Scholars from four continents and at least five countries converged on Ann Arbor, Michigan from Feb.35 to participate in two-day conference entitled Transmission of Sikh/Punjabi Heritage to the Diaspora, Over 300 letters were sent to the local Sikh community inviting them to attend the conference. Contrary to some untrue propaganda, no one was barred from attending.
The participants included those whose field of study was Sikh Studies as well as those in related areas such as Philosophy, Religion and History. This provided a good mix of viewpoints and one was able to see Sikhism focused on under a microscope, as well as the broader view a scholar outside the field was able to provide. There ‘was also a mix of Sikh and non-Sikh scholars. This, again, provided a unique diversity of perspectives. In fact, there was such a diversity of opinion, that everyone walked away learning something.
The topics ranged from the philosophical to the pragmatic to the controversial. The list of topics
were as follows.
Transmitting Heritage: The Changing Nature and Functions of Sikh Institutions, Arthur Helweg, of Western Michigan University traced the growth of the Sikh diaspora from Jandiali Village in Punjab to England; the role of Gurdwara development in the English neighborhood and the sensitivity of the Punjabi diaspora to the host British community. Socializing Sikhs in Singapore: Soliciting the State Support, Verne A.Dusenbery, of Hamline University: reviewed the efforts of Bhajan Singh in Singapore. A number of laws have been passed in Singapore that enables the Sikt to maintain their identity in various walks of life. This progre! very satisfactory for the Sikhs living there.
Sulakan Singh Dhillon remarked that Sikh study is not complete with the developments of the diaspora only. The corresponding links and developments in the homeland of Punjab also have to be taken into account.
The Formulation and Transmission of Sikh Tradition: The Role of the Bhasaur Singh Sabha, 18931925, N.Gerald Barrier, of the University of Missouri, reviewed the history of the Singh Sabha movement; He highlighted the role of Teja Singh Bhasuria of the Patiala area, including his achievements and some of his frustrations.
When the Hawk Speaks: Some Early Reflections on Sikh Historiography, Harjot Oberoi, of the University of British Columbia Reviewed the development of critical (objective) history India, During the period of01000 A.D. there is very little objective history available giving the details of this era. Most of the accounts are written by Brahmins with their own blases. For the same period in China, a much better critical history is available. A similar lack of objective/ critical history of Sikhs during the period of 15001800 was noted. Most of the accounts such as the Janam sakhis, Gurbilas by Rattan Singh Bhangoo are biased by the beliefs and perception of the writers, they have not cited historical proof to support their accounts.
Reconstructing the Recent Sikh Past. Mohinder Singh, of the National Institute of Panjab Studies reconstructed the recent past of the Sikhs in India, He outlined the various forces pulling the Sikhs in different direction united leadership speaking for the Sikhs. This has created confusion for the masses, making the future more difficult and unpredictable.
The Punjabi Diaspora in the UK and the Punjab Crisis. Shinder Singh Thandi, of Coventry University discussed the Punjabi diaspora and the Punjab crisis. He reviewed the effects of various types of exchanges between the U.K, and the Punjab, ‘These exchanges were in the form of money remittal, philanthropist projects and political exchange. The common people of the U.K. seem to be alienated from the Indian government for their excessive atrocities and from the Sikh leadership because of their petty quarrels and lack of direction. The philanthropist projects are still continuing.
The Punjab Crisis since 1984. Gurharpal Singh, of De Montfort University reviewed the Sikh movement from 1984 to 1993. He suggested various political movements to explain the state of affairs but could not come up with one set of reasons/theory to explaining the complex issue of Punjab and Indian polities. Notes on Space, Visual Representation and Gender. Brian Axel, of the University of Chicago reviewed how some sections of the Sikh community are trying to revive the old glory of the Sikhs. He cited the example of the celebration of the cemetery of Maharaja Dalip Singh, His picture/posters were on the front pages of many Punjabi papers and were widely distributed, Henoted how the Sikh community is trying to carve out a space for themselves within the host community of the U.K.
Problems of the Teaching of Punjabi Language in the Diaspora. Pritam Singh of Patiala reviewed how the Punjabi community is divided based on religion. Pakistani Punjab uses Urdu script and the Punjabi there is getting personalized. Indian Punjab uses the Gurmukhi script and the Punjabi there is getting Sanskritized. Kangra and parts of Haryana and Kashmir use the Devnagri script for their Punjabi. He wished for a solution where all Punjabis can interact freely and true Punjabi could flourish. The linguist base of the culture may promote unity among communities and help solve many of the Sikh problems through better interaction with our communities.
Bhai Vir Singh from a Post modem Perspective. Surjit Singh Dulai, of Michigan State University reviewed the contributions of Bhai Vir Singh and his advanced literary style. This helped in the advancement of Punjabi literature and Sikh ideals. The Taunt as Device in Popular Sikh Metrologies, Louis French, of the University.. of, Toronto reviewed the popular Sikh metrologies and their role in helping others to come forward and play the appropriate role of new martyrs, Sometimes taunts were used to encourage martyrdom in Sikh history.
Flawed Transmission? Punjab Pioneers in California. Karen Leonard, of the University of California reviewed the history of the early settlers from Punjab in California. Their history was very much influenced by the racially biased laws in the U.S. and well as events in India, The current diaspora may have much to learn from the experience of these early settlers, who are now largely part of the Mexican or Punjabi Mexican community.
Is the Sikh Turban a Religious Symbol? John W.Spellman, of the University of Windsor indicated the difference between written historical evidence and the development of a creed or belief system. He felt it was important to recognize where exactly the turban fit into Sikh religious history and the significance of the turban is today’s context.
Observing the Khalsa Rahit in North America: Some Issues and Trends. Pashaura Singh, of the University of Michigan surveyed the many different Amrit ceremonies and differences in the observances of the Rahit by different ‘groups.
The Journey to Sikh Sacred Sites: Hemkunt and Harimandir. Gurudharam Singh Khalsa, of Gettysburg College gave a slide show of the pilgrimage to Hemkunt Sahib and discussed the role of pilgrimage in Sikhism. There was discussion of are tum to the “homeland” or to the “sacred land.”
Gender Awareness: The act of Western Developments upon the Sikh Panth, W.H.McLeod, of the University of Otago discussed the gender roles in the Sikh Panth. He compared the theoretical beliefs in Sikhism and the actual practices in the Panth.
Where are the Women? Making Room for Women’s Voices in Sikh Studies. Doris Jakobsh, of the University of British Columbia noted the lack of historical references to women throughout Sikh history. She included the lack of a historical focus on the Gurus’ wives and daughters and well as other women throughout Sikh history. Fate of Sikh Studies in The rica J.70’Connely note address at the Plenary Session was given by Dr.J.S.Neki of National Institute for Panjab Studies, New Delhi. This session was attended by over 150 people including many prominent members of the Michigan Sikh cor. munity. Dr.Neki outlined the various academic issues and supports the academic freedom to pursue the truth. At the same time he felt scholars have a duty to be sensitive to the religious feelings of the community. A careful balance must be maintained, otherwise sues are misinterpreted and misunderstood. All the scholars were highly focused on the subject matter tie y handled and were receptive to ali comments from the audience. The role of many members of the audience, including Dr.Karamjit Singh Rai of Norte Dame was particularly exciting, Scholars showed good spirit in listening to the relevance of Sikh subject matter to the interests of the Sikh community. The Sikh community noted with pride that the caliber of Sikh scholars is on par with the non-Sikh scholars.
The scholars did not spend all of their time in serious discussion, however. On Friday night the Sikh Studies Association of Michigan organized its first Punjabi Heritage Dinner. Approximately 230 people attended the event and about 25% of those were non-Punjabi, including local city officials and local UAW officers. The evening consisted of Punjabi food and entertainment. The entertainment included poetry, songs. Gidda and Bhangra. Most Punjabis have; nop; Punjabi friends and the evening were meant as a way for us to share our culture with our non-Punjabi friends. It also provided a forum for meeting many of the scholars in a relaxed environment. The dinner was a great success, Provided courtesy of Ramanjit Kaur West Bloomfield, MI.
Article extracted from this publication >> March 4, 1994
