Sir,
Daljit S. Jawa’s letter (WSN April 191991) addresses a vital Problem in our Gurdwara’s Unfortunately Gurdwara office bearers no longer deem them Selves as sewadars of sangat rather they endeavor to portray themselves as self-styled leaders of the Sikh community. They have become power hungry and their lust for exercising authority tempts them to indulge in anti-Sikh Practices and crush the spirit of religion. At some Gurdwara’s during elections voters are wooed with wine false votes are cast and candidates unleash volley of vituperation on each other which sometimes culminates first fights and turban untying literally. They all accuse each other of unethical practices. There is no stopping.
Lo and behold! They all stoop so low to be mere sewadars of Gurdwara’s There are Gurdwara’s who have civil and criminal (assault & battery) suits pending in the U.S. Courts Shame on us! We are inviting police inside Gurdwara’s to trample the holy spirit of religion. We have authorized U.S. Courts to lash us with their verdict. We have put aside our glorious traditions to solve disputes and are making mockery of ourselves The Sikh community is rapidly wasting its resources time energy money and talent. And above all the image of Sikhs is being tarnished and the Sikh spirit is being questioned.
To begin with we must discard the practice of elections and resort to the process of selection. The elections have degenerated our Gurdwara’s to mere power play arenas. Office bearers should be selected on the basis of devotion dedication service and gurmat knowledge. They should possess great imagination to relate to current worldwide events and bring Sikhism to limelight. Their thinking should exude universal appeal.
I urge the religious leaders (priests-Gyanis) to step out of their cocoon and educate the masses. | dare the Sikh intellectuals here to come out of their ivory towers. Together they must do something positive constructive to rehabilitate this institution called Gurdwara. It is high time they act to redress these ailments that afflict our Gurdwara’s
They can form a king of ‘Ecclesiastical Court’ consisting of people who are impartial but well versed in Sikh religion history and traditions People with profound faith integrity and morality accompanied by knowledge should be acceptable to all. The “Ecclesiastical Court’ should be empowered to view review and analyze the problematic situation and offer best possible solutions according to Sikh traditions Their verdict must be binding on all parties.
This malady has to be treated. Tight away ere it becomes incurable and destroys the whole community.
Amrit Kaur
Chantilly VA
Former Secretary
Guru Gobind Singh Foundation
Wash. D.C
Article extracted from this publication >> May 17, 1991
