Saints, Sikhism and SMH
The Leader
It might cause a rise in temperature – if not a raging fever – among some.The province and health officials have announced the new ER department at Surrey Memorial Hospital will bear the name of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism.
Is this a misdiagnosis of the public’s penchant for multiculturalism?
Perhaps.
After all, Guru Nanak is a religious figure. The first of the 10 Sikh gurus, he is also revered by Hindus and Muslims.
Considering the new emergency department is a taxpayer-funded public facility – (albeit bolstered by private donations, including millions from members of the South Asian community) – is the naming an inappropriate blending of church and state? What message does it send to followers of other religions, or indeed, the non-religious?