I read with interest your coverage of the Sikh Conference on Art and Literature held at San Francisco on Nov28-291992. It was not balanced ignored some facts and disregarded some important contributions.

Specifically:

  1. This was the First conference in the USA (to my knowledge) of Sikh Art and Literature. This it is a commendable effort. To find and attract such people at one gathering is no small feat.
  2. Gursharan Sidhus speech was certainly strong but as he explained he was speaking with a view to providing an understanding of the history and background of Sikh painting. He showed a sympathetic appreciation of Sikh art and has rescued and located several objects from oblivion. for this he should be commended. Of course he raised several questions but there are few critics of art who share identical views on any one object.
  3. This was the first time that an in-depth study of the Architecture of Sikh Gurdwaras (Dr. Walker and Dr.Narinder Singh) was presented. Such work should be encouraged and supported as it expands the corpus of Sikh knowledge and culture
  4. This was the first time that a paper was read on the fate of the vast treasury of Maharajah Ranjit Singh after the English took over. Dr.S.Stronges paper on this topic will lay the groundwork for further.
  5. Owen Cole’s outstanding speech was totally ignored. He lamented on the pal standing Sikh Scholars and asked the question “Where are the Bhai Vir Singh Prof. Puran Singh and Bhai Jodh Singh of Today?” He encouraged the Sikhs to support more research and care of younger generation.

 Lastly it was noted with regret that young scholars like Gurinder S.Mann were the subject of such strong comments both at the conference and in your articles. He presented a reasoned and well thought-out paper. I may not agree with his conclusions but I support his right to his opinions. Those who disagree with his research should apply to read similar papers and contradict him or prove him wrong with work of equal caliber. That is the basis of scholarly advancement by reason and intellect not with passion or intolerance. Even our Gurus went to Benares to Mecca and to the Siddhas to reason and explore differences. We cannot tell people not to do research and not to speak it is not only against our traditions but is also against the laws of this country and will harm us in the long term.

G.S.Bhuller M.D.

Colonial Heights VA

Article extracted from this publication >> December 30, 1992