By Harvind Kaur
DETROIT: A fight for Chardi Kala highlighted this fall’s seminar on Sikh Heritage in Detroit. Many members of the Sad Sangat gathered at the Sikh Gurdwara of Michigan in Rochester Hills. The topics were varied but the message was clear—the entire Sikh community needs to unite and fight to maintain our unique identity,
On a bright autumn Saturday, four speakers took their time to address the audience and prepare a topic for discussion. First to take the podium was Sardar Mewa Singh, a retired judge from India. He emphasized the unique origins of Sikhism. He pointed out that propaganda disputing this is concentrated in North Amenca. S. Mewa Singh disputes the claims of western scholars such as Trump and McLeod. He says their lack of knowledge and inaccurate research is what’s lead them to deny Sikhism’s true place in the spectrum of world religions.
Gurbani was the basis for S, Mewa Singh’s rebuttal 1o these scholars, He says these misrepresentations are all a ploy by the Indian government to create misinformation. However, S. Mewa Singh says, Sikhs all across the world should not forget to recognize the many other scholars that have positively written about the great uniqueness and inspiring words of the Guru’s Bhai Gurdas, Pearl Buck, H. 1.Bradshaw and Max Arthur McAuliffe are just a few of the authors S. Mewa Singh’ says have given Sikhism a fair assessment in their writings.
The discussion of these ideas was slow in the coming but, eventually the group responded with vigor. In the end it was decided the best way to overcome the mass misinformation campaign by the Indian Government is by reading. It was suggested that every gurdwara have an ongoing reading list of those authors writing for and against Sikhism. Part of the problem is the prolific amount of literature available that affects our community. The group felt perhaps by educating ourselves we would be in a better position to combat the onslaught of negative propaganda against Sikhs. As the morning continued, Dr. Gurbaksh Singh from Virginia took a few moments to introduce his topic. He is ardently trying to help parents and kids in Sikh households bridge the generation gap. This session was of extreme interest to all those present. Dr. Gurbaksh Singh opened the floor for debate after briefly telling the audience to live the life of a Sikh if you want your children to do the same.
He used many candid examples from youngsters he’s met who have given him insight into what they expect from their parents. Dr. Singh says many children tell him they want their parents’ time and love. With that time and love, he said. Will come communication and understanding. Everyone in the audience seemed to recognize the problem but there was no standard solution. The parents present seemed very concerned about their responsibility to ensure their children grow up as Sikhs first and Americans second. Dr. Gurbaksh Singh repeatedly pointed out the only way to make sure your kids follow the path is by communicating with them and giving them the strong foundations of Sikhism. He says this will enable them to make choices with their heritage and religious ethics in mind.
‘The discussion on raising children continued after lunch. Everyone concedes no one can tell how their kids will turn out. It’s a matter of giving them the basics and setting the right examples. After everyone had exhausted their thoughts on the problems of raising kids, another very learned scholar addressed the audience, Dr. Hamam Singh Shan used historical background to point out the ongoing struggle of Sikhs to maintain their beliefs, and Dr. Shan says our history is full of struggle. Today’s crisis in our community must be fought bravely just like in the past, The difference in today’s battle and the one Dr. Shan foresees in the future is that the fight is in words, Dr. Shan says all the attacks against.
Sikhism is directed solely at the Guru Granth Sahib and this is what we as Sikhs must protest. The strongest tool of battle he said is belief is Sikhism with an unending conviction. Dr. Shan also believes the best way for North American Sikhs to survive is by opening our own accredited academic institutions. A Sikh school is what Dr. Shan believes will give our youth a stronger sense of pride and a more civil environment for maintaining our Sikh heritage. But the notion of education did not stop there. Dr. Shan says it is every Sikhs responsibility to educate them about Sikhi. We must not just know Gurbani we must understand it and experience it.
There were no dissenting words after Dr. Shan’s lecture. Many were keen to work towards Sikh academic institutions in North America.
‘The last speaker of the day was Sardar Kuldeep Singh from Toledo. He focused his discussion on where ‘one begins to be a Sikh. S. Kuldeep Singh pointed out the first step is to make up your mind. The decision to follow the Guru is the first hurdle. Then comes the point of initiation. After one’s mind is decided.
Amrit is the next step. And from there spiritual growth will take off at a different pace for every individual.
‘These words brought forth a discussion on who is a Sikh. Many asserted even though they have not taken Amrit they are chill Sikhs Everyone had their own interpretation, but no one disputed the importance of taking Amrit to be a part of Guru Gobind Singh’s Khalsa Panth. The day’s discussion lingered into the early evening. Even after the formal sessions were over many scattered into groups to pursue topics of interest. In the end everyone present left with more awareness and hopefully more resolve to live each day as a Gursikh.
Article extracted from this publication >> November 4, 1994
