Dear Editor While addressing the question of irresponsible research and how to deal with it, Dr. L.Singh has aptly suggested that religion has to be viewed through double lenses of faith and history in order To experience its inner reality and understand its historicity. In my opinion, the S.G.P.C. should form a permanent tribune of scholars who are well acquainted with history, tradition and contemporary issues.
That specific body should critically but impartially review and analyze all research papers pertaining to the Sikh faith and submit their findings to the S.G.P.C. which later can take any action if required, 1 would like to add a word of caution, for the research scholars also, Any pretext of research does not absolve them of their responsibility towards the Sikh community. If they wish to be honored, crave recognition, or desire to hold Universities chairs funded by public money, they will have to strengthen the roots of the religion and not start questioning its authen city or validity of its sources. If unfortunately, a Piar Singh or Pashura Singh generates a bad idea, we should not suppress it by silence but completely uproot it with healthy discussions and plant new ideas in fresh air.
Punishment ordained by $.G.P.C, should be congruent to the person accused, Ordering Piar Singh to clean shoes or sweep off floors of parkarima is traditionally acceptable form of service, not a punishment. It does not undo the harm, caused by his writings. It would have been more appropriate had he been asked to write another book to set his record Straight. And if he had refused he should have been ostracized by the Panth, Dr.IJ.Singhand Dr.J.S.Mannare Prominent, respectable persons and are serving the community in their own way. We, the Sikhs, are a very vibrant lively people and in such a community difference of opinion is out to occur. This is vital for our growth. But we should always maintain decorum, dignity, and not indulge in personal accusations. Amrit Kaur, Virginia.
Article extracted from this publication >> May 28, 1993
