Dear Editor,
This letter is intended to invite the attention of the Panth to the alarming financial state of some of the Sikh families throughout the countries especially in India after the traumatic conditions since 1980s. After the loss of bread caring members the families have been facing misery and humiliation often forcing them to run into mounting debts of private finances.
One you are in the net of a money lender there are remote chances of your getting out of it The interest charged is us high as 5% per month against security (mostly your gold are other valuables). The loss of your valuables to money lending is still common in India. Such families needing government help are in villages and in cities.
It is felt that for reaching financial help to Gursikh families in need we the better off Sikhs abroad and in India should start an account Guru ki Golak at the level of all Sikh organizations and Gurdwara’s under a committee of five Sikhs who would contribute maximum amount for this fund. There is no death of doneness in the Panth once the cause is explained to them.
At present most of the donations from the Sangat are used for creating huge structures by way of Gurdwara’s of Denis with their domes glistening in gold although the community may be heading to a point where it would be difficult for us to maintain them in good Condition as we see many of the churches in western countries today.
The concept “Guru Ki Golak” is expected to grow stronger with every passing year as every borrowing family is expected to return the money to the fund whenever they are able to with or without their own might. There is no compulsory interest or fixed time period for repayment to the “Guru Ki Golak.” The disbursement should start with applicants up to Rs 10000/-so that maximum number of families could benefit.
It is hoped that after a successful run of the scheme for three to five years Guru Ki Golak” would have enough finances to start with breakfast and snack food facilities or other institutions for the benefit of the young Sikhs who would find work in and through them. Every Sikh wants to help the Panth in the hour of crisis with all his might. Retired Sikh officers and other ranks are a rich source of talent with the Panth who could be entrusted with running and managing of the factories/institutions on behalf of the Panth.
There is urgent need to provide alternate work opportunities to young Sikhs who are now compelled to run after petty job in defence and police departments.
Every area/country will form a consolidated report of the financial status of units under its jurisdiction and feed the information to the central office every month. Their decision for utilizing the surplus funds would be taken on the proposals from the different sources/countries Kuldip Singh Dua Hayward CA
Article extracted from this publication >> January 7, 1994
