Dear Editor,
Dr.Harjinder S. Dilgeer’s article “Interfaith Marriages” has spurred me to write a response, since I am troubled by its contents.
Brother Dilgeer writes: “The off springs out of these (interfaith) wedlock’s are mentally or emotion ally retarded children.” This assertion is not supported by biology or logic, and is similar to what Hitler wrote in Mein Kamp of: “Blood mixture results in the inferiority and retardation of cultures; for man does not perish by wars, but by loss of pure blood,”
Does Dilgeer agree with Hitler? Their comments are certainly similar. However, interfaith marriages do fail, not due to “simply sexual tunes,” but lack of social acceptance, Assuming that inter faith marriages occur only for sexual rea sons presupposes that there aren’t enough good looking Sikh males and females.
When two people of differing faiths think about marriage; they should ask themselves: 1.What do they value. 2, what values will they pass on, 3, Are they prepared to face a barrage of criticism, When a person converts, then the first two questions are needless, since they have spiritual commonality.
Dilgeer is against interfaith mar rages, but what marriage to a convert or another caste? Remember, a caste is put on the injured not a Sikh.
Sikhism 1s not based on intolerance, After enlightenment, Guru Nanak said, “There is no Hindu or Muslim.” The Guru saw only humanity without barriers created by fear and ignorance.
Sikhs today are divided by castes, sub castes, got, region (majha, malwa, doaba) and commitment (Khalsa Sikh and clean shaven “Sikh”), These divisions become clear when a marriage is arranged, We need scriptural knowledge and unity, not divisions.
In 1669, Nanak X had baptized five Sikhs, from five castes. They were united in the Khalsa order, without distinctions, Alas, we have regressed since.
The mahants controlled Gurudwaras, and would not allow “low caste” persons to enter Gurudwaras. This helped caste consciousness (o reemerge among Sikhs.
Sikhism can be a global religion, because its message is modern. It does not advocate extremes; nor ascribe to empty rituals, superstitions and prejudices.
In Akal Ustat, Guru Gobind Singh tells us to “Know that all human beings are of the same race,” Baba Farid adds: “In the womb of his mother, no man knoweth his caste, Allare born, from God’s one spirit” (Rag Gauri, 324). [See also 97, 1330, 349, 83, 1349, 53 of Guru Granth Sahib). Clearly, Sikh senptures do not sanction prejudices.
Sikhs have not always been open in accepling converts. B.R.Ambedkar, an influential Dalit leader, rejected Hinduism, wanting to embrace an egalitarian religion. He approached Master Tara Singh for funding to spread Sikhism among his followers. Master Tara Singh became fearful that a more educated man, like Ambedkar, may exceed him in popularity to Sikh masses; therefore, he told Ambedkar that Sikhs didn’t want any “Churechamar.” Rebuffed, Ambedkar and 300,000 followers, at a ceremony in Nagpur, adopted Buddhism in October. 1956.
In Punjab, the Arya Samaj con verted Dalits to Hinduism by shuddhi ceremony, Sikh leadership did not accept “churechamar” but the Arya Samaj certainly did,
In California, many Sikhs initially had married Mexican females (805 from 19131950), but the children of those marriages of convenience were never accepted by Sikh community. They largely became Catholics. Sikhism has lost due to narrow mindedness and ineptness of Sikh leadership.
Missionary work, both internal and external is needed before Khalistan can be realized. If there are no Khalsa Sikhs then Khalistan will be Khali (empty)-Stan. By living the Khalsa lifestyle we will already establish Khalistan in our hearts.
Sikhism has, at least so far, remained a religion of any minority of Punjab, which has not yet achieved a world view in social practices consistent with Sikh teachings, We have remained insular, divided and unable to put Sikh ideals into practice, Many parents Spent more time partying then teaching their children any values. They have been drunk, and their children cannot be faulted for whatever they may do,
Unfortunately, Sikh identity has remained tied to Indian (Hindu) identity, and not surprisingly Brahmannical practices have kept Sikh minds chained. Practices based on caste, intolerance, superstitions, fears and subjugation of women.
A good black friend gave me sound advice, sayings” 1ftwo people want to come together in real love and respect then power lo them.” Sikhism is a self-confident religion and Sikhs must act in this way, not out of fear and ignorance.
Arvind Singh Ontario. Canada
Article extracted from this publication >> June 11, 1993
