A STEP TOWARDS UNITY IN SIKH NATION
All right thinking Sikhs recognize that bringing unity among the Sikh nation is the biggest need of the hour, yet somehow we do not seem 10 be taking any positive steps to bring about this unity. 1 have learned from reliable sources that when the time for selection of office bearers for most of our important religious and political organizations comes, although on the surface things appear to be proceeding on merits but actually unholy manipulations are being carried out on the basis of caste and factional considerations behind the scenes.
‘This may be difficult to prove but I know many persons will admit to this fact if asked privately. But here is a documentary proof of the widely prevailing practice of Caste system in our society. Just Took at matrimonial section of any issue of Sikh newspapers. You will find that generally more than 70% of the matrimonial clearly quote their caste and ask for response from the same caste in the Sikh people. Only 10to 15 percent of the matrimonial ask just for a GurSikh match or say that Caste ‘and Dowry is no bar.
I know sanctions or fines cannot be imposed on the Sikhs who practice caste system in originations, marriages, or their other ‘occupations. But Sikh newspapers should give a good lead by henceforth refusing to publish any matrimonial which in anyway seeks matrimony on the basis of the Caste System rather than the Character or the merits of the other party
Similarly, I will request to all the “king makers” in our religious and political organizations that ‘when the new elections come they along with all the voters take a pledge before the Guru Granth Sahib that they will elect the new office bearers on the basis of merits alone and will not allow any factional or caste consideration to guide their votes.
Yours sincerely,
Daljit Singh
Article extracted from this publication >> December 19, 1986
