Some people fear that Sikhism is doomed – due to adverse socio-political events. Apparently, the apprehension arises when we look at some selfish opportunists among certain sections of Sikhs. However, there is no cause for alarm. Sikhs are a robust community that has with-stood the onslaughts of adverse forces and always emerged stronger over these past five centuries. Moreover, the future of Sikhs does not bear any direct correlation with their numbers. There is no denying that prevailing egoism, casteism and hunger for wealth and power have affected Sikhs as much as the others. Also, Sikhs have imbibed some of the superstitions and unhealthy traditions and customs present in their social environments, which had been forbidden by the Gurus. The vital Sikh symbols and the inherent strength of the community have depleted to some extent. However, such situations had arisen in the past as well. By the Grace of the Gurus, the Sikhs came out of the ‘baptism by fire,’ cleansed and purified like gold.
Our optimism for the bright future of the Sikhs arises from our three basic precepts; Remembrance of the Gurus, Earning by hard work, and Sharing with others (Sewa), irrespective of caste or community. We Sikhs have instinctively followed these three principles of our religion throughout history. Neither the cruelty of Moghul Emperors, like Jehangir and Aurangzeb, nor the repeated attacks by the hordes of Abdali could weaken the Sikhs. Indeed, the Khalsa Empire of Maharaja Ranjit Singh once spanned Northern India from Delhi to Afghanistan. General Baghel Singh even hoisted the Kesari Nishan Sahib of the Sikhs on the Red Fort at Delhi. Even the British could not achieve their objective to annihilate the Sikhs. Despite all the holocausts – the Khalsa have always been victorious.
The Sikhs are deeply attached to their holy Gurdwaras all over the world, and ever ready to protect their sanctity even at the cost of their lives. The apex Sikh body, Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC), came into existence in 1925 for their proper maintenance and has, by and large, done its job well. This has led to the creation of a new class of accomplished Gurbani kirtan singers, using stringed or tanti instruments in prescribed pure, classical musical ragas. Gradually, Sikh scholars and well-educated katha- vachaks who interpret the holy Sri Guru Granth Sahib (SGGS), and inspiring traditional singers of heroic ballads are coming forward. Hundreds of Gurbani albums and documentaries depicting sacrifices of the Sikhs, are being produced. All Sikhs, including Sahajdharis, are equally enthusiastic to participate in these developments. Even in the USA, Canada, Australia, Europe and African countries, an overwhelming majority of Sikhs and some non-Sikhs visit the Gurdwaras. Howsoever imperfect their personal lives may be, their devotion to the Gurus and the Gurdwaras surpasses all our expectations.
The Sikhs have migrated to almost every country of the world and have established themselves as successful farmers, entrepreneurs, professionals and administrators. Several Sikhs, including some Amritdhari Sikhs and Sikh ladies, have become distinguished judges, scientists, doctors, engineers, legislators, mayors, ministers, political party leaders and premiers in many countries outside India. This is the result of their abiding faith in the teachings of the Guru, hard work and devotion. The Sikhs’ contributions to the freedom struggle of India and victories won in the two World Wars are glorious examples of their bravery and are well known to the world. With a tag of “Lions”, about a million Sikhs sacrificed their lives on the battlefields of four Continents. From the mountains of Afghanistan to the deserts of Mesopotamia and from the trenches of Flanders (in which they were reluctant to enter to show their contempt for death) to the marshy swamps of Burmese jungles, they became the most decorated, trusted and feared warriors. In every battle they carried the holy Sri Guru Granth Sahib on the head in front of their marching battalions. The thousands of War Memorials all over the world bear testimony to the awesome moral strength derived by the Sikhs from their devotion to the Gurus, (now SGGS) and the self-confidence flowing from their hard working nature. Today, many countries are recruiting Sikhs in their defense forces and police, while some are raising exclusive Sikh armed units.
Today, be it the havoc caused by earthquakes, floods, wildfires, pandemics or droughts; Sikhs are the first to reach to help – with magnanimous aid for the victims. All this is done without any aim to garner votes and without any discrimination of religion, caste, nationality, or creed. This practice had been encouraged by the Tenth Guru Sahib, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, whose disciples (like Bhai Ghanaiyya) served water and balm even to enemy soldiers. The tradition of Langar (free vegetarian food for all) on weekends in all Gurdwaras and round the clock in all the historic shrines is a unique feature of Sikhism. Darbar Sahib (the Golden Temple) at Amritsar is the only ‘secular’ shrine in the world where hundreds of thousands of visitors, belonging to all religions, and from all parts of the world, are served free and freshly cooked vegetarian meals daily around the clock.
Doubtless, the Jews are among the most influential people in the world today although their global population is much less than the population of Sikhs. The Jews, much like Sikhs, went through the most crippling tribulations and holocausts in their history. Hitler and the Nazis killed about six million Jews during World War II, using most inhuman techniques. Many people erroneously believe that the Jews, like the Sikhs, are disappearing simply through assimilation into other communities! But the similarity ends there, for they have dominated the world scene with such great stalwarts, like Einstein and Bohr (Nobel Laureates), Freud the psychiatrist, Mahler the Music Composer, Spinoza the philosopher, Ben-Gurien the statesman and the Rothschilds, to name only a few. Israel is a country almost continuously in a state of war. In spite that the Jews own or manage most financial institutions, control the media, are among the richest people in the world, and have won more than 20% of the total Nobel Prizes and patents during the past. Obviously, the Sikhs lag far behind the Jews and have much to learn from this small community in modern economics, business, banking, entrepreneurship, sciences, agriculture, technology, and medicine.
Regrettably, in their homeland the percentage of Sikhs is going down (with their actual numbers going up). This has been attributed by some to their increasing migration to foreign countries. It shows that compared to other communities, their numbers at home are declining because they are keener to go abroad for higher studies and employment. This should not be a matter of concern as exposure to Western Science and Technology will be ultimately in the interest of the Sikhs. Obedience of the law, more respect for the rights of the elders and the females, self-imposed discipline in life, punctuality and diligence at work, honesty in social interactions and cleanliness in physical environment, (to which most Indians attach scant attention) are some of the basic virtues to be acquired increasingly for progress of the community.
Sikhs have a great future as they are steadily heading to the West and will gradually assimilating the virtues of these people and add them to their own. Every community has its specific characteristics that evolve with time. The Sikhs are no exception and are acquiring modern scientific attributes without losing their noble heritage and progressive teachings of the Gurus. Times ahead make it necessary that Sikhs all over the world, come together to create a forceful voice to be heard with respect by all. The teachings of our Gurus enshrined in Sri Guru Granth Sahib, a progressive outlook based on the path of Rehat Maryada shown by the Tenth Master and the moral impact of an illustrious, selfless, caste-free Sikh leadership at the international level would doubtless ensure a great future for the Sikhs.
Email: sanjhivirasat13@gmail.com or surjitsingh.bhatti1943@gmail.com
ਸਾਂਝੀ ਵਿਰਾਸਤ 