Dear Editor,
The title of this discussion was my personal problem when I entered this country in January 1955. This problem became a project when I joined the Stanford University, as a graduate student in the field of communication. I was the only Sikh student on the campus, the only person with a flowing beard and a colorful turban, a unique figure among the University community.
I vividly recall that once during an outing to Half Moon Bay while walking on the beach barefoot I hurt my toe. Believe me, I did not come out of my dorm for full three days. Reason: thought if the world sees me limping, everybody will assume that all the Sikhs limp. What an obsession!
So the first thing I will suggest that you please make this project a personal problem, a prospect of ultimately an obsession,
Secondly, the image of Sikhism is created, and sustained by the Sikhs themselves. An image is as good as the primary object. If a Sikh lives like an ideal person, the image will project likewise. My personal experience is that before anybody seriously wants to learn anything about Sikhism, C.2., its message, scriptures, history or whatever, the first impression an outsider gets is from a contact with the Sikhs, That physical con tact is of utmost importance. To Attract a viewer a Sikh must have the proper bana. This is the start of the image.
Please let me quickly add that bana alone will not do the full job. Experienced two occasions when it (bana) projected a wrong image! Once, when Castro came to power in Cuba. Then Mexican Ameni cans called me Castro, My beard, like Castro, was then black. And later, I was taken for an Indian, because of the revolution in Iran led by Khomeni. Wrong image? Yes, but the attraction role of bana proved effective.
After successfully attracting the attention, the real job of projecting the image begins. It is unlikely that any customer will buy something without a sample, carefully labeled. Here the sifting, testing and comparing, and final decision making starts. In the salesman ship of Sikhism is the duty of the Sikh first to create an interest in the subject, plant a seed of desire, make a lasting impression, and an Opportunity on further action, A thorough knowledge of Sikhism, humility sweetness, sincerity to serve will help greatly to enhance the Sikh image,
To prolong this process, a Sikh may invite his “new friend” for dinner at home first. If the friend shows further interest take him to a religious function to a Gurdwara. Hand over some relevant literature only if demanded,
Always remember to help your new friend in being a better follower of his own faith. Never try to wean your friend from the faith he has. Love begets love. Respect is rewarded with respect.
The University of Sikhism is very well explained in the Sikh scriptures, History is the mirror of its past. Books, already printed and audiovisual materials are necessary and handy tools.
Yet, the living Khalsa has the magic and the mystique to project areal, positive and better image of Sikhism.
So, humbly request to all of you to kindly make this problem, a personal prospect and an obsession.
Hari Singh Everest Yuba City, CA
Article extracted from this publication >> July 9, 1993
