On July 28, World Sikh Organizations going to be two years old. The organization was born as a result of Indian Army’s wanton attack on the Golden Temple. Sikhs all over the world were appalled at the barbaric brutalities committed by the rampaging troops. They were shaken out of their complacent confidence and for the first time found themselves alone isolated friendless stigmatized and ironical ly on the defensive. The communal rulers of India through vast resources and clever media manipulation had succeeded in putting the persecuted Sikh community in the dock. The helpless victims were projected as trigger-happy “extremists” and “terrorists”.
The traumatic experience had made the Sikhs ponder. It was a moment for introspection. Sikhs realized that they were chiefly responsible for their sad plight because they had never bothered to develop their public relations rather they were plagued with chronic disunity It was a bitter realization and out of that realization came the resolve to form World Sikh Organization so that Sikhs could ‘come together on a single platform to combat the hostile forces and to educate the world about their faith that preaches brotherhood of man and father-hood of God.
Today two years after its formation Sikhs look upon W.S.0 with mixed feelings. Some are quite optimistic while others feel totally disillusioned. The fanfare with which it was formed and the massive support that it received from almost all quarters had raised the hopes very high. Among the disillusioned are mainly those who expected quick and spectacular achievements. Some are unhappy ‘about the manner in which the affairs of the organization have been conducted. They feel left out ignored and almost irrelevant hence their indifference to it.
It is true that sufficient attention has not been paid towards establishing a meaningful rapport with the grass-root membership. By and large members have remained ignorant of the organization’s accomplishments. The communication gap coupled with the motivated rumors suggesting either mis-appropriation of funds or clandestine links with the Indian government served to erode the credibility of the organization.
The need of the moment is to re-establish its credibility. It can be done through a systematic mass contact program. There must be two way communications. Each member must be fully aware of the activities of the organization. Information must flow regularly from the Headquarters to the members through their respective chapters. Organization leaders should frequently hold political conferences to reach the grass-roots. For this purpose Gurpurbs social functions and other important occasions must be utilized. Funds must be fully accounted for. Rumors must be contradicted and doubts instantly dispelled.
Leaders of the organization must never create rivalry with any other Sikh Organization. Let a thousand Sikh Organizations flourish. So long each is engaged in the task of redeeming the Sikh dignity and freedom all is well. The trouble starts when there develop self-destructive internecine quarrels when one is branded as insincere and treacherous by the other. Sikhs must learn to distinguish between the real and the fake. It can best be done by analytically examining the activities and priorities of the various organizations. The fake one generally targets a sister organization rather than aiming its salvos at the common for.
It is hoped that W.S.0 will in due course develop into a truly umbrella organization of the Sikhs and all Sikhs would recognize it as such. Therein lies wisdom and therein lies the promise of freedom.
Article extracted from this publication >> July 25, 1986
