Sir,
“Dilemma facing the Sikhs” in WSN of 8 June 1989, made some Vital points: “It is us who are not giving us Khalistan”; “Do Sikhs know, what they want?” “Follow the “forward section” and shun the never land of the power thirsty old leadership.” (My paraphrase)
Why blame the leaders only; don’t the Sikhs continue to reelect them? Many Sikhs have vested interests in an established “sarkar” and succumb to its inducements and symbols of power. Also, they are resigned to corrupt and inept rulers: “Any successor government will be as bad,” they believe; because, “Ji, eh saraa kursi da kasoor ai”.
Where and when do the Sikhs discuss “offering us Sikhistan” right to worship, freedom of expression, social justice and equality. Public gatherings and renderings in Gurdwaras Keertan, KathaKahani, elaborate only upon heavenly pursuits and devotional aspects of Sikhism. One is reminded of repeated slaughters of Buddhists by Mahmood Ghazani Instead of facing him they bumt incense and meditated in vihars!
Sikhs must educate their coreligions on the democratic ideals of Sikhism, its freedom and opposition to tyranny, and above all, ethical, intellectual, civic and societal responsibilities which entail democratic rights. The right to vote and elect is a farce when, the electorate is uniformed and ignorant.
Sukhbir Singh Indianapolis IN
Article extracted from this publication >> July 14, 1989
