Dhruv Rathee in trouble over AI-based video on Sikh history; SGPC alleges distortion of facts | Watch
PTC Web Desk: The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has raised serious objections to a new video uploaded by popular Haryana-based YouTuber Dhruv Rathee. The video, titled "The Sikh Warrior – The Story of Banda Singh Bahadur", was published on Rathee’s YouTube channel on Sunday night and runs for 24 minutes and 37 seconds. It covers key events from Sikh history, including the martyrdom of Sikh Gurus and the rise of Banda Singh Bahadur. However, the SGPC alleges that the video contains historical inaccuracies and misrepresentations.
In the video, Rathee uses artificial intelligence (AI) technology to create animated depictions of Sikh Gurus, martyr warriors, and their family members. While intended to educate viewers, these portrayals have sparked controversy, especially as Rathee describes Banda Singh Bahadur using terms such as “Robin Hood”, a comparison deemed disrespectful by many in the Sikh community.
SGPC general secretary Gurcharan Singh Grewal said the Sikh community did not require AI-based interpretations from Dhruv Rathee or others to understand or learn their history. He accused Rathee of misrepresenting several critical historical facts, particularly those related to the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji and Baba Banda Singh Bahadur.
According to Grewal, the video distorts sacred and significant parts of Sikh history, thus hurting religious sentiments and misguiding the public, especially younger audiences who rely on digital media for learning.
In his video, Dhruv Rathee chronicles the persecution of Sikhs during the Mughal era, highlighting key events such as:
The martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji: Rathee describes the Guru’s sacrifice to protect religious freedom.
The formation of the Khalsa Panth by Guru Gobind Singh Ji.
The selection of the Panj Pyare (Five Beloved Ones).
The martyrdom of Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s sons.
A detailed account of Banda Singh Bahadur’s life and battles against Mughal forces.
The video uses engaging animations and AI-generated visuals to convey these stories, which Rathee claims are aimed at making history accessible to a wider audience.
However, the SGPC has maintained that sacred Sikh narratives should be presented with reverence, accuracy, and sensitivity, especially when using modern technologies like AI. They also argue that Rathee’s non-scholarly and entertainment-driven format risks trivialising serious historical events.
The controversy has stirred widespread discussions across social media platforms, with many in the Sikh community demanding the video be taken down or amended. Others have raised concerns about the growing trend of using AI for religious or historical content without proper scholarly oversight.
As of now, Dhruv Rathee has not issued a public response to SGPC’s objections.
- PTC NEWS
