The Punjab Pulse Bureau
General Outline
The National Minority Commission, in association with the Global Punjabi Association and The Punjab Pulse, organised a discussion and consultative meeting with eminent members of the Sikh community at the Commission Conference Room, Block No 14, CGO Complex, Lodhi Road, New Delhi on 9 October, 2024.
The meeting was chaired by S. Iqbal Singh Lalpura, Chairman, National Commission for Minorities. All members and the Secretary of the Commission were in attendance.
The invitees were carefully selected from among prominent personalities in the domain of Defence Services, Police Services, Academicians, Sportspersons, Journalists, Lawyers, members of Gurdwara Management and scions of prominent Sikh families.
Opening Comments – S. Iqbal Singh Lalpura
The meeting was opened with a welcome address by the Chairman, S. Iqbal Singh Lalpura. The Chairman spelled out the objective of the discussion as a forum to identify policies and methodologies that can help remove the sense of inequality, insecurity and alienation among the Sikhs.
The Chairman stressed upon the need for eminent members of the Sikh community to take the lead in identifying and addressing these issues.
The Chairman requested the delegates to remain focussed on important issues in the course of the meeting. He elaborated his thought process by giving the example of education as being one important aspect that needs engagement at the community level.
The Chairman also stressed upon the need to identify the nationalist sentiment that has remained the mainstay of the Sikh community since its inception and explore ways and means to strengthen the same.
As a model the Chairman recommended a study of the systems followed internationally by the Jewish community and nationally by the Jain community for which papers were circulated to the delegates.
Keynote Address – General JJ Singh (Retd)
In his Keynote address, General JJ Singh (Retd), former Chief of Army Staff of the Indian Army, thanked S. Iqbal Singh Lalpura, members and staff of the National Minority Commission for organising the meeting that was well attended by Sikhs having great accomplishment to their credit in their respective fields of profession and social work. He requested that such meetings should become a regular affair.
He opined that such interactions will help remove that misinformation and lack of information that has become a bane for the community and is becoming a hurdle in its progress and societal integration.
The General expressed deep concern about rising levels of substance abuse among the Sikh youth, especially so in Punjab. His professional opinion, as a soldier, was that this situation goes beyond a social dilemma to a well thought out strategy of our inimical neighbour, Pakistan, whose intention is to weaken the sturdy population of the sensitive border state of Punjab.
The youth need better role models and enhanced support from the government as well as civil society. He recommended evolution of a policy that takes a holistic view of the problem and addresses the same at multiple levels.
The next issue flagged by the Keynote speaker was the decreasing representation of Sikhs in the professions of Armed Forces, Civil Services and other white collared jobs as also in the industrial sector. In earlier times, the progressive and forward looking community had a presence in these professions that was much higher than its population percentage.
The General called for a review of the perception that Punjab being a border state is not conducive for an industrial imprint. He quoted the example of Israel as a nation that belies such outdated perceptions.
The General raised the issue of Sikh leadership integrating with the central government as one central for the advancement of the community. If dialogue is not opened, then distrust will gain roots. The way forward would require the government to be more forthcoming for which the National Commission of Minorities can provide an apt platform. The community also needs to respond with the philosophy of Sikhs first being citizens of India and then members of a religious community.
The need for Sikh religious institutions to move towards theological modernisation was highlighted by the General. A major segment of the community should not be isolated from its Gurus and its religious identity for not adhering to the articles of faith while, of course, motivating all to observe all laid down tenets of the religion must continue. The thrust should be to propogate the religion for the enlightenment of all humanity.
The General recommended creation of a group of eminent Sikhs to collectively take affirmative action in dealing with the issues concerning the community.
S. Iqbal Singh Lalpura Felicitating General JJ Singh (Retd)
Points Raised by Col Jaibans Singh
Col Jaibans Singh (Retd), Chief Editor of The Punjab Pulse and a noted social worker who also moderated the discussion, said that despite their limited numbers, the Sikhs have contributed immensely in the struggle for independence from British rule and later in the development of the Nation.
Post-independence, their notable contribution has been towards ensuring the defence and food security of the country. Sikhs are always in the forefront to meet national calamities. Sikhs are gainfully engaged in diverse professional pursuits across the nation and abroad and are making meaningful contributions to society.
This small nationalist community needs to remain dynamic and vibrant for the wellbeing of the Nation. The Sikhs should seamlessly integrate their progress with that of the nation. As the nation grows, so will the Sikhs.
The current challenges need to be seen in perspective. When one Sikh boy in Punjab is killed by a gang of three Sikhs, the loss is not of a single Sikh boy, it is of four Sikhs. When one youngster takes to drugs we lose an entire family.
It is a loss that a small community like the Sikhs cannot afford, hence the need to take immediate and strong corrective action. This line of perception needs to remain the benchmark of all discussions on Sikh matters.
Points Raised by Descendants of Panj Pyaras
Baba Naunihal Singh, the direct descendant of Bhai Daya Singh and Baba Gurpreet Singh, the direct descendant of Bhai Dharam Singh attended the meeting. They expressed a desire to join all noble and nationalist initiatives taken by the National Commission of Minorities for the development of the Sikh community in social and other spheres. They also gave suggestions as follows: –
- There is a lot of demand for the government to take affirmative action in promotion of the Punjabi language. While such a step by the government would be welcomed, it is also the duty of the Sikhs and Punjabis to ensure that Punjabi remains a prime language of usage in their own households. Younger generations should be made proficient in reading and writing the Gurmukhi script and speaking in Punjabi by their own society.
- Sikhs have always aligned with a nationalist approach. If our Gurus intended to limit Sikhi to Punjab only, they would not have visited far off places and created Takth Hazoor Sahib and Takth Patna Sahib. The demand for Khalistan, therefore goes against the tenets of Sikhi and should not be given any support by the Sikh community.
Dr. Avneet Kaur, a noted social worker, also dwelled on this point of Sikh pride in language and tradition with a suggestion that all Sikhs should start by ensuring that their name plates are in the Punjabi language. There is also a need to correctly understand the importance of the suffix “Singh and Kaur” that has been bestowed upon us by Guru Gobind Singh
Points Raised by S. Ajitpal Singh
- Ajitpal Singh, the captain of the India Hockey team that won the only Hockey World Cup for India in 1975 emphasised the need to promote sports within the vibrant Sikh community as a means to stop the exodus to foreign shores and substance abuse that has become a norm among the Sikh youth. Sports should be used to create the virtues of patience and self-esteem among the youth.
Points Raised by Brigadier PS Gothra
Brigadier PS Gothra, an Army veteran and author said that the separation of Gurdwaras on lines of caste and other factors is against the basic norms of Sikh religion and teaching of the Gurus. It has to be curbed with immediate effect and by all means at the disposal of the community.
In the matter of role models and community engagement it has to be ensured that leadership remains select and focussed. The Sikh proclivity of every person exploring a leadership role will need to be curbed.
Points Raised by S. Harinder Singh Kahlon
- Harinder Singh Kahlon, the founding President of the All India Sikh Student Federation (AISSF) said that the Sikhs are a courageous and secular community that has been exploited for strategic gains by anti-National domestic forces and inimical foreign forces.
The problem is that Sikhs forget the atrocities heaped upon them very fast, which leads to further exploitation. These aspects need to be given deep thought.
Sikhs have proud traditions and Virsa (legacy). While Sri Guru Granth Sahib advocated integration of all humanity, some people are bent upon creating divisions. Sri Akal Takth needs to remain apolitical in order to face this challenge of inimical forces trying to weaken the community
S. Ajitpal Singh and Colonel Jaibans Singh
Points Raised by Professor Jaswinder Singh Dhillon
Professor Jaswinder Singh Dhillon, a noted academician, educationist and Sikh intellectual, flagged the significant issue of leadership deficit in the Sikh community in present times. Political and religious leaders are giving primacy to personal agendas rather than the welfare of the community. The people are losing faith in their leaders after having tried and tested all and found them wanting. They are feeling let down and do not know whom to trust, leading to cynicism, petulance and frustration
The result of this deficit is that there is no resource within the community that can engage with the government and present the issues of the Sikhs. It would be in order to strengthen organisations like the Global Punjabi Association so that matters can be addressed through institutional forums.
Points raised by Professor Simrit Kahlon
Professor Simrit Kahlon, who is presently Dean Student Welfare at Panjab University, Chandigarh and a part of many think tanks working on matters concerning Punjab and the Sikh community, emphasised that a positive narrative of the community cannot be built without promotion activities that are professional and well organised.
Such activities should project our Gurus and their work along with other positive aspects. A good way would be to create centres of excellence in educational and social institutions in the names of our Gurus. Holding seminars and events across the country to give information about Sikhi and Sikhs would go a long way in building a positive narrative about the community.
Finances for such activities can be collected by resurrecting the tradition of Daswand (giving ten percent of the family information to the Guru Ghar).
Points raised by S. Tejinder Pal Singh Nalwa
- Tejinder Pal Singh Nalwa, a descendent of the famous Sikh General, S. Hari Singh Nalwa, highlighted the problems being faced by immigrant Sikhs. There are many instances of gross exploitation of the Sikh immigrants in foreign shores. Many are now being forced to come back from Canada and other countries due to lack of employment opportunities. Many staying back in Canada are compelled by money making organisations and individuals to take a pro-Khalistan stand and exploited in many other ways. The community needs to understand the plight of such youth and take affirmative steps to support them.
Points Highlighted by Delegates
In continuation to the points given by the Chairman and the Keynote speaker all delegates expressed their views in a precise and concise manner.
Gurdwara Reforms
The point of Gurdwara reforms and theological modernisation raised by General JJ Singh was taken a step further with a suggestion that seamless integration of the Hindu and Sikhs communities that has been witnessed over centuries, should be strengthened through the concept of Punjabiat.
The need to enhance the concept of Sikhi should be paid due attention. Communities like the Sindhis who have deep reverence for our Gurus, especially Guru Nanak Dev Ji, should be given a place of pride in Sikh theology and tenets. Anand Karaj for Sindhi marriages should be welcomed by the Sikh religious bodies.
The Gurdwara funds (Guru Ki Golak) are a significant resource whose proper utilisation for the development of the community can become a big force multiplier. A more transparent and participative methodology should be evolved to ensure the best utilisation. Education followed by health should find primacy in the usage of Gurdwara funds.
Media Invasion of Sikh Culture and Traditions
The negativity that had gained a strong footing due to the cultural invasion of Punjabi music by undesirable and damaging lyrics needs to be contested at a war footing. The bygone era where Punjabi music touched the hearts of the listener with its soulful melody and sweet lyrics should be resurrected.
More attention needs to be paid in projection of the musical Raags that facilitate recitation of Sri Guru Granth Sahib, which denotes the best melody in the world. Kirtan should be based on the specified Raags of the holy scripture only. Similarly, music based on the same Raags should be encouraged.
Some media elements are driven by the lure of money leverage only negativity, hate and disaffection while addressing issues pertaining to the Sikhs. Sadly, many belong to the community itself and are playing out a professional mind game by blowing up a small issue into huge proportions and thus spreading a feeling of insecurity and distrust within the community.
A policy needs to be evolved to contest this media generated negativity that has a profound effect on the minds of the youth. Media censorship may not be feasible due to the democratic credentials of our country even though pressure can be exerted. A better option would be to create positive narratives at a scale higher than the negative ones.
Sikh Role Models and Icons
In the matter of role models and icons, care needs to be taken to ensure that those with anti-national thought are marginalised while those who have served the nation and the community are given due recognition
Sikh icons should be given prominence by the creation of literature, memorials and other modern information packages.
Development of the Sikh Community
Agriculture is the primary profession of a large percentage of Sikh population especially in Punjab. It was also the line of work chosen by our first master, Guru Nanak Dev Ji. The community needs to give a boost to this professional practice. We need to save our environment in tune with the tenets laid down by our Gurus.
The community also needs to take affirmative steps towards women empowerment, since gender equality is a basic tenet bestowed upon us by our Gurus. Alongside, it needs to be ensured that the community widows are not left wanting in any aspect.
Miscellaneous Aspects
The imperative of ensuring excellence in education in order to make Sikh youth globally competitive should not be left to the Gurdwaras alone. Sikh civil society needs to stay seized with this visionary idea and contribute towards its fructification.
The narrative of Sikhs being associated with terrorism and societal violence needs to be negated. Those from within the community indulging in proliferation of negativity need to be identified and exposed.
The practice of Sikhs speaking against Sikhs in the most negative and unsophisticated manner is causing immense harm to the community. While there would always remain differences of opinion, the same can be resolved by discussion in a civilised manner. Sikh public debates should personify mutual respect and accommodation.
Traditionally a segment of the Sikhs has remained distrustful of central governments regardless of the party in power. This attitude has been detrimental for the community interests and has created acrimony where none is desirable. A deep study is required to identify the reasons for Sikhs remaining distrustful of central governments. Affirmative steps need to be put in place to change this perception.
Comments by Advocate Neena Singh
Advocate Neena Singh, a direct descendant of the famous Misl leader, Maharaj Jassa Singh Ramgarhia, aptly explained Sikh philosophy by commenting, “A person who is not true to his/her Dharam is true to nothing.” It is a philosophy followed by Sikhs through ages under the most difficult circumstances. So it should remain in the future too.
It is all the more important in the modern context, wherein, our vibrant community is being targeted by inimical forces and attempts are being made to distort our history and our rich legacy. Sikhs must remain alive to the challenging situation.
Valedictory Address by Tikka Raja Shatrujit Singh
Valedictory Address – Tikka Raja Shatrujit Singh
Tikka Raja Shatrujit Singh is the scion of the royal family of Kapurthala, Punjab. In his valedictory address he thanked S. Iqbal Singh Lalpura, Chairman, National Commission for Minorities and all members and staff of the Commission for organising the discussion. He further appreciated the deep insights into Sikh matters shared by all delegates and called for a furthering of the initiative.
Raja Sahib rued the fact that the Sikh community was moving from a progressive to a regressive mode. He called for action by the Sikhs to check this downslide through their civil society initiatives rather than depending on the government and other institutions to come to their aid.
He identified the resurrection of Sikh pride and dignity under the overall umbrella of Punjabi and Punjabiat as the best means to achieve success in the challenging journey. He pointed out that many Sikh treasures like General JJ Singh, S. Ajitpal Singh and S. Iqbal Singh Lalpura among others were present in the conference itself. They need to be projected as national treasures and their services utilised to rebuild the community.
Raja Sahib observed that in our quest for self-sufficiency and pride we must look at the Parsi community. It is a community that extends its hand only to give and not to take. Sikhs have a similar tradition which has somehow been buried under fake illusions; now is the time to make it blossom again.
Raja sahib offered his services for all initiatives that would lead the Sikhs on to the path of progress, prosperity and development. He expressed a desire to remain involved in maintaining the rich traditions and culture of Punjab and the Sikhs.
Resolution of Thanksgiving
The meeting adopted a resolution to thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his selfless service towards the nation and more so the Sikh community. The prime minister has always exhibited a deep respect and regard for Sikhs.
The Prime Minister has always strived to resolve outstanding issues concerning the Sikhs, be it opening of the corridor to Sri Kartarpur Sahib or giving justice to the victims of the Sikh Genocide of 1984.
The Prime Minister has expressed deep respect for the Sikh Gurus by celebrating the historic birth anniversaries of Sikh Gurus at a national level and personally joining the celebrations.
The declaration of the Children’s Day as Veer Bal Diwas in commemoration of the martyrdom of Chote Sahibzade has touched the hearts of Sikhs globally.
There are innumerable other instances and matters where the prime minister and his government have been forthcoming unilaterally in meeting the aspirations of the Sikh community.
Sikhs worldwide are grateful to the prime minister and look for his support in future too.
Conclusion
In his concluding remarks, S. Iqbal Singh Lalpura listed out some important actions that the Commission would take in the future.
- The Commission would study the feasibility of promoting the Punjab language at a national level
- The Commission would study the feasibility of creating a Sikh Board in all states for promotion of the cultural identity of the Sikhs.
- The Commission would study the feasibility of making desecration of all articles of faith a criminal offence so that the sensibilities of the minority communities are secured.
The Vice President of the Commission, Shri Kersi Kairhushroo Deboo, thanked all delegates for sparing their precious time to attend the meeting. He said that groups will be created from among the delegates to study significant matters individually and reports will be shared in subsequent meetings that were proposed to be held every two months.
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