Sir,
I share Dr. Jasbir Singh Mann’s concern in his “BC Chair of Sikh Studies doing more harm than good” (WSN 6/8/90): Harjot Singh Oberoi’s writings do not support the mainstream beliefs of the Sikh community. In fact, they play into the hands of “Sikhism is a form of Hinduism” lobby. Harjot Oberai describes with relish the origins of Sikh “rituals” and their overlaps and parallels with Hindu tradition. He makes prophets out of the cynics who claim: “You can always find enough statistics to support any argument.” Given enough motivation, Iam sure, Harjot Oberai could prove that Christianity and Islam are but sects of Judaism!
May be Harjot Oberai is a misguided missile; maybe he has abused the trust placed in a scholar, maybe he is unworthy of occupying the lofty BC Chair of Sikh Studies; but then Dr. Jasbir Mann himself, in the choice of his subtitle and conclusions has displayed considerable contempt for any “Sikh Studies Chair.” Angry condemnations of detractors of Sikhs do not justice to the Sikh cause: Sikhs need more “Sikh Studies Chairs” to launch “counter points” to Oberoi’s “counterparts” and to shed their “anti-scholarship” biases. Also why drag Gurus Nanak and Granth Sahib in every argument, and why make a requirement of quotations from Gurbani a necessary and qualifying criteria for a “good and pro Sikh” writing!
Sukhbir Singh Indianapolis IN
Article extracted from this publication >> June 29, 1990
