Sponsored by
THE SIKH COMMUNITY OF NORTH AMERICA
It is proposed to hold a conference on Sikh Studies in the year 1988 in California. The purpose of the conference is to appraise the views of W.H. McLeod on Sikhism. The Sikh Studies Conference will provide a forum to those who support or challenge McLeod’s views. Dr. McLeod will also be invited to attend the Conference.
It is the opinion of the organizers of the conference that the ideas expressed in the writings of some Western authors including W.H. Mcleod’s represent an inadequate understanding of the Sikh Scriptures, beliefs, and traditions. Therefore, the conference is being called to make an attempt to present and promote a clear understanding of Sikhism.
In “The Sikh Tradition” Justice Gurdev Singh has indicated eight formularies made by McLeod in his book “The Evolution of the Sikh Community”.
- “It is misleading to call Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikh religion………..
McLeod.
- “The ten Gurus never preached one set of religious doctrines……
McLeod.
- “The arming of the Panth would not have been the result of any decision by Guru Hargobind……… %
McLeod.
- McLeod questioned the traditional account about the founding of Khalsa.
- McLeod challenged the Sikh symbols, indicating that they were evolved later.
- “Though the Gurus denounced caste system……. but they were not serious in removing caste differences”.
McLeod.
- The authenticity of the current version of the Guru Granth Sahib is questioned by McLeod.
In recent years, for reasons that are obvious, there is an attempt to tarnish ideological identity of the Sikhs.
The scholars of Sikhism who are willing to write papers on the topics noted above are requested to send their resumes along with titles and abstracts on the following address:
The Sikh Community of North America P.O. Box 16635 Irvine, Ca. 92713
On receipt of the above information, the date and location of the conference would be announced. Adequate notice will be given to enable the scholars to prepare their papers.
Prompt response is requested. All Sikh Organizations are requested to participate and pledge support in defending the Sikh identity. Please contact the organizers at the above address at the earliest possible.
Article extracted from this publication >> February 12, 1988
