SIKH SOCIETY OF SOUTH
AUSTRALIA INCORPORATED
(Registration No: A7903)
CONSTITUTION
www.sikhssa.com.au
30th August 2008
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SIKH SOCIETY OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA INC.
CONSTITUTION (Reg No: A 7903)
PREAMBLE
"SABHNA JEEAAN KA IK DHATA SO MAIN VISAR NA JAAEE"
There is One God for all Living beings, let us not forget Him
"The Sikh religion is Universal"
"The Punjabi culture is unique with origins from Punjab"
[The Society shall uphold and promote both].
1.
NAME
SIKH SOCIETY OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA INC. CONSTITUTION
[a]
The name of the society upon incorporation shall be Sikh Society of South
Australia Incorporated Referred to hereafter as The Society.
2.
DEFINITIONS
The following words are to have the following meanings wherever they appear herein
where the context so admits:
[a]
PRINCIPAL OFFICERS: President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer.
[b]
SIKH: Any person who believes in one God and accepts the teachings of the
ten Sikh Gurus (teachers) and who looks upon the "Adi Granth" as the holy
scriptures of his religion.
[c]
AGM: Annual General Meeting
[d]
EGM: Extra-ordinary General Meeting
[e]
The singular shall include the plural, the masculine the feminine and vice
versa.
(f)
SRM: Sikh Rehat Maryada
(g)
CULTURE: PUNJABI: This applies to all aspects of Language, Literature,
Music, Songs, Dances, Dress, Foods and Social Habits which have originated
in Punjab.
(h)
Adelaide Metropolitan Area: includes the Adelaide Urban District, the
Adelaide Hills and Onkaparinga Districts as defined by the Australian Local
Government Association.
3.
AIMS
The aims of the Society are:
[i]
To encourage the understanding of the Sikh religion & culture and to promote
harmony between Sikhs and people of other beliefs in South Australia.
[ii]
To promote the interest of Sikhs resident, working in, or travelling through
Australia in accordance with the Australian Law. As a responsible Society to
liaise with all relevant Government bodies and agencies to protect and
enhance the Rights & Privileges of Sikhs.
[iii]
To act as a representative body of Sikhs in South Australia in liaison and co-
operation with similar bodies in the other states.
[iv]
To provide for the religious, cultural, educational, social, sporting and welfare
activities, and facilities to the members of The Society.
[v]
To provide facilities and activities to enable members and their friends to
confer together at meetings, seminars, and conferences pertaining to the
practice of the Sikh religion and its understanding to Sikhs and non- Sikhs
including other matters and other common interests. The Society may charge
for the provision of such facilities and activities.
[vi]
To establish an Educational Foundation for the teaching of the Punjabi
Language, culture, Sikh Philosophy, and other related subjects not taught in a
normal school curriculum and provide facilities for this purpose.
[vii]
To raise funds through membership fees and all other legitimate means to
assist the carrying out of the aims of The Society.
[viii]
To print, publish, and sell books, papers, periodicals, badges and emblems,
and engage in any other literary undertaking as may seem conducive to the
attainment of the aims of The Society, including the use of Internet and
Electronic Media.
[ix]
To consider all questions and issues affecting the interests of Sikhs and
Sikhism, to initiate and watch over, promote or oppose general or particular
measures affecting them, and to promote or procure changes in any law, by-
law or regulation detrimental to Sikhs and Sikhism.
[x]
To ensure there is provision of the Society's facilities for the Elderly and
people with a disability.
[xi]
To ensure that The Society's activities and the Sikh religion are not
misrepresented.
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4.
MEMBERSHIP
[a]
ELIGIBILITY
[i]
Ordinary membership (Refer 4.b.1) with the right to hold office and vote shall
be restricted to Sikhs (Refer 2.b) who are legally permanent residents or
nationals of Australia and who live in or whose principal place of work is in
the Adelaide Metropolitan Area (including the Adelaide Urban District, the
Adelaide Hills and Onkaparinga as defined by the Australian Local
Government Association).
Exemption those who live outside of the Adelaide Metropolitan Area but
have been ordinary members continuously for at least three years prior to the
AGM held 28th August 2004, will remain as ordinary members whilst those
who joined as ordinary members after the AGM held 28th August 2004 will
convert to associate members.
[ii]
Associate Membership without the right to hold office on the Management
Committee except as an Honorary Auditor or to vote, but with the right to
attend and speak at meetings will be open to non-Sikhs and Sikhs from outside
of the Adelaide Metropolitan Area, Interstate or overseas..
[iii]
Any person who has been a member of The Society as a child member of a
family and changes to full membership upon turning 16 years of age, will have
his/her membership considered as a continuing one and not as a new
membership for the purposes of voting and holding office.
[iv]
All membership applications are subject to approval at the Management
Committee meetings.
[b]
TYPES OF MEMBERSHIP
There will be 2 types of membership: 1) Ordinary Membership and (2) Associate
Membership. Sub categories of these memberships are as listed below.
1.
Ordinary membership.
There shall be four categories of ordinary membership:
[i]
Family Membership husband and wife (one must be a Sikh) and
children under 16 years old.
[ii]
Individual Membership
[iii]
Pensioners (Husband & Wife)
[iv]
Life Membership Any Ordinary member who pays a subscription of
A$1,000.00 or more may become a Life Member.
2.
Associate Membership.
There shall be two categories of associate membership:
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[i]
Outside of Adelaide Metropolitan Area (Adelaide Urban, Adelaide
Hills & Onkaparinga), Interstate and Overseas Membership
[ii]
Persons who are not of Sikh faith but wish to associate participate and
help in the activities of The Society.
[c]
MEMBER BENEFITS
All members shall have priority and/or concessions in:
`
1. All categories of membership shall have the right to participate in all religious,
cultural, educational, sporting, and other activities organized by The Society.
2. The use of Gurdwara premises, its equipment, and facilities.
3. Assistance in the organization of any religious function whether it be in the
Gurdwara or private premises
4. Receiving financial and any other assistance in sporting and cultural events
representing the Society.
5. Representation in dealing with Government Departments and Statutory
Authorities.
6. Charges that may be applicable in the hire of Gurdwara equipment, and functions
that are open to non-members.
[d]
RIGHTS & PRIVILEGES OF MEMBERS
[i] The right to vote and hold office shall be restricted to financial Ordinary members
above the age of sixteen in their own right in the following categories:
- Family Membership husband and wife.
- Individual Membership
- Pensioner Membership (Husband & Wife)
- Life Membership.
[ii] Current financial members who have paid their subscriptions by 30th June of the
current financial year shall have the right to vote and hold office.
[iii] New members will have a 3-month waiting period before having the right to vote.
[e]
SUBSCRIPTIONS
[i] Any member who is in arrears of more than two years shall have his membership
lapsed and may rejoin as new member.
[ii] The Annual Subscription fees will be decided at the Annual General Meeting.
[f]
VOTING
Voting at all meetings of The Society shall be by a show of hands except when they
involve the election of office bearers.
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[g]
DISCIPLINE OF MEMBERS.
Should a complaint - in writing - against any member of The Society be received for a
breach or a considered breach, the Management Committee shall investigate the
complaint immediately.
The President shall call a meeting of the Principal Officers and decide the course of
action to be taken.
The member concerned should be called up to explain his side of the story and if
necessary the complainant should also be called up with a view to a mutually
agreeable solution.
The President shall convey the decision to the parties concerned in writing. Such
decision shall be given within 4 weeks from the receipt of the written complaint.
In the event the complaint involves and affects a fair few members of The Society and
community, a special Management Committee meeting shall be called by the
President and with due and appropriate urgency. The course of action shall be decided
at the meeting and shall be in writing and recorded as such with names of all present
at the meeting.
Disciplinary Action:
Depending upon the findings as above the Management Committee may take
disciplinary action against a member or members. The action may consist of
any of the following: -
1.
Written letter of warning and a reprimand, or
2.
Suspension of membership and / or Society activities for a period to be
determined by Management Committee, or
3.
Expulsion, or
4.
A combination of the above or any other action, the Management
Committee may deem appropriate including legal action.
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Appeal can be made to the Governing Council to review the action or
decision of the Management Committee.
5.
MANAGEMENT
[a]
MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
[i]
The society shall be managed by an annually elected committee comprising
the following: President, Vice-President, Secretary, Assistant Secretary,
Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer, four Committee Members, and one Youth
Member. The Principal Office Bearer's i.e. the President, the Vice-President,
the Secretary, and the Treasurer be elected for a period of two years.
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Non Principal Office bearers to be elected for a period of two years, but half
be given the option of serving for a period of one year. All positions on the
Committee shall be honorary.
[ii]
The President or in his absence the Vice-President shall have a casting vote at
all times.
[iii]
All Principal Officers shall not hold office in the same position for more than
two consecutive terms. However if no person is nominated and elected, then
the outgoing Principal Officers shall be given the option to carry on for
another term.
[iv]
The Vice-President shall automatically take over the duties and
responsibilities of the President in the latter's absence.
[v]
The control and running of the Gurdwara premises and all other buildings at
the site shall be under the absolute control of the Management Committee
elected at the time. This includes the conducting of any ceremonies at the
premises.
[vi]
Use of the Gurdwara premises for any occasion requires the approval of the
Management committee.
[b]
SUB-COMMITTEES
The Management Committee may from time to time nominate and appoint sub-
committees or individual members to be responsible for specific projects. They shall
be directly responsible to the Management Committee.
[c]
STANDING COMMITTEES
[i]
Standing Committees may be appointed if necessary to undertake specific
projects, which may continue beyond the term of office of the current
Management Committee or where it is deemed that special expertise is
required.
[ii]
Such committees shall be appointed at an AGM or EGM and shall have their
terms of reference, tenure, and powers clearly spelt out at the time of their
appointment.
[iii]
Such committees shall be directly responsible to the Management Committee.
[iv]
The Management Committee shall be represented on such committees by one
of its members.
[d]
THE GOVERNING COUNCIL OF THE SIKH SOCIETY OF SA Inc.
[i]
To act to protect all assets of the Society
[ii]
To ensure the elected Management Committee adheres to the Constitution in
the conduct of all functions and affairs of the Society.
[iii]
To ensure that the Management Committee does not deny any competent
person to conduct or take part in any ceremony or other sewa on any grounds
other than competency.
[iv]
To hear and make decisions on any major complaints against the Management
Committee or any matter referred by the Management Committee itself.
[v]
To review disciplinary decisions and actions by the Management Committee.
[vi]
To deal with any matters which reflects or affects on the Society and the Sikh
Community in SA.
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[vii]
The Council shall not unduly interfere with the day to day running of the
Society by the Management Committee.
[viii]
The Governing Council shall be made up of five members elected at an AGM
or EGM. The term shall be for five years. Members can be re-elected if
necessary. To be eligible for elections to the Council, a person has to have
been an ordinary member of the Society for at least ten years or a life member
and should have contributed significantly in terms of service to the Society.
The Chairman and Secretary of the Council shall be elected by the members of
the Council. No active member of the Management Committee shall be on the
Council. In the event of any Council member resigning or not able to function,
the rest of the Council shall continue to function and a replacement elected at
the ensuing AGM or EGM.
[ix]
The Council shall not be abolished unless decided by a majority of at least
seventy five percent of the full membership of the Society (not seventy five
percent of attendance) at an AGM or EGM.
[x]
Nominations for the Council
This shall be on prescribed forms and submitted to the Management
Committee no later than the last day of the Financial year.
[xi]
Functions of the Council
The Council shall meet at least three times a year or more if required. The
Council shall be provided with minutes of every Management Committee
meetings after each of their meetings. The Council shall keep written records
of its meetings and decisions and provide these to the Management
Committee.
[xii]
The decision of the Council shall be on majority basis of three at least and
shall be given in writing without detailed explanations. The Council shall keep
written records of its meetings and decisions.
[xiii]
There shall be no legal recourse by the Management Committee against the
Council.
[e]
AUDITOR
The members at an Annual General meeting shall elect an Auditor who under no
circumstances shall be a member of the Management Committee.
The Management Committee shall appoint independent, qualified, professional and
registered external auditor to audit all accounts of The Society. The Auditor need not
be a Sikh.
[f]
PUBLIC OFFICER
The Public Officer shall be the Honorary Secretary or such other person nominated by
the Management Committee and alterable as and when the Management Committee
so desires.
The Management Committee shall inform the Corporate Affairs Commission
forthwith of any such change or as required by law.
[g]
RETURNING OFFICER
A returning officer shall be elected at the AGM. He will conduct the elections of the
Management Committee in accordance with the constitution.
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[h]
CELEBRANT
The Management Committee should ensure that a Celebrant for Sikh weddings should
be a person who is fully knowledgeable and able to perform the Sikh marriage
ceremony and is well versed with Australian legal requirements
[i]
WEBSITE MANAGEMENT
[i]
Any changes to The Society's Web pages must have clear approval from the
Management Committee.
[ii]
Misuse or misappropriation of The Society's Web site is prohibited.
[iii]
All SSSA registered Internet Domain Names are to be registered centrally by
the management committee.
6.
ELECTIONS
[a]
NOMINATIONS
[i]
Members who have a history of any criminal convictions or undischarged
bankruptcy will not be allowed to hold office in any capacity
[ii]
Nomination forms for the positions on the Management Committee will be
made available to all members at least six weeks before the AGM at the
society's registered office.
[iii] Completed nomination forms shall be returned to the Returning Officer by the
stipulated date which shall be printed on the nomination form and which shall
be no later than three weeks before the AGM.
[iv]
The complete list of nominations shall be posted on the notice board of The
Society's registered office no later than two weeks before the AGM,
[v]
All nomination forms shall have the signature of the proposer, seconder, and
the nominee.
[vi]
The management committee shall make available to the Returning Officer a
list of the registered and financial members for his / her use.
[vii] Members should have a minimum period of three years continuous and full
financial membership just prior to elections, to be elected to the principal positions.
To be elected to the position of President one has to have served at least two years in
the Management Committee in the immediate past five years. For all other positions
the requirement is one full financial year of membership.
[b]
CONDUCT OF ELECTIONS
[i]
After the commencement of the item of business "nomination and elections"
at the AGM all positions affected shall become vacant and the Returning
Officer shall take over as chairperson for the purposes of elections.
[ii]
The Returning Officer shall then announce the nominations received by him
for each position and call nominations for positions on the Management
Committee for which no nominations had been received.
[iii]
Two impartial scrutineers may be appointed to supervise the counting of any
votes by the Returning Officer.
[iv]
No voting shall be allowed by proxy.
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[v]
The Management Committee shall have the discretion and powers to fill any
remaining positions on the Management Committee, except those of principal
officers, not filled at the AGM.
[c]
VACANCIES
[i]
Should any position of the Management Committee become vacant except at
an AGM the Management Committee shall nominate an ordinary member to
fill the position forthwith. Any mid-term vacancies for the position of
principal officers can only be filled by the consent of members at an EGM
called for that purpose.
The list of financial members as at 30th June of the current year shall be posted
[ii]
on the Notice Board of the Gurudwara by 15th July of the current year and the
list should be freely available to all members upon request.
7.
MEETINGS
[a]
MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE MEETING
Management Committee meetings shall be held at least once every two months. All
business shall be carried out on a simple majority vote.
[b]
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING AGM
[i]
The AGM shall be held no later than the thirty-first day of August each year.
[ii]
The agenda of the AGM shall be made available to the registered / financial
members at least fourteen days before the AGM and shall include:
- A year's reports of the Management Committee, various sub-committees
and minutes of the previous AGM.
- The presentation and passing of the audited accounts for the previous year.
- The nomination and election of the incoming Management Committee,
Auditor, and Returning Officer.
- A discussion on an intended curriculum for the financial year in progress.
- Subscriptions.
[iii]
All members shall be informed of the AGM at least 6 weeks before the event
by circular post to the addresses of the members contained in the Register. All
items on the agenda requiring a vote shall be passed by a simple majority of
financial members attending.
[iv]
Any registered / financial member may give a notice of motion to be tabled at
the AGM duly proposed and seconded by giving Twenty One days clear
notice to the Secretary.
[c]
EXTRA-ORDINARY GENERAL MEETING EGM
Not less than ten percent (10%) of members currently on the Register with the
right to vote can request an EGM by circularising by post the reason for such
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meeting to ALL registered members giving at least fourteen (14) clear days'
notice of the date, time, and venue of the meeting.
[d]
QUORUMS
[i]
The quorum at all committee meetings shall be at least 60% of the committee
members. (MC 5.a.i)
[ii]
The quorum at an AGM or EGM shall be at least 33.3% of all registered
members. If the quorum is not reached the meeting shall be adjourned and
reconvened after half an hour of the appointed time. Members present shall
then constitute a quorum.
[e]
MINUTES
All confirmed Minutes of all committee meetings (except those expressly
noted after decision to be held in camera), extra-ordinary, annual or other
meeting whatsoever that may occur shall be kept by the Secretary and be
accessible to any financial member.
8.
RECORDS
[a]
RECORDS
The Management Committee shall keep all records, accounts, and associated
documentation. These shall be brought to the AGM and made available for reference
if necessary and ready to be handed over to the incoming Committee.
[b]
REGISTER
A register of all financial members shall be kept by the Treasurer and Secretary and
shall be accessible to all members and the Auditor at all times. Any member who
changes his or her address shall notify the Secretary.
[c]
SEAL
The Common Seal of The Society shall be held by the Secretary for safe custody.
Every document to which the Seal is affixed shall be signed by any two of the
President, the Secretary, or the Treasurer after resolution has been duly passed at the
Management Committee.
9.
FINANCES
[a]
BANK ACCOUNTS
[i]
At least two bank accounts shall be opened in the name of The Society at any
bank or financial institution agreed upon by the committee.
[ii]
A Current Account shall be opened for membership subscriptions and
collections at religious functions for sundry expenses of The Society.
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[iii]
A Building Fund Account shall be opened for specific donations to be used for
the purchase and improvements of buildings for the furtherance of The Sikh
culture and the Punjabi language.
[iv]
The Management Committee may approve the opening of a Specific Function
Account by a sub-committee to facilitate the organization of an event or a
function, on the completion of which a full statement of account shall be
submitted to the Management Committee.
[b]
FINANCIAL YEAR
The financial year of The Society shall commence on the first day of July each
year and continue to the thirtieth day of June of the following year.
[c]
SIGNATORIES
Subject to Clause 8[c] hereof the President, the Secretary, and the Treasurer
shall be signatories to any account held in the Society's name, any two of
which shall be required to sign any instrument.
[d]
BORROWING AND CAPITAL EXPENDITURE
The Committee shall have the power to borrow or spend up to $15,000 (fifteen
thousand dollars) per item per financial year without sanction from the
members in any general meeting for the furtherance of the aims of The
Society. Any additional borrowing or spending shall require the approval of
the members at the AGM or EGM called specifically for that purpose.
Any expenditure over $15,000 per any one item shall require an EGM or
AGM approval. This clause excludes standing committees appointed and
granted allowances by EGM or AGM approval, provided they have given to
The Society in writing, the projections of costs and the extent of Risks and
Benefits at the EGM or AGM for the purpose.
[e]
ACCESS TO ACCOUNTS
The Auditor shall have access to all books, documents, and accounts of The
Society and shall audit the accounts annually, or as required by law.
10.
AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION
Amendments to the Constitution can only be effected at the AGM or an EGM
called for that purpose.
11.
VOTE OF NO CONFIDENCE AND DISMISSAL
[a]
A majority vote of no confidence in a single member of the committee and
subsequent dismissal thereof followed by an election of a replacement may be
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effected at an EGM called for that purpose in the manner as provided in
Clause 7[c] hereof.
[b]
A vote of no confidence and dissolution of the committee and a re-election of
a new committee mid-term can be brought about at an EGM in the manner as
provided herein.
[c]
Any committee or sub-committee member who fails to attend three
consecutive meetings without satisfactory explanation shall deem to have
vacated his or her office.
12.
DISSOLUTION
Having obtained the approval from the Governing Council, the dissolution of The
Society shall be resolution carried by at least 75% of the members present and voting
at an EGM called for that purpose. If the resolution is carried the Management
Committee in office shall realize all the assets of the Society, and after payment of all
outstanding debts and liabilities, the balance shall be transferred to any other similar
societies or charities in Australia but not to this Society's or any other Society's
members directly.
13.
POWERS
Subject to this Constitution The Society shall have the following powers:
[i.]
The purchase, take on lease, in exchange or otherwise any lands, buildings,
easements or property, real or personal, which may be required for that
purpose or conveniently used in connection with any objects of The Society
and to sell, demise, mortgage, give in, exchange or dispose of the same of any
part or parts thereof from time to time and grant easements in, through, over or
upon any land and to acquire easements or rights over any other land.
[ii]
To borrow or raise money with or without giving security and particularly by
the issue of or upon bonds, debentures (redeemable on dates to be determined
by yearly ballot or otherwise at the discretion of Management Committee),
bills of exchange, promissory notes or other obligations or securities of The
Society or by mortgage or charge upon all or any part of the property of The
Society.
[iii]
To hire and employ clerks, managers, servants, and workmen and to pay to
them and other persons salaries, wages, gratuities, and pensions.
[iv]
To invest and deal with the moneys and/or properties of The Society in such
manner as from time to time may be determined by the Management
Committee for the time being.
[v]
To support and subscribe to any charitable, athletic, or public body in
Australia.
[vi]
To effect and maintain a policy of insurance.
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[vii]
In furtherance of the aims of The Society to buy and sell and deal in all kinds
of apparatus and all kinds of provisions liquid, solid and gaseous, required for
the members of persons using The Society's facilities.
[viii] To alter the Constitution subject to and in the manner provided by Clause 10
herein.
[ix]
To do all such lawful things as are incidental or conducive to the exercise of
the above powers.
[Revised and adopted on 2 July 1989]
[Revised and adopted 15th November 2003]
[Revised and adopted 21st May 2005]
[Revised and adopted 21st May 2007]
[Revised and adopted 22nd June 2008]
[Revised and adopted 30th August 2008]
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SIKH SOCIETY OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA INC.
STANDING RULES & GUIDELINES
1.
GURDWARA PREMISES
[a]
The control and running of the Gurdwara premises and all other buildings at
the site shall be under the absolute control of the Management Committee
elected at the time. This includes the conduction of any ceremonies at the
premises.
[b]
Use of Gurdwara premises for any occasion requires the approval of the
Management committee.
2.
CORE TIME FRAME FOR PRAYER SESSIONS
The Gurdwara will be open on every Sunday or any other day when a Gurpurb or
other religious event is being celebrated. It is recommended that except for an Akhand
Path the following time frame, particularly the commencement and the conclusion, be
strictly observed.
9.30 a.m.
Jap Ji Sahib
9.50 a.m.
Kirtan
10.45 a.m.
Anand Sahib (when path da bhog is to be done)
11.30 a.m.
Anand Sahib (ordinary prayers when no bhog is to be done)
12.00 p.m..
Anand Sahib (only Gurpurbs, weddings, and events designated as
Special Functions by the Management Committee)
Ardas
Hukam Nama
Announcements
Smapti
Guru Ka Langgar
[The persons in charge of Guru Granth Sahib Service/Kirtan Katha shall be
responsible for ensuring that the recommended times for Jap Ji Sahib and the Anand
Sahib are observed]
Other prayers like Asa Di Var, Sukhmani should be organised around the core time
frame.
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3.
CONDUCT, ATMOSPHERE & DÉCOR IN THE PRAYER HALL
[a] The attire worn should be consistent with the dignity of the place and the
occasion. No shoes may be worn in the prayer hall, and the head must be covered
at all times with a turban, scarf or a piece of cloth.
[b] No article or item that may give offence to members of the congregation be placed
before the Granth Sahib. Generally monetary donations, flowers, ramalas may be
placed. All weapons not legally allowed in Australia to be carried shall not be
permitted in the Gurdwara premises- inside or outside.
Any person flouting this shall be asked to leave the premises cordially, but if
necessary, can be removed through proper actions.
[c] Pictures and other ornaments in the Gurdwara should reflect the good taste and
aesthetic sense of the community and as such need to be co-ordinated. Members
wishing to donate such items should pass them on to the Management Committee
who will try to find a place for them.
[d] Donation of any books, audio and videotapes should also be handed over to the
Management Committee so that they may be acknowledged, kept in a suitable
place, and procedures set up for other members to have access to them.
[e] There must always be discrete silence in the prayer hall so that what is read and
said can be heard and appreciated by the congregation. Members should not talk,
and parents should restrain their children from making noise or running around.
[f] The Management committee may permit photographs and videos to be taken in
the Gurdwara. This must be done discretely, without intrusion or interruption of
the proceedings.
[g] Chairs may be placed at the rear of the hall for elderly and disabled people who
are unable to sit on the floor.
4.
KIRTAN KATHA
[a]
Kirtan Katha will be done within the stipulated time frame.
[b]
Individuals or groups requesting time to do kirtan katha must liaise with the
person in charge of kirtan katha so that their request can be incorporated into
the day's programme.
[c]
Requests should preferably be made a week in advance or at the latest a day
before the programme.
[d]
Individuals or groups doing kirtan katha must be present in the prayer hall by
10 a.m.
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5.
ARDAS
[a]
Individuals wishing to do ardas should liaise with the person in charge of Guru
Granth Sahib Service.
[b]
All information that needs to be addressed in the ardas should be passed on to
the Secretary or Treasurer by 10.30 a.m. at the latest.
6.
ANNOUNCEMENTS & SPEECHES
[a]
All announcements in the Gurdwara will be made by the Secretary, a member
of the Management Committee or any person designated by the Management
Committee.
[b]
All speeches in the Gurdwara may only be made with the approval of the
Management committee.
[c]
All literature to be distributed or notices/posters to be put up must be approved
by the Management Committee.
7.
PRIVATE FUNCTIONS
[a]
All private functions held in the Gurdwara must be approved by the
Management committee. These include weddings or other occasions marking
a special family event.
[b]
The involved individuals or families should adhere to the core time frame if
their function is to be held on a Sunday.
[c]
The individual or families responsible for the private function shall be in
charge of cleaning up and tidying up of the premises after the function.
8.
VISITING JATHAS
Persons organising or hosting visiting jathas must communicate with the Management
committee and the person responsible for organising Kirtan Katha.
9.
GUESTS TO THE GURDWARA
Hosts should brief their guests on the conduct and requirements in the Gurdwara.
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10.
ALCOHOL & DRUGS
No alcohol, tobacco, or drugs of any kind are permitted in the precincts of the
Gurdwara, nor is any one who is under the influence of these to be allowed in the said
area.
11.
ALTERATION TO RULES
The Management Committee may in its discretion make minor alterations to the
Standing Rules to meet the needs of special occasions.
12.
TABIA AND HUKAM NAMA
[a]
A person performing this service should be mature and responsible.
[b]
A person while performing this service may read the Granth Sahib, explain
and interpret the prayers for the benefit of the congregation. Utterances
unconnected with the Granth Sahib may only be made from the speaker's dais
from where all other announcements are made.
[c]
Individuals wishing to read the vaak should liaise with the person in charge of
Guru Granth Sahib Service.
13.
ARDAS
[a]
The ardas should be as given in Sikh `Rehat Maryada' or SRM.
[b]
References to money donations in the ardas should only be made in general
terms without listing the specific sums. However, mention may be made of the
occasion and the sum if specifically requested.
14.
JANAM SANSKAR / BAPTISM
This ceremony may be performed at the beginning at 9.30 a.m. when the Jap Ji Sahib
is read or at a suitable time within the core time frame, where five pauris of Jap Ji
Sahib will be recited when the Amrit is being prepared.
15.
Standing Guidelines-The Anand Karj Ceremony
The following sequence is recommended for all weddings:
[a]
The bride and bridegroom sit among the audience and listen to the kirtan.
[b]
The couple is asked to come and sit in front of the Granth Sahib, the bride on
the left of the groom.
[c]
The couple is addressed by the Celebrant.
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[d]
A few words of advice are given to the couple (optional and very brief)
[e]
The couple and their parents/guardians stand up for a short ardas.
[f]
The bride's father/guardian garlands the groom and the bride, and places the
scarf.
[g]
The lavan are read, and sung. The couple goes round the Granth Sahib
clockwise.
[h]
On the completion of the fourth lavan, the couple sits in front of the Granth
Sahib appropriate shabad to be sung.
[i]
The groom's father/guardian garlands the bride and groom.
[j]
The couple rejoins the congregation.
[The wedding ceremony should take no more than half an hour and fit into the core
time frame]
WEDDINGS
All weddings in the Gurdwara shall be strictly to standard Anand Karaj Ceremony
and conducted or supervised by an appointed and approved celebrant or Granthi.
Sikh religion does not recognize or condone same sex marriage and as such shall not
be permitted.
Persons getting married shall fulfill Australian legal requirements as determined by
the Celebrant.
Couples who are already officially registered as married in a civil ceremony and
desire to have the Anand Karaj, shall be allowed to do so without further scrutiny or
supervision by a celebrant.
Application for marriage shall be in writhing to the Committee with six weeks notice
for a celebrant to assess and do the legal requirements . The Committee shall appoint
at least two members from the Committee to be officially responsible. The marriage
couple shall pay all legal fees and fees of the celebrant.
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16.
ANTAM SANSKAR/FUNERAL SERVICE
[a]
At the crematorium kirtan sohila will be recited followed by Ardas before
cremation takes place.
[b]
At the Gurdwara kirtan sohila or sukhmani may be read, shabads suitable to
the occasion may be sung, followed by ardas, and samapti.
17.
SUBSCRIPTIONS
[a]
Ordinary Members
Family Membership
$30.00
Individual Membership
$15.00
Pensioner Membership
$15.00
Life Membership
$1,000.00
[b]
Associate Members
Associate Membership:
$30.00 (all Categories of
Membership except Life)
Outside Adelaide Metropolitan Area,
Interstate & Overseas membership:
$30.00
Associate Life Membership:
$1,000.00
SIKH MARRIAGE TEXT
(to be delivered to the couple before the commencement of the lavan)
It is customary and incumbent upon me to remind
________________________________
and
__________________________________
that among the Sikhs marriage is a very sacred institution. It is much more than a union
between two human beings; it is the fusion of two souls into one.
For this union to thrive, prosper, and endure it is essential that, in accordance with the
teachings of Sikhism, you, in the presence of the Guru Granth Sahib and the sangat, pledge
to: love and respect each other, recognise each other's individuality and equality as a human
being and life-partner, strive to reach amicable solutions that generate happiness and
harmony, share joys and sorrows, show kindness and consideration, value faithfulness and
fidelity, guide, support, and comfort each other in affluence and adversity, and be active and
useful members of your community.
To strive towards perfect and happy union on all planes of life you should embrace and
reflect on the strong spiritual bond that the Sikh marriage bestows on you.
It is also my duty to ascertain from you that you come before the Guru Granth Sahib with the
full knowledge and understanding of your life long commitment to each other, and of your
own accord and free will, and that you accept this as the religious ceremony you will
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undertake, and are willing to sign the marriage certificates on completion of the ceremony, if
not already done so in a civil procedure.
Please signify your assent to all that has been said by bowing in front of the Guru Granth
Sahib now so that the marriage ceremony may commence.
1.
The lavan are read and sung. The couple circumambulates the Guru Granth Sahib
clockwise.
2.
On the completion of the fourth lavan, the couple bow and sit in front of the Guru
Granth Sahib appropriate shabads to be sung.
3.
The groom's father/guardian garlands the bride and the groom.
4.
The couple rejoins the congregation.
(The wedding ceremony should fit in with the recommended time frame given in the Rules
and Guidelines)
[Revised and adopted on 2 July 1989]
[Revised and adopted 15th November 2003]
[Revised and adopted 21st of May 2007]
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