Selected Articles

Placing of Sikh Minority in Majoritarian Indian State

The Sikhs are a tiny minority constituting 2 per cent of India’s 1200 million people. But they have a spectacular and distinct historical contribution to the social, economic and political fields. Since the beginning of 18th century the Sikhs played a pivotal role in moulding the Indian subcontinent that reached to its present shape.

Tagore’s view of the faith of a Sikh

Some who hold Sirdar Kapur Singh in high esteem, got together to institute a commemorative annual lecture in the Punjabi University, Patiala to revisit his contribution to history, philosophy, theology, politics and literature. Two lectures went very well because the guests were invited in consultation with the Trust. The third one was somewhat tolerable. The one that should have been held last year (2014) was a disaster.

It’s Time India Accept Responsiblity for Its 1984 Sikh Genocide

1984 remains one of the darkest years in modern Indian history. In June of that year, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi ordered a military assault on the most significant religious center for the Sikhs, Darbar Sahib (i.e., the Golden Temple) in Amritsar, Punjab. The attack killed thousands of civilians. On October 31, 1984, Mrs. Gandhi was assassinated by two of her Sikh bodyguards.

‘True History could help Sikhs knowing their present placing and future in India’

“The Sikhs as part of Pakistan would have retained a measure of political identity. But as part of Hindustan, they feared economic absorption by the Hindus; also religious absorption. In short, they feared, probably correctly, virtual extinction as a political force and survival only a rapidly dwindling religious sect of Hinduism” - Mountbatten, February 1948.

‘Gurdwara Act’ invites Indian State’s Interference in Sikh Religion

Theoretical and empirical analysis of the nine-decade long existence and working of the SGPC belies what the narrative has been asserting all along. From theoretical angle, the modern States, particularly those who choose their political governance through the process of universal adult suffrage tend to secularize the religion.

Shaheed Jathedar Gurdev Singh Kaunke – brief biographical note

In the Jagraon District of Punjab is a very blessed village called Kaunke. The Master of Miri Piri, Sahib Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji blessed this village stating the diamonds would be born from this village. Guru Ji stated this when he rested at the village on his journey to the Sind region.

Our Resolve in the Face of Terror and Hate: by Dr. Satpal Singh, WSC-AR

A Sikh Professor at Columbia University in New York City, Dr. Prabhjot Singh, was attacked Saturday evening during a walk near his house. The attackers called him 'Osama' and 'terrorist' while attacking him.

The Holy Union of Anand Karaj

This week in the UK, the BBC broadcasted two starkly different programmes concerning the Anand Karaj – Sikh wedding ceremony. The first was an Asian Network Report Special which aired live at a drive-time slot on radio and can be heard back online. [...]

Understanding the Kirpan (by World Sikh Organization of Canada)

The Sikh religion is the youngest of the five major world religions. It originated in northern India in the late 1400s, with its founder, Guru Nanak who was a spiritual teacher and social reformer. He directed people to meditate daily (nam japna), work hard (kirat karna), and share their earnings with others without discrimination (vand shakna). These three enjoinders have become the pillars of Sikh society.

Shaheed Jathedar Gurdev Singh Kaunke – brief biographical note

In the Jagraon District of Punjab is a very blessed village called Kaunke. The Master of Miri Piri, Sahib Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji blessed this village stating the diamonds would be born from this village. Guru Ji stated this when he rested at the village on his journey to the Sind region.

Indian Government representatives at Sikh Events

One of the highlights of fall in NYC is the Sikh Arts and Film Festival which showcases the story of our community via films and is being held November 2-3, 2012. Along with that is a Heritage Gala which is being held November 3, 2012 “to celebrate the rich heritage, culture and traditions of the Sikhs.”

The vilification of Sikhs

During the recent events surrounding retired Lt.Gen K.S. Brar, there has been hysterical reporting by certain sections of the Indian media. While the Indian media is not exactly a paragon of impartiality and balanced reporting, the recent coverage has left most readers we have spoken to in disbelief. It varies from misreporting and hysteria, to publishing material that is simply false.

Through the eyes of Sikh kids: A profound lesson in tolerance

Last weekend, I had the unenviable task of teaching Sikh children about the massacre in Oak Creek. The kids sat at picnic tables overlooking a lake at sunset at a summer camp in New York state. They chattered excitedly in anticipation of the evening campfire that was to follow. I stood in front of them trying to compose my thoughts, wondering if children in elementary school could even comprehend what happened. I stroked my beard nervously, looked around the class and decided to find out what the kids already knew.

Let’s Not Forget the Injustice in Punjab

"From 1984 to 1995 Indian security forces and pro-independence militias fought a brutal war in Punjab that left tens of thousands dead. Tens of thousands were disappeared and tortured. Tragically, the perpetrators of these gross human rights violations continue to walk free and some were even rewarded for their actions."

Guru Gobind Singh Ji – by Prof. Puran Singh

They of India have not understood Him. Gandhi calls him a "misguided patriot." Men of this world, who wish to comprehend Truth by their own intellectual measures, are forever incapable of understanding the true nature of Inspiration, which is the life-breath of the really great. Whenever they approach such inscrutable personalities, they make but grotesque estimates. After centuries of intellectual advancement, they stand still exactly on the same spot, utterly incapable. In one age to them, Joan of Arc is but a witch and the end of the intellectual justice is to case her in fire.

The Martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur: A Sikh Thanksgiving – by Dr. Satpal Singh

November 24, 2011 This Thanksgiving, I am doubly thankful. The day falls on the martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru, who ...

Guru Teg Bahadur- Daram di chaadar

Amritsar, Punjab (November 23, 2011): Reaffirming that Guru Teg Bahadur is ‘dharam di chadar (cover for religion) and not ‘hind-di-chadar’ (cover for Hindus), the Dal Khalsa said ‘ninth guru sacrificed his life to uphold human rights and religious freedom of the oppressed class irrespective of their religion and caste.

« Previous Page