In a display of profound devotion and meticulous care, Air India recently completed a landmark mission by transporting physical copies (saroops) of the Guru Granth Sahib from New Delhi to Hong Kong. The revered scriptures, central to Sikh faith, were given the highest respect when the airline booked the entire business class exclusively for their journey.
On board the flight, Air India pilot Sarab Jaspreet Minhas led a touching moment of sewa (selfless service) by performing the ceremonial ritual of ‘Chaur Sahib’—waving a ceremonial whisk over the sacred scripture. This respectful act, captured in a video clip and widely shared on social media, has struck a chord with netizens around the globe.
Guru Granth Sahib Ji’s Saroops were respectfully transported from New Delhi to Hong Kong. The entire business class was booked for the sewa, which was carried out smoothly with full maryada, supported by the local Gurdwara sangat in Hong Kong. pic.twitter.com/vUTinGd4rF
— Gagandeep Singh (@Gagan4344) March 29, 2025
Minhas took to social media to share his gratitude, recounting how the Hong Kong gurdwara team, local airport authorities, and Air India staff joined forces to ensure that every aspect of the religious protocol was observed meticulously. “The support we received truly exemplifies a spirit of unity and reverence,” he noted, emphasizing the collective effort to honor the sacred tradition.
Social media users were quick to commend the initiative. Asif Khan praised the effort, describing it as “a truly noble act of devotion” and lauding the collaboration among the pilot, Air India, and all others involved. Another user, Vinayak Prabhu, shared his admiration, saying, “What a beauty. I am not a Punjabi but I am feeling super proud and happy with the way this was conducted.”
The transport of the Guru Granth Sahib by air is governed by strict guidelines. In 2019, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) mandated that such sacred texts must be carried overseas only via chartered flights. The Akal Takht had further reinforced that the scripture should travel solely by air—not by road or sea—and must be placed on separate seats within the aircraft to maintain its sanctity.
Adding historical context, Dr. Inderbir Singh Nijjar, president of the century-old Chief Khalsa Diwan, expressed his deep appreciation for the dignified handling of the saroops. He noted that such gestures not only honor the sacred traditions but also reinforce the global identity and respect of the Sikh community.
In parallel with these practices, there are currently only two official facilities in India for printing the Guru Granth Sahib—one in Amritsar managed by the SGPC and another in Delhi under the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee. Plans to expand these facilities have seen varying degrees of success. In 2010, the SGPC considered setting up a printing facility in North Carolina, although that project did not materialize. More recently, in September 2023, the SGPC announced plans to establish a printing press in Tracy City, California, aiming to further serve the global Sikh diaspora.
The journey of the Guru Granth Sahib on this Air India flight symbolizes more than just a transportation feat—it is a reaffirmation of tradition, respect, and communal harmony. As communities worldwide witness these respectful practices, the legacy of the Sikh faith is carried forward with honor and unity.
