The Sikh Students Federation (SSF) in California as well as in Punjab and other parts of the world has strongly advocated and exercised the need for a social revolution incorporated within the overall political movement for the liberation of the Sikh homeland, Khalistan. As we approach the 300th anniversary of the creation of the Khalsa Panth the Sikh community naively over the years has gradually adapted and conformed to Hindu, Muslim, and Christian customs resulting in the Sikhs being divided and attacked from within the Sikh community itself.
Equality between men and women is one of the fundamental beliefs in Sikhism. Women and men should stand together, mutually making decisions and jointly Carving the path for Sikh generations to come. Regrettably this is not the case in most Sikh families. Life’s decisions, be they major or minor, remains the domain of men. Public engagements or discussions in public of any form are discouraged between the genders. The Sikh community has drifted so far from the ideals of the Guru Granth Sahib that very often females, and to the same extent males, feel very uncomfortable even speaking to the opposite gender. Sikhs have been molded over the centuries by their neighboring Hindu culture which continuously reinforces the position of women as subservient to men, The SSF strongly urges and especially directs a strong message to the students and to the rest of the younger generation to reject the current distorted beliefs of the roles of males and females and to help create an environment of mutual respect. Equality must be fostered, through loving each other as brothers and sisters.
The consumption of alcohol is forbidden in Sikhism, however a neutral passerby would swear that the two, Sikhism and Alcohol were inseparable. At dances, meetings, parties, work, in the home and even in the Gurdwaras alcohol is present alcohol has infested each and every Sikh institution, Though alcohol has devastated and indeed taken away the lives of the users, the lives of their families, and the lives of innocent third parties, alcohol is still very prominent in the Sikh way of life. The SSF strongly urges alcohol users to seek help, be it in the form of counseling, speaking to doctors, reading literature, or religious exercise. The SSF is firmly committed in ridding this addictive social ill.
The lure of the adverse ingredients in the western culture has effected Sikhs all around the world, and most notably in the United States. One of the more serious areas of concern is the replacement of the Punjabi language (as the primary language spoken) by the English language in many Sikh families. It is common to see parents speaking in English to their children or to see students and friends communicating with one another in English. Speaking and understanding ones own mother tongue is vital to the well-being of a nation, With the loss of one’s language the inevitability arises that confusion and self-doubt grips itself heavily on the generations to come. It would not be too strong to add that the sheer existence of a nation would be threatened al such a loss, Other adverse effects caused by assimilating into western cultures such as the loss of traditional values will be addressed at future dates, The SSF appeals to all the young readers (as well as to the elders) to take notice of the influences and pressures being exerted on them from host communities, and with an intelligent eye adamantly challenge what is detrimental to the Sikh way of life.
Unity and pride is one of the most important social movements that the SSF is actively engaged in. Focused on the student and youth sectors the SSF in their efforts to strengthen a beleaguered nation notes that in order to show confidence to others you must first instill confidence in yourself. In today’s society it is common to observe Sikhs fighting fellow Sikhs in not only major disputes but in trivial irrelevant matters. Selfishness, greed, betrayal, and ignorance has crippled the Sikh community, The SSF through cultural, religious, political and social programs is very confident with your support, in bringing together the students all around the country under one united voice, As you can see from the above statements the SSF is actively pursuing a social movement as part of our objective of enhancing Sikhism and promoting Khalistan, We request the support of all the Sikh community and urge the Sikh students around the country to join with us in our nations time of need.
Waheguru Ji ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh
Article extracted from this publication >> September 18, 1992
