In a significant development amid the ongoing debate over ‘monopoly’ on Gurbani telecast rights, Dr Rabindra Narayan, founder and managing director of GTC Network, has offered to set up a full-fledged 24×7 global satellite channel for SGPC entirely free of cost.
The offer comes as SGPC has been unable to launch its own independent satellite channel, reportedly due to restrictions by the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting that bar religious bodies or trusts from directly holding broadcasting licences.
Dr Narayan, former president and managing director of PTC Network, has stepped in with a proposal to overcome these limitations. His plan includes setting up complete broadcasting infrastructure, satellite transmission, live-feed relay systems, OTT and global digital uplink, and distribution across key Sikh diaspora regions such as the UK, US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Europe.
The issue of Gurbani telecast rights has remained politically sensitive, especially after the AAP-led Punjab Government passed the Sikh Gurdwaras (Amendment) Bill, 2023, to end what it called the “monopoly” over Gurbani broadcast. Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann had also offered logistical support for telecasting, but SGPC declined the proposal.
Currently, SGPC streams Gurbani through its YouTube channel “SGPC Sri Amritsar” thrice daily, and provides extended coverage via Facebook, its official website, and an Apple app. However, for satellite broadcast, it continues to rely on infrastructure operated by PTC Network, associated with the family of former SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal, in the absence of its own channel.
With Dr Narayan’s ‘no-cost’ offer now on the table, all eyes are on SGPC’s response, which could reshape how Gurbani from the Golden Temple is broadcast globally.
The proposal, dated June 9, has been formally addressed to SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami. SGPC is yet to respond.
Speaking to The Tribune, Dr Narayan said the channel could be made fully operational within a week, subject to SGPC approval.
“The channel will be exclusively owned by SGPC. All telecast rights and authority over Gurbani and other religious content like kirtan, katha, history, and even Akal Takht’s directives and messages in line with Sikh ‘rehat maryada’ will remain with SGPC. Our role would be limited to providing infrastructure and operational support without charging even a single penny,” he said.
Highlighting the financial implications, Dr Narayan noted that running a 24×7 satellite channel costs between Rs 10-15 crore annually, with additional expenses for global outreach. Despite this, he reiterated his commitment to bear all expenses.
“I consider this a service, a duty assigned by Guru Saheb. I take it as donating ‘daswandh’ for ‘sewa’,” he said.
Widely regarded as a pioneer of Punjabi satellite broadcasting, Dr Narayan has been associated with Gurbani telecasts since 1998. He parted ways with PTC Network in August 2025 and later launched GTC Network.
Akal Takht directive and Giani Harpreet Singh’s support
The development ties into the Akal Takht directive issued on April 8, 2023, when then acting jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh instructed SGPC to work towards launching its own Gurbani channel. Until such a channel becomes operational, the SGPC was advised to continue telecasting Gurbani via its digital platforms.
Giani Harpreet Singh, who now heads a breakaway faction of the Shiromani Akali Dal (Punarsarjit), has backed Dr Narayan’s offer. He has urged SGPC to seize the opportunity in the larger interest of the Sikh community, warning against political considerations influencing the decision.