Recently I went to Europe for three months and visited many counties, During my travel, [met many Sikh refugees seeking political asylum, There were numerous Gurdwaras especially in Germany, Most Sikhs were clean shaven Punjab’s and also met many Afghani Sikhs who were mostly with turbans, We are about 25 million people in world with five centuries of history, Often, I asked myself why Sikhism has not attracted members from non-punjab areas in India or overseas?
My answer to this question is that, due to lack of educational priority among us about our own religion and its doctrines, Sikhs do not know what Sikhism is all about. \I/e have become naturalistic, over materialistic and less spiritually educated. We are either saints or soldiers but not saint soldiers any more. We need to emphasize theological education by appointing a director of religious us education in every Gurdwara who should also be a full member of Gurdwara executive committee. All activities should be reported at every meeting and congregation should be informed at least once monthly about all educational activities and plans.
All progressive religions use their female member extensively along with male members to initiate and develop implementation of educational curriculum. We should also try to use the talent of many educated Sikh women in teaching the Sikh children about our rich heritage and universal religious values. We must remember that there are no boom Sikhs but by education and practice, only we can hope to sustain and spread the message of Sikhism among Sikh youth and other foreigners.
Kirpal Singh Marshall Town, lowa
Article extracted from this publication >> April 2, 1993