This is in response to the letter of Dr. Ranjit Singh Rajpal, WSN Sept. 1824, 1996. The title of the column clearly indicates that it is “An open Forum for Discussion” in which I shall be presenting my views about Gurbani and Sikhism and then it is open for discussion by the other scholars. The Editor, WSN, also made it clear that healthy criticism is invited. Because it is the discussion through which one can understand Sikhism and Gurbani. But making remarks like, “I am amazed that a learned person like Dr. Chahal will write something like that and then a newspaper like WSN will publish picture of Sikhism in a cocoon in haste without looking into the reasons of cocooning Sikhism”, is not very helpful to achieve the above objectives. Because those reasons of cocooning Sikhism are still to be published in this column. Such hasty remarks are not very academic and are putting an halt for free and frank discussion, the right of the modern man to learn the truth, If any wrong practice or wrong information has crept into Sikhism it is the duty of Sikh scholars to set the record straight for the future Sikh generations of the Science Age and of the 21st century.

[Highly appreciate the following remarks, “With the exception this part of his writing, rest of his writing is wonderful and should continue it since it is a great service. “‘May I reiterate that I have every good intention to present Sikhism and Gurbani in their real perspectives? But this would only come through open discussion with scholars like you.

Finally, I humbly appeal to the future critics to criticize the work appearing in this column, “Understanding Sikhism: An Open Forum for Discussion” scientifically and logically with some authentic references to discover the truth for the benefit for all the readers of

WSN. Prof. Devinder Singh Chahal, Ph.D. Layal, Quebec, Canada

Dear Editor:

This letter is concerning the article entitled “The Saga of Saraghiri” by Satyindra Singh. With due respect to 21 Sikh soldiers, there are two memorials one at Amritsar and the other at Ferozepur. The writer in the end has asked that Sikhs should hand over the Gurdwara at Amritsar to the government.

 

However, the writer should know that religion and politics (government) are separate according to the Indian constitution. Hence they should get out of all religious matters and should hand over all the Gurdwaras including that of Ferozepur to the Sikhs irrigation of cleanliness as the writer a put it. It is well known that the people of India can have better life if the Indian courts are given full powers to decide all the matters according to the constitution and without the involvement of Indian government, police, administration, parliament authorities, and other politicians. Thank You. Sajjan S. Bajwa, Ph.D. Porterville.

Article extracted from this publication >>  October 2, 1996