Dear and Respected Saadh Sangat Jio
Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh
I rarely post other than on reaction to my articles on SPN. I have done so on two or three occasions and each time got burnt my fingers and perhaps even alienated some – this I regretted very much. It is only too easy to be misunderstood on non-face to face discussions. However, this is one occasion I could no longer hold myself.
Here we see yet another manifestation of discord, lack of communication and increasing diversity in opinion and deed amongst ourselves. A lot of comments are made on TV, press and forums, many not well thought out nor giving a balanced view. These only add fire to an already inflamed and sensitive situation. This also gives an opportunity to some individuals to grind their own axes and promote their own brand of Sikhi. There is a great need for a balanced view on the issues facing us without any personal agenda – this is a general point not aimed at anyone personal on this forum or elsewhere.
The core issue here is the use (or misuse) of premises that are associated with a Guru Ghar (Gurudwara). The main contention being: “is it OK to preach abstinence under one roof and permit it under another - next door? Some view this as saying “you must abstain from intoxicants etc… etc… but if you insist you may do so in our building next door”.
I, personally, am not associated with any Gurudwara Committee or organisation and take a genuinely neutral stand. There is absolutely no excuse for violence, particularly amongst people of the same faith. However, in this instance I cannot help feeling that there is ‘fault’ (for want of a better word) on both sides caused by a sheer lack of communication or, perhaps, unwillingness to communicate. There also appears to be an element of provocation which led to the disorderly and shameful scenes we had to witness on the Sikh Channel, and the U tube.
My personal observation is that we as a nation fail to see each other’s problems and points of view and want to impose our values on others in an insensitive and ‘anti-gurmat’ manner. This again applies to all sides of the spectrum. There is great need for debate and discussion because of the increasing diversity in opinion, culture and values we experience in the modern times. Such discussions must be based on the teachings of Guru Granth Sahib with humility being a necessary undertone. No matter in which part of the world we are living our conduct has an impact on the lives of others - Sikhs and non-Sikhs. It is therefore imperative that we act with absolute caution and total responsibility.
An additional factor to consider is that there are racist elements within the UK police and such events give them an opportunity to vent out their own prejudices against the minorities (it was mentioned on the Sikh Channel that one senior person had his beard pulled by a policeman without any provocation). We are our own worst enemies and walk into the hands of others who are only to happy to oblige.
It has emerged quite clearly that the majority of the protestors were peaceful. The actions of the minority cannot be justified even under the provocation that is claimed by some. Before embarking on the mission some taunting and verbal provocation must have expected and the campaigners should have been prepared to handle this – and this where they have failed themselves. It is in our interests to learn how to handle provocation and any physical reaction must only be in self-defence.
On 28 March 2011, I attended the Celebration of Vaisakhi at Westminster (Parliament Buildings, House of Commons, London). The event was attended by many MPs, ministers, Lords and the Leader of the opposition Ed Miliband and covered by the Sikh TV channels. This was taken as an opportunity to raise the question of turban at airports. Speaker after speaker spoke in support our rights to wear the five kakaars in public and that the turban of Sikh is not an accessory but an integral and sacred part of our identity. Events such as Dudley weaken our case and had this taken an even uglier turn involving kirpans it would have jeopardised and thwarted all our efforts – perhaps this what some elements amongst us want – some people may want to portray this as a battle between the monas and amritdharis – which it is not. Sikhism must embrace all as did our Gurus and any persuasion to come back into the fold must be by peaceful means based Sikh Ethics (sidhant).
In the end let me stress very strongly that I am not taking sides and that somewhere along the line both sides are to blame – basically an unwillingness to communicate, to shed ego and stubbornness - the end result is in front of us. I pray that we will all be spared a repeat of this unfortunate and unnecessary episode in the future and that we can conduct ourselves in a way that is more mature and commensurate with the teachings of our illustrious Gurus.
Bhul chul di khima
Rajinder Singh ‘Arshi’
