Editor,
This is in reference to Dr. G.S Bhuller’s letter to editor indicating that W.S.N.”s coverage of Sikh Conference on ant and literature was not balanced. I also attended the same conference and in my opinion, the coverage was well balanced.
As far as the presentation of Sikh an is concerned, it was an excellent presentation, and | must congratulate the Sikh foundation for their commendable efforts. As this aspect of Sikhism has not been presented in the past, it should be encouraged and supported in the future.
But as far as the literature part of the conference is concerned, many of the speakers completely misunderstood the basic Sikh doctrines and misrepresented Sikhism like Dr. Gursharan Sidhu described that Gur Gobind Singh lost all battles, and compared Guru Gobind with Maharajah Ranjit Singh.
Dr. Bhuller thought that the speech by Dr. Owen Cole was outstanding when he said out of context that “Dr. McLeod is not dangerous for Sikhs but it is only western media which is more dangerous for Sikhism.” Dr. Cole had no answer when he was reminded that western media will effect all religions rather than Sikhism alone and Dr. McLeod is more dangerous as he has misrepresented basic Sikh doctrines in his books and anybody who will read his books will get the wrong answers. Dr. Ajit Pal rightly said that there is a erosion of Sikh financial resources against Sikhism and it should be stopped. Sikh Community donated generously their hard earned money for Sikh Studies in the past. Dr. Bhuller should find Bhai Bir Singh and Puran Singh in the present day Sikh scholars produced by such donations like Harjot Oberoi, whose writings have been antiSikh and Dr. Pashaura Singh, who has described Guru Arjun martyrdom as murder.
Dr. Gurinder Mann’s paper was not received well because his research completely ignored the basic Sikh doctrine, “whatever is in Guru Granth is Pacci Bani and whatever outside is Kachi Bani.” And this unique step living Sikh prophet took which no other prophet had taken in any other religion, in order to eliminate the possibility of any clumsy attempt to question the authenticity and sanctity of the Bani. So Textual Analysis has no role in study of Sikh Religion. Unless Dr. Bhuller understood the above basic Sikh doctrine, he will always be easily misled. Prof. Sahib Singh, Principal Teja Singh, and Principal Harbhajan in their well-documented study have clearly established that Guru Arjan has all the Bani with himself when he compiled the Adi Granth. The organizers were approached in advanced with humbleness. In order to deny a balanced opinion, paper like “Guru Granth only Source for Sikhism” was rejected. Two dedicated University professors well known to Sikh community wanted to present the following paper in order to keep the Academic objectives, but their papers were not accepted: 1)Gur Nanak Dev University Manuscript #1245 “A Post 1606 Collection.” Dr.Sukhminder Singh, Santa Clara University, CA. 2) Govindwall Pot his “A Post 1595 Production,” Dr.Surjit Singh, Buffalo State University, NY.
Dr.Bhuller must know that scholarly advancement can be done only by academic principles. UN academic behavior is not acceptable. I will request Dr.Bhuller to assist in finding from young scholars:1)When and how they come across GNDU Manuscript #1245, its authenticity and where it was before 1987. 2) Who wrote articles under authorship of Dr.Loehlinin 1987and 1990 when he was invalid or dead respectably suggesting “Western friends of Sikhism and Sikhs likewise, have noted this lack of critical interest on part of Sikhs. Fortunately many of their scholars and research experts are doing research on textual and historical problem.” Sikhs are not opposed to any research but if one does not study the religion with parameters of the theology the results of such research will be disastrous. It is not only Sikh religion, but all other religions which are interpreted at university levels are suffering from the same problems, because of the use of wrong methodology. Under the cover of research or freedom of expression, nobody has the right to misrepresent Sikh Doctnnes. Our Gurus went to Benares and Mecca to teach the truth and law abiding Sikhs know their basic democratic rights and basic Sikh doctrines and are awakened now and coming with the truth. World Sikh News has been graced by the: Gums to speak the tut hand always give the Balanced Coverage, and did it in the same Way on the Sikh conference on art and Literature.
Hope Wahcguru will give Dr.Bhuller strength and time to study Sikh doctrines mare deeply which will strengthen and not harm the Sikh religion in the future: Jasbir S Mann M.D.
Article extracted from this publication >> January 8, 1993
