Sri Guru Gobind Singh Jee, over 300 years ago, created Khalsa with Kesh. He gave we Sikhs a unique identity. Kesh are part of our
Sikh uniform. As is the case with soldiers, we are Sikhs when in uniform. He converted we Sikhs into ‘Saint – Soldiers’. All this is part of recorded history.
Our children now go to school. They are well versed with the methods of science. They know there is a cause behind every thing that happens. They want to know why something happens, why it is so. There is nothing wrong in it, we are living in a democratic society, and we have to answer them.
Saying that we do not cut hairs because our Sri Guru Gobind Singh Jee has asked us not to shave may be acceptable to some but not to all. To some it may appear as dogmatic imposition, to some others it may appear downright fundamentalism. What they are seeking from us is the rational behind Sri Guru Gobind Singh Jee asking us not to cut hairs and the applicability of that rational in the context of current sociology and way of living.
In the past:
When Sri Guru Gobind Singh Jee gave us this uniform, Sikhs were few in number. The rulers at that time were opposed to Sikhs and were using coercive methods to convert Sikhs to their faith. It was natural for any isolated
Sikh to feel insecure, we all know, numbers provide strength. There was a need to give Sikhs a sense of security. Sri Guru Gobind Singh Jee, who was a great innovator, gave that security to us by making us more conspicuous. A
Sikh (in uniform) can be distinguished even in a crowd. As a result the feeling of loneliness and the resulting helplessness was removed from the lives of the Sikhs, they became bold in their lives. What number could not give us our conspicuous identity gave us.
In those difficult days, this feeling of self-assurance was essential for Sikhs to hold on to the values, which were basic to
Sikh way of living. Because the earlier
Sikh held to the values and passed them on to their successive generations, we are what we are today. In fact we have become tall today, standing on the shoulders of the earlier
Sikh generations who kept steady fast to the values and beliefs of Khalsa Panth. We have to do the same for our next generation and expect them to do the same for their next generation. We have to become role model for the next generation. Keeping Kesh intact is part of it. Kesh are as important to our identity and Khalsa Panth as its Flag is important to any country.
And at present:
Sociological appearances and the groupings have changed since the time of our Gurus but not the intent. During the days of our Gurus, sword was used in the attempts to subjugate Sikhs. Now, another slow and steady, but time tested method is being used against Sikhs. In past, in India, people over period of time have been driven to live like animals. This was achieved showing contempt, ridiculing them, depriving them of their self respect using all means, showing extreme disrespect to their women folks. These people were called Sudras and untouchables.
These same methods are being used against Sikhs. Sikhs are being ridiculed,
Sikh jokes are designed to convey that they have no brains, and sometimes these jokes are told in presence of Sikhs. Coercive methods also have been used in last two decades. All this is to deprive us of our self-respect.
Why all this, because we are sociologically and economically on the ascending path, this is the result of the concept of ‘Chadian Kalan’ in
Sikh religion which creates appropriate social dynamics to achieve this end – this is specific to
Sikh society alone. This ascendancy is not acceptable to some who stand to lose.
You know, again and again it is being suggested that Sikhs riding two-wheeler should also wear helmet. This not because of their love for us, but this offers them an opportunity to alter our identity- removing our turban.
Why this attack on our identity, because they know that this identity is the source of strength for we Sikhs, if it is taken away we them can be easily managed by them into subjugation. We ourselves should not hand over what is the source of our strength i.e. our identity and Kesh are the most important visible component of it.
So Khalsa Jee, we should not cut our hairs.
Sociological problems are part of human life. We have to live with them, seeking win-win solution for both sides fully guarding our Panthic interests.
The need to keep Kesh intact is as much as it was in the past.
With love and respect for all that is created by Almighty.
Amarpal
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