Surrey, BC – The World Sikh Organization of Canada (WSO) has expressed strong disapproval of the exhibition Darshana: A Glimpse Into the Hindu Civilization, currently on display at the Museum of Surrey. Supported by the Province of British Columbia, the exhibition has sparked controversy for its alleged promotion of Hindutva ideology and its misrepresentation of the Sikh faith, along with other religions such as Buddhism and Jainism.
WSO states that the exhibition undermines the distinct identity of Sikhi by referring to it as a “tradition” of Hinduism. It also claims the Sikh scripture, Sri Guru Granth Sahib, as a “sacred text” of Hinduism and inaccurately displays the Sikh emblem of Ik Oankar alongside Hindu symbols. The organization further criticized the exhibition for labeling Buddhism and Jainism as branches of Hinduism, dismissing their independent religious identities.
The WSO has demanded the immediate removal of the exhibition and is calling on both the Province of British Columbia and the Museum of Surrey to issue a public explanation and apology to the Sikh community.
“This exhibition is deeply offensive to Sikhs and promotes a revisionist narrative that erases the distinctiveness of Sikhi,” said a WSO spokesperson. “We expect institutions like the Museum of Surrey to uphold principles of inclusivity and respect for all communities.”
The WSO’s statement comes amid growing concerns about the impact of Hindutva narratives in Canada. The organization is urging local authorities to ensure such exhibitions do not perpetuate cultural or religious misrepresentations.
As of now, the Museum of Surrey and the Province of British Columbia have not issued any public response to the WSO’s demands.