Dear Editor:

Sardar Pashaura Singh was awarded the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the University of Toronto in 1991. His thesis was ruled The Text and Meaning of The Adi Granth and research was supervised by Professor W.H. McLeod.

Many scholars have written critical articles covering various aspects of this research thesis. Later 1992 the matter was referred to Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) the supreme religious body of the Sikhs .On November 24 1992 a press release signed by Sardar Gurcharan Singh Tohra President SGPC was issued which among other things stated the following: “Sikh Sangat the world over and the gurdwaras should boycott and not extend any cooperation to him (Pashaura Singh)”.

In mid-1993 the acting Jathedar of the Akal Takht Sardar Manjit Singh surrounded Sardar Pashaura Singh to appear before the Akal Takhti to explain controversial references he made in his thesis

At this issue has its roots here in we look upon ourselves the responsibility to bring 10 the attention of the University of Toronto the gravity of the situation and initiated o dialogue to find a satisfactory resolution of the matter

We wrote to Mr. I R S Prichard   on December of the University of Toronto on December 23 1993 explaining him the she issue and requested a moating with him to determine the mechaglum of redress of the tissue we received a reply from Joan F. Foley. Vice-President and Provost in which she proposed to meet us to discuss the matter raised” Early 1793 we met her and Vice-Provo’s Cook We explained t0 both of them that some findings and observations of

Sardar Pashaura Singh’s thesis have blended Greco munity and in many ways is commandeered an attack on the religion

We suggested that an independent committee be set up with representatives from the community and the university to deal with the matter. Ms. Foley and Vice Provost Cook promised to discuss the matter with their colleagues and arrange another meeting.

In mid-April 1993 we received a letter from Vice-Provost Cook Among other things letter stated “I which to Signal to you that I have not found support for striking a committee to investigate the issues that we discussed earlier”. However in another letter he suggested an informal session “to raise concerns with a view lo looking toward ways in which the interaction with the University can be more productive”.

This session was a mingled for June 23 1993 in which four members of the Sikh community and nine representatives of the University of Toronto participated we the community made presentation and made the following recommendations. The University of J or onto categorically acknowledges that the basis (# 1245) of Pashaura Singh’s research and submission Is suspect and faulty.

 The University of Toronto accepts the spirit and intent of the generality implied in the SGPC pronouncements and will refrain In conducting research on topless leading to unrest pain and anguish to The Sikhs or which harms the integrity and the identity of the Sikh community or which encourages stereotyping of the Sikhs.

The University of Toronto recommends without prejudice that Pashaura Singh should abiding by the Sikh code of conduct present himself at the Akal Takht.

The University of Toronto established committee of consultants with representatives of the SGPC and the Sikh community to advise them on all matters relating to Sikh studies

Also we submitted a collection of eight articles written by various scholars covering various aspects of the research thesis. It was made clear to the Universities representatives that Sardar Pashaura Singh’s issue must be addressed to the satisfaction of the community. And unless that is done community will not provide any further financial assistance. There was some unpleasant exchange of views.

In her follow-up letter of June 30 1993 Vice-President and Provost Foley acknowledged that”. this matter has caused concerns within the Sikh community” however did not respond to any of the recommendations

Again we wrote to Dr. J.RAS. Prichard President of the University of Toronto siting that Ms. Foley’s lever was inconsequential and unsatisfactory. We reemphasized that this issue must be

addressed and resolved in satisfactory manner and requested a meeting with him In the meantime we received another letter from Vice Provost Cook which among other things stated; “the University basically believe that the resolution of the charges against Pashaurs Singh a reuppropriately being explored outside the University and through scholarly and other forms of debate…” In the same lever he stated that”. University will be supporting a series of seminars in the area of Sikhs Studies which we hope will involve a number of Sikh Scholars.” We were invited to a meeting to discuss the proposed conference We are emphasized that previous concerns of (he community must be addressed before any new initiatives are under taken. We suggested exercise of mocking two discuss the following

 Previous involvement of the community in various conferences and other activities related to Sikh Studies at the University of Toronto.  What role community representatives played during those involvements what was expected of them.   Role duties responsibilities and commitments of the University during those involvements   Background information on Mr. Pashaura Singh’s enrollment at the University of Toronto When he was admitted who was his teacher how he selected the topic for his PhD. Who was his boss  that Mr. Singh’s research topic was on Sikh religion and especially on present day Guru of the Sikhs i.e. Guru Granth Sahib what Steps were taken to make sure that The Guru is not attacked. Did the University consult any major recognized Sikh institution at home or abroad especially in view of the fact that such kind of research was never done at the University before and as a result of that have no experience in the field of Sikh religion.   How Sikhs view attaches and/or research on their Guru?

 Validity of research with respect to Guru Granth Saith ?

Turmoil in the community since the University awarded PhD to Mr. Singh What Image the community has of the University? to meet us to discuss the above stated issues. They further stated that such meetings would not be productive. We attempted to meet Mr. RS. Prichard President of the University of Toronto but he never agreed to meet us to discuss the issue we are of the strong opinion that this shows his personal lack of commitment to the issue

We as community cannot and will not tolerate any attack on our religion and those who try must be stopped.

Avtar Singh Brar President Ontario Council of Sikhs

Article extracted from this publication >> May 27, 1994