Available online
Description
This programme looks at a Sikh community in Chapeltown, Leeds. Whilst concentrating on worship it also looks at the implication for a religious and ethnic minority of maintaining a separate identit...y within the host community. It looks at everyday Sunday morning worship in the Gurdwara, a converted congregational church. The Gurdwara is also a focal point of the Sikh community and offers a number of other facilities, such as a Guru's kitchen and the Langa (the meal traditionally taken by all members of the congregation after worship) and not only teaches children the basic tenets of the religion but also the language of the scriptures. Punjabi. This is regarded as essential since although children growing up in this country can speak Punjabi they are taught to read and write in English in school. In the course of the morning's worship there is a marriage ceremony and the programme therefore looks at the question of arranged marriages and the attitudes of a number of Sikh women to this institution.
This programme looks at a Sikh community in Chapeltown, Leeds. Whilst concentrating on worship it also looks at the implication for a religious and ethnic minority of maintaining a separate identit...y within the host community. It looks at everyday Sunday morning worship in the Gurdwara, a converted congregational church. The Gurdwara is also a focal point of the Sikh community and offers a number of other facilities, such as a Guru's kitchen and the Langa (the meal traditionally taken by all members of the congregation after worship) and not only teaches children the basic tenets of the religion but also the language of the scriptures. Punjabi. This is regarded as essential since although children growing up in this country can speak Punjabi they are taught to read and write in English in school. In the course of the morning's worship there is a marriage ceremony and the programme therefore looks at the question of arranged marriages and the attitudes of a number of Sikh women to this institution.
| Module code and title: | AD208, Man's religious quest |
|---|---|
| Item code: | AD208; 10 |
| First transmission date: | 20-05-1978 |
| Published: | 1978 |
| Rights Statement: | |
| Restrictions on use: | |
| Duration: | 00:24:30 |
| + Show more... | |
| Producer: | Ken Patton |
| Contributor: | Terry Thomas |
| Publisher: | BBC Open University |
| Keyword(s): | Sikh religion |
| Footage description: | The programme open with Sikh music over shots of the Chapeltown Gurdwara, which used to be a congretational church. Sikhs are seen arriving at the Gurdwara and taking part in the Sunday Service. A Sikh man is interviewed about his religious beliefs. The interview contines over film of a service at the Gurdwara and a ceremony whereby old Sikh religious leaders are honoured. The interviewee describes his attachment to one of these leaders. Further scenes from the Gurdwara over which Thomas comments on the appearance of the typical Sikh. A Sikh man is seen putting on his turban and other religous symbols. Interview with a man who describes the social pressures on British Sikhs to conform in matters of appearance. Shots of the Gurdwara congregation. A middle aged Sikh man expresses belief in Sikhism and describes the benefits of regular prayer. Shots of him at prayer, another man tells how prayer saved the life of his son. Sikh music. A young Sikh woman declares her satisfaction with Sikhism. Film of a marriage ceremony in the Gurdwara, over which Thomas provides some explanatory comments. In interviews a young man and a young woman explain that their arranged marriagies have been very satisfactory. Further footage of the marriage ceremony. Three interviews; a Sikh man explains the responsibilities involved in arranging marriages; a voting woman expresses contentment with the prospect of an arranged marriage; another rejects the prospoct. More film of the Gurdwara marriage, particularly of the groom leading the bride around the holy book. Thomas explains this in voice-over. Shots of donations being made to the Gurdwara and accounts being recorded by the treasurer. Over this and film of Chapeltown Sikhs eating a meal at the Gurdwara Thomas describes how it functions as a social and cultural centre. Shots of children being taught to read Punjabi. Two Sikh mothers explain the religious significance of Punjabi texts. Another young woman describes the inevitable conflicts faced by Sikhs growing up in this country. Further footane of the marriage ceremony at Chapeltown Gurdwara. This is followed by shots of food being distributed, with music and singing over. |
| Master spool number: | OU2674 |
| Production number: | 00525_3278 |
| Videofinder number: | 3601 |
| Available to public: | no |
