Reviewed by Sardar Saran Singh Courtesy: The Sikh Review, By IJ. Singh, Manohar Publishers, 2/6, Ansari Road, Darya Ganj, New Delhi pgs.157, Price Rs.175, Available in the U.S.A. from South Asia Publications

Renowned author and Nobel laureate Isaac B. Singer, himself a Jew, has noted: “I love the Jews even though T cannot stand them, for me they are the only proof of God’s existence.” The snide remark could as well be applied to Sikhs, But neither sarcastic not judgmental, 1.J.Singh’s Volume of Essays portrays, with innate sympathy, the psyche and practices of ‘an combated community that seems to thrive on contradictions, withstanding its coherent and Compelling religious philosophy. Through written by a Sikh about the Sikh moral tradition and ethos, the Essays on the whole underline the universal truth that, without Spiritual moorings no society can survive and, without an honest Social audit in relation to its code of conduct, it must slowly sink into chaos.

 Sikhs of the diaspora are perhaps more vulnerable than most other religious communities in present limes. After the Partition of the Indian subcontinent in 1947, they had reason to feel let down by those whom they trusted and regarded as friends. The imbroglio in Punjab is indeed a case history Of political misjudgment and betrayal by successive governments, What makes the Sikh problem intractable is that the common perception of them as a people has been so grossly misinterpreted, Punjab in the past decades has be on a productive crucible not only for the Green Revolution but also for reassertion of Sikhism’s key moral principles, including the role Of religious institutions, Now, 10 years after 1984, the Sikhs’ sulking isolationism is all but over. ‘The emergent scene has had a secularizing effect on the mass of people. Its challenges have none the less invigorated the faith.

All that and much more is reflected in this delightfully intimate book, as well as in the glimpse of the author’s personal life as a Sikh in America (‘leaning by osmosis”). A medical scientist and teacher by profession, LJ. Singh is a household name for readers of The Sikh Review because of his scintillating book reviews and lucid commentary; His essays on Sikh themes too bear the stamp of his analytical mind, candor and, above all, a transparent sincerity. “A View With a Bias” has thus been transformed into the testament of a true believer (an “ordinary man’s journey into the mystery and reality of Sikhism”) and the loud thin king of a friend and guide to the community both at home and abroad, It is appropriate that this elegant volume has been produced not in USA but in India where his liberal interpretation and counsel of moderation can be used to good purpose by friends and foes alike, The book is. Doubly significant because, earlier on, anyone writing in defence of the Sikh cause risked the pros verbal threat: Publish and be damned!

Fortunately, for the Sikhs down. the ages, obstacles are there to be overcome and problems are opportunities (‘the past is a prologue to the future’), Which probably explains a Sikh’s unquenchable optimism (Charhdi Kala) and his Capacity lo laugh at himself, Hence the paradox: They deserve to succeed, but love to lose. As the author seems to suggest, the overriding problem is to liberate our religious heritage from the clutches of an obscurantist and semiliterate Priesthood on the one hand, and the self-seeking politician on the other. (The Golden Temple washed with milk that ought to “serve babies”), ideally, 1.J.Singh’s writings can enable the policy makers to comprehend the psychology of the Hindus is a myth”). “A man for all seasons,” the Sikh is willing to defend his motherland and die for it as steadfastly as he would defend His courage is the stuff of which legends are made.

  1. Singh discusses a variety of these issues with disarming reasonableness, shorn of their political Overtones and without the overload of emotive fundamentalism. His interpretation of the Sikh dogma and lifestyle is practical and down to earth, his expression lucid and meaning ful:” These essays are talks with my father and daughter that could never occur.” His courage of conviction and skills honed as a teacher and immigrant in USA has illumined many an obscure aspect of the Sikh belief system and symbology. This is being reproduced in the August Issue of The Sikh Review.

As observed by Professor N.G.Bamier in a charming introduction, the essays are reminiscent of the chaste writings of late Principal Teja Singh. There are many gems of wisdom randomly scattered across the pages and refreshing insights into the Sikh way of life (*the dead cannot answer’’). The chapter on the Politics of Gurdwaras” ought to be compulsory reading for those who hanker for and occupy seats in gurdwara managing committees.

The Essays do not set out to supply any cut and ready solutions to our dilemmas, but they provide a fund of cerebral ideas and the moral reassurance that made solutions possible. Without introspection and revaluation the future is bleak. The generation that will inherit the great legacy of Guru Prophets in the 21st Century ought to profit from a thoughtful reading of this compendium of ancient wisdom in modem idiom.

Article extracted from this publication >>  September 16, 1994