insight and he starts to think out of the box.  Gyan -wisdom dawns on him.

Does Agyan Singh listen to the advice of the soul of Japji? Spare 20 minutes to view this short film produced by Manmeet Singh of Akal Purakh Ki Fauj, New Delhi.  True to its name “Dark Wisdom” is a not to be missed wisdom take on the dark side of our actions in relation to the teachings of the Gurbani.

“Can Sikhism be preached only from monumental Gurdwaras alone? If there are no Sikhs left, whom will the Gurdwaras preach to? Will we continue to be ‘Agyan’ Singhs -blokes without a sense of need and priority? When will we adopt the core principles of our Gurus? Will Dark Wisdom come to the rescue of the community?

Jasnam Singh as Japji has been very good with the dialogue delivery and Harry Singh Basra as Rajbir has been good with his acting. KP Singh, the father of Japji looks more composed with his acts and emotions.

The Akal Purakh Ki Fauj has to be applauded for dedicating the short movie to young social activist Gurpreet Singh, who was killed outside AIIMS hospital only for asking someone to stop smoking.

An expressive short film that presents the current state of affairs of the working and mindset of the Sikhs, particularly the rich and the politico-religious leaders of the community.

The storyline is cliché-ridden, yet the simple dialogues touch the viewers. The sites chosen to be filmed for Gurdwara premises could have been a better place.  The pace of the story is slow but the music is soothing.

During the current Covid-19 pandemic, Gurdwaras -big and small have held aloft the spirit of service of Sikhs across the world and fulfilled their roles in a remarkable manner. Yet, many questions raised by Japji in the film should haunt you.

The Akal Purakh Ki Fauj has to be applauded for dedicating the short movie to young social activist Gurpreet Singh, who was killed outside AIIMS hospital only for asking someone to stop smoking.

Next time, you have money and energy to contribute, get answers to what Japji asks in Dark Wisdom, “Can Sikhism be preached only from monumental Gurdwaras alone? If there are no Sikhs left, whom will the Gurdwaras preach to? Will we continue to be ‘Agyan’ Singhs -blokes without a sense of need and priority? When will we adopt the core principles of our Gurus? Will Dark Wisdom come to the rescue of the community?

While it is time to think and worry too, Japji’s soul tells us, “Gurmukh kade pareshaan nahi hunde -followers of teachings of God and Guru are never a worried lot.

Gurmeet Singh is a social, religious and human rights activist based in Delhi. He takes a keen interest in Sikh affairs and keeps abreast of Panthic developments.