Letter to President

Gurinder Singh Grewal, MD

28290 S. Banta Road

Tracy, CA. 95304

gurindersgrewal@hotmail.com

January 28, 2025

Donald Trump The President The White House

1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington DC 20500

Dear Mr. President:

Congratulations on your inauguration to be the 47th President of the United States of America. I fully support your campaign to Make America Great Again; we must make America strong again. To implement this vision, the United States needs reliable allies and partnerships with countries around the globe. I want to take this opportunity to bring to your attention the teachings of Sikhism and the Sikh belief system, which share similarities with the principles outlined in the United States Constitution. I believe Sikhs can be significant allies of the United States. Today, over 30 million people embrace and practice the Sikh religion. It is the world’s fifth-largest religion. In this letter, I aim to highlight the invaluable qualities that the Sikh religion can bring to the great diversity of America.

The U.S. Constitution and the Sikh religion share several philosophical and moral similarities, particularly in their principles of equality, justice, freedom, and the protection of human dignity. Below are key areas of overlap:

1.  Equality

• S. Constitution: The Constitution, which declares “All men are created equal,” upholds the principle of equality through the Declaration of Independence and the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment, guaranteeing equal treatment under the law.
• Sikhism: Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, emphasized the equality of all people, regardless of caste, creed, gender, or status. Sikhs reject social hierarchies and support equal rights for all.

Commonality: Both emphasize the inherent dignity and equality of every individual.

2.  Freedom of Religion

• S. Constitution: The First Amendment guarantees the freedom of religion, allowing individuals to practice their faith without interference from the government.
• Sikhism: Sikhism advocates for religious freedom, with Guru Tegh Bahadur famously sacrificing his life to protect the religious rights of others, including Hindus and other

Commonality: Both prioritize the right to worship freely and protect religious diversity.

3.  Justice and Rule of Law

• S. Constitution: The Constitution establishes a justice framework through its legal system and guarantees due process under the law.
• Sikhism: Justice is a core tenet of Sikhs believe in standing against oppression and injustice, as demonstrated by the lives and sacrifices of the Sikh Gurus and their followers.

Commonality: Both emphasize fair treatment and justice for all members of society.

4.  Individual Freedom and Responsibility

• S. Constitution: The Constitution enshrines individual liberties, such as freedom of speech, expression, and the right to pursue happiness, while emphasizing civic duties like voting and jury service.
• Sikhism: Sikh teachings advocate personal freedom within the framework of moral responsibility. Sikhs are encouraged to lead truthful, honest lives and serve humanity selflessly (sewa).

Commonality: Both value the balance between personal freedom and social responsibility.

5.  Democratic Governance

• S. Constitution: The Constitution establishes a democratic government in which the people have power and leaders are accountable to the public.
• Sikhism: The Sikh tradition of collective decision-making, or Sarbat Khalsa, is Sikh congregations (Sangat) collectively make decisions based on mutual consent.

Commonality: Both emphasize participatory governance and accountability.

6.  Protection of Human Rights

• S. Constitution: The Bill of Rights protects fundamental human rights, such as life, liberty, and property.
• Sikhism: The Gurus championed the protection of human rights, including those of women, marginalized communities, and the oppressed.

Commonality: Both uphold the sanctity of fundamental human rights.

7.  Service to Humanity

• S. Constitution: Although not explicitly religious, the preamble mentions promoting the “general welfare,” which aligns with the values of community service.
• Sikhism: Selfless service (seva) is a cornerstone of Sikhism, encouraging Sikhs to help others regardless of their race, religion, or social status.

Commonality: Both system’s values contribute to the well-being of society.

July 4, 1776: The United States Declaration of Independence was written.

March 4, 1789: The United States Constitution was adopted.

1469: The first Guru of the Sikhs, Guru Nanak, was born.

1604: The fifth Guru compiled the Guru Granth Sahib, which includes the writings of six Gurus, fifteen Saints, eleven Court Poets, and four other influential writers.

Conclusion

The U.S. Constitution and Sikh principles share a commitment to equality, justice, freedom, and service. While one is a legal framework and the other a spiritual path, both aim to create a harmonious, inclusive society that respects individual rights and collective responsibilities.

Right to Bear Arms

The Right to Bear Arms is protected by the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which states:

“A well-regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.” (U.S. Constitution, Amendment II, December 15, 1791)

This amendment is often interpreted to affirm an individual’s right to own and carry weapons. However, there has been ongoing legal and political debate regarding the extent and limits of this right. I look forward to how your term in office will rectify some of this confusion.

Sikh Religion and the Right to Bear Arms:

In the Sikh religion, there is a strong emphasis on self-defense and protecting the weak. Historically, Sikhs have been encouraged to carry weapons as part of their spiritual and ethical obligations. This practice is rooted in the teachings of the Sikh Gurus, notably Guru Gobind Singh, who established the Khalsa (the community of initiated Sikhs) in 1699 and instructed them to carry a kirpan, a ceremonial sword, as part of their Five Ks (the five articles of faith).

While the kirpan is primarily a symbol of faith and a reminder to protect righteousness, Sikhs view it as a tool for self-defense, in line with their commitment to justice and defending those who cannot protect themselves. The right to bear arms within Sikhism aligns with this principle of self-defense and the duty to protect oneself and others. Sikhs who live in countries where the right to bear arms is legally protected, such as the U.S., may view their right to carry a weapon as an extension of these religious teachings.

Similarities:

Self-Defense: Both contexts emphasize the right to bear arms for self-defense and protection against oppression.

Historical Significance: Both stem from historical contexts where bearing arms was crucial for survival and resistance against tyranny.

Symbol of Responsibility: In both cases, bearing arms is seen as a right and a responsibility to protect oneself and others.

Conclusion

Concluding this section, as I have pointed out above, the right to bear arms in the U.S. Constitution and Sikh religious practices both support the concept of self-defense. However, the specific cultural and legal contexts differ. Sikhs living in the United States may exercise their rights to bear arms in ways that align with their faith’s teachings on protection and justice within the bounds of the law.

The relationship between the federal government and states

The United States offers an interesting comparison to the demands of the Anandpur Sahib Resolution of 1973, which sought more autonomy for Punjab and other states. The following is how they align and differ:

1.  Federal Government and State Relationships in the United States.

Constitutional Framework: The United States operates under a system of federalism, where power is divided between the federal government and state governments. The Tenth Amendment reserves powers not delegated to the federal government for the states and the people.

State Autonomy: States have significant powers to legislate and govern within their borders, including education, law enforcement, and local governance. They also maintain distinct identities and can challenge federal decisions in courts.

Decentralization and Checks: While the federal government handles issues of national importance, like foreign affairs and interstate commerce, states retain autonomy in many areas. This decentralized structure prevents excessive centralization of power.

Cultural and Regional Diversity: The U.S. accommodates cultural, ethnic, and regional diversity through state-specific laws, though this doesn’t always extend to protecting specific ethnic or religious identities in governance.

2.  The Anandpur Sahib Resolution.

Core Demands: The Anandpur Sahib Resolution, adopted by the Shiromani Akali Dal, a political party of the Sikhs, sought greater autonomy for Punjab and other states aimed to implement the following.

Decentralize powers, granting states control over resources, education, and governance. In Punjab and other states, the center’s interference would be restricted to defense, foreign relations, currency, and general communications; all the different departments would be within the jurisdiction of states, which would be fully entitled to frame their laws on the subject as far as the administration is concerned.

3.  Comparison Between the U.S. Federal System and the Anandpur Sahib Resolution.

Division of Powers: There is a clear division of powers between federal and state governments, with states retaining significant autonomy, advocating significant decentralization, and transferring control to states, especially in Punjab.

Cultural and Religious Rights: Federalism does not grant states specific cultural or religious rights, but it allows for freedom of expression within constitutional limits. Specifically, it emphasizes the protection of Sikh culture, religion, and identity within Punjab.

Centralization of Power: A balance exists, but states retain considerable independence. Federal laws, however, can override state laws in certain areas. The goal is to minimize the central government’s control over states, prioritizing state-led governance.

4.  Legal Framework.

Legal Framework: In the U.S., states have constitutionally guaranteed powers, whereas Indian states have limited autonomy under a more centralized constitution. The Anandpur Sahib Resolution sought to address this by demanding constitutional changes.

Perception: While U.S. federalism is a well-established and stable system, the Anandpur Sahib Resolution sought to grant the same rights to states within the Indian system of government; however, the Indian central government viewed this as separatist or divisive, thereby creating mistrust.

Instead of resolving those issues, the Indian government, headed by Indira Gandhi, launched Operation Blue Star in June 1984, and her son, Rajiv Gandhi, launched Operation Shanti in October 1984. Hundreds of thousands of Sikhs were killed. Even women and children were not spared. The Army attacked the Golden Temple, and Army tanks destroyed Akal Takhat. In Operation Shanti, thousands of Sikhs, including women and children, were massacred and burned alive with the help of a police officer and ruling party hooligans. No justice has been delivered so far. This has affected the Sikh psyche, and Sikhs have decided to have a free and independent country of their own. Sikhs for Justice, under the observation of the United Nations, has conducted a referendum for Sikhs in the diaspora. There is overwhelming support for the free and independent country of the Sikhs, known as Khalistan.

Conclusion

With its division of powers and respect for state autonomy, the U.S. federal structure aligns in principle with the decentralization demanded by the Anandpur Sahib Resolution.

Punjab / Khalistan as a Country will be self-sufficient and economically strong.

Territory:

Punjab, currently occupied by India, has an area of approximately 50,362 square kilometers (about 19,445 square miles).

As of 2023, around 60 countries have a total area smaller than that of Punjab: Area in Squares Kilometers:

Punjab, India = 50,362 km2 Switzerland = 41,290 km2 Israel = 22,145 km2 Denmark = 42.933 km2

Land-Locked Countries: As of 2023, there are 44 landlocked countries worldwide. These countries do not have any coastlines and are surrounded by land. Some notable examples of landlocked countries include Switzerland, Austria, Hungary, Nepal, Kazakhstan and Bolivia.

Population: As of the latest estimates in 2023, the population of Punjab, India, is approximately 30 million people. Around 50 to 60 countries have populations smaller than those of Punjab. Some examples of countries with smaller populations include:

Punjab=30 million

Switzerland=8.8 million

Israel=9.73 million

Denmark=6.0 million

Sustainability: The economy of Punjab is the 16th largest state in India. In 2024, the GDP of Punjab is estimated to be USD 96 billion. The per capita GDP of Punjab is greater than that of India and Pakistan.

Per Capita GDP in USD

Punjab $3,500 to $4,000

India $2,500 to $3,000

Pakistan $1,500 to $1,800

As of 2023, Israel’s per capita GDP is estimated to be USD 55,000.

As of 2023, Switzerland’s per capita GDP is USD 94,000.

Even though Switzerland and Israel are smaller in population and area, their per capita GDP is higher than Punjab because they are free countries and can establish trade policies.

Sikhs in the diaspora: It is reported that the Sikh diaspora contributes approximately

Between $1 billion and $ 2 billion annually in remittances to Punjab.

Water Value: About 70% of Punjab River water is sent to non-riparian states without compensation. In 2010, the value of this was ₹25 billion loss to the Punjab agriculture.

Electricity Production: The total electricity generation capacity in Punjab is around There are 13,000 MW, with a substantial portion consumed within the state and some exported to neighboring states. The annual revenue from electricity generation is estimated to be in the range of $1-2 billion USD.

The annual value of Punjab’s grain exports has been estimated to be around

$1 – 2 billion USD.

 Amritsar to Karachi: The distance is approximately 1,200 kilometers (about 746 miles) by road.

Amritsar to Mumbai (Bombay): The distance is approximately 1,500 kilometers (about 932 miles) by road.

India does not allow Punjab to trade freely, especially its agricultural produce. If Punjab were a free country, the nearest seaport would be Karachi, not Bombay, and we would not need permission from the Indian government in Delhi to use Karachi’s seaport.

Farmers in Punjab are continually agitating for a fair price for their produce and other demands. Despite the Indian government accepting those demands, no action has been taken.

Security: The Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force have a total active personnel number of approximately 1.4 million. Estimates suggest that Sikhs make up around 10% to 15% of them, particularly in certain regiments known for their historical contributions and valor. At one time, Sikhs represent about 30% of the Indian Armed Forces; this number will be reduced to 2% based on the population in the coming years. Sikhs have contributed a great deal to India’s defense, but the Hindu majority have not appreciated it.

Concept of Sovereignty in Sikhism: In Sikhism, sovereignty is deeply intertwined with the principles of justice, equality, and the divine right to self-governance. Sikh teachings emphasize the importance of individual and collective sovereignty.

Under the current system, Punjab is controlled by the central government through an appointed governor who has all the powers. The elected chief minister cannot do anything without the governor’s consent. As Khalistan is liberated, a new constitution based on Sikh principles will be implemented, much like the U.S. Constitution. All human beings will be treated equally with respect. The constitution will be carefully established based on the principles of Sikh gurus and Guru Granth. Khalistan will not be a theocratic state.

Sikhs are rapidly moving towards establishing a free and sovereign country called Khalistan. An independent Khalistan will also be a strong buffer state between India and Pakistan, hopefully avoiding ongoing conflicts that can lead to a nuclear war. At one time, the Sikh kingdom extended as far as the Chinese border. Sikhs will have a strong military, a balancing force in that geopolitical part of the world.

The entire Sikh Nation will appreciate your consideration and help in freeing our homeland.

 

Respectfully,

Gurinder Singh Grewal, MD