By Kuljit Kaur Rai Vancouver, Canada
THE SIKH FAITH IN CANADIAN SOCIETY
According to the Constitution Act, 1982, every ethnic group has the right to preserve and develop its own cultural values within the Canadian society. This fundamental right, recognized as multiculturalism, to stated in the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Furthermore, | integrating small minorities leads to an even stronger Canadian society. However, Sikhs are minority. Nonetheless, Sikhs are taught neither to be intimidated, nor to intimidate.
God has made us all different. We are all part of his design, and each and every one enhances the beauty of that design. Non acceptance of other people because of differences is not the path toward God, and definitely not the path of Sikhism.
Sikhism teaches us to be free from the evils of ego. It is a practical and simple religion to practice in Canadian society, or anywhere for that matter. We are taught to strive for the highest possible, be it academic, athletic, political, or even domestic. A Sikh’s beliefs and way of life make that person a good employer and a great asset to the economy. Through teachings of honesty and sharing your earnings, you shouldn’t see a Sikh steeping on others for profit. A Sikh believes in democracy, freedom, and all fundamental rights for humanity. He or she would never tolerate a totalitarian state. Even Maharaja Ranjit Singh had people of different castes and religions on his government. Religion and politics are inseparable. Sikhs are active in Canadian politics. They cast their ballot, voice out opinions, and are even politicians. They pray for the welfare of the human race without regards to religion, race, creed, caste, or sex (Sarbat Da Bhala)
Daily life, as set out by the Gurus, make Sikhs trustworthy friends and patriotic nationals. They are seen’ alongside all other minorities in society. Furthermore, because Sikh faith forbids the intake of any intoxicants, they have the will power and strength to refuse, despite “peer pressure”. There is not one factual story of a Sikh abusing the purpose of the kirpan. Strong marriages result in a low record of divorces compared to other minorities. Teachings of unity, love of the brotherhood of man, and peace give Sikhs the incentive to make honest efforts to accept others. They have compassion for other’s misfortunes and seek to help and encourage in any way possible. Only upon mutual understanding among friends, neighbors, teachers and all members of society can we eliminate such labels as “terrorist”, tagged by the government of India, with the Sikh name. “In the words of Dorothy Field: “Pure Sikhism …is capable of a distinct position as a world religion is truly the answer to the problems of Modern Man.”
Article extracted from this publication >> August 18, 1989
