Windsor, Canada: On November 10, 2024, the Windsor Sikh Panthic Jatha submitted a set of written suggestions to the a Panthic meeting at Malton Gurdwara Sahib. The document outlined several proposals aimed at addressing current challenges facing the Sikh community, particularly in Ontario. The recommendations cover a range of issues, including Gurdwara security, outreach to other communities, educational initiatives, and upholding Sikh values in public actions.
Below is the full text of the submission, in verbatim:-
WRITTEN SUGGESTIONS TO THE PANTHIC MEETING AT MALTON GURDWARA SAHIB
Submitted by: Windsor Sikh Panthic Jatha on November 10, 2024
- Establishment of Gurdwara Security Teams Each Gurdwara Sahib should be advised and encouraged to develop dedicated sewadar teams for a protection service system (ਰਾਖੀ ਸੇਵਾ ਪ੍ਰਬੰਧ) to ensure the safety of the Gurdwara. One or two Singhs should be appointed at each Gurdwara to develop and facilitate these teams, serving as guards as needed. Additionally, it is essential for all Gurdwaras to install surveillance camera systems to enhance security measures.
- Outreach to Haryana Jaats and Building Alliances High-level interactions and discussions should be initiated with the Haryana Jaat community, who supported the Kisaaan Sangarsh (Farmer’s Protest). These discussions should focus on encouraging their youth to refrain from engaging in activities against the Sikh community, such as attacking Gurdwara Sahibs, and remind them of the historical and ongoing atrocities perpetrated by the Indian state against them. It should also emphasize the need for an alliance among all communities to fight for their rights against the Indian state, as they have shared struggles against the Indian government, particularly in economic matters. Additionally, they are familiar with the concept and history of Sikh Raaj and the Misl rule. If they align with us, a joint press conference should be held to issue a statement condemning attacks on Gurdwaras and advising against the influence of Indian state actors involved in transnational repression and foreign interference in Canada.
- Documentation and Educational Outreach A comprehensive document and video documentary should be produced to provide a clear, factual account of the recent incidents of protest at the Mandir and attack at Malton Gurdwara. This will be helpful to counter the misinformation and disinformation campaigns aimed at undermining Sikh resistance against transnational repression and foreign interference in Canada. The documentary should detail the events and provide context, educating the public on the truth.
- Educating others on the Khalistan A well-structured educational document should be created to educate everyone, especially those unfamiliar with the Khalistan. It should be emphasized that Khalistan is not a separatist movement, but an inclusive Sikh mission for justice, freedom, and the wellbeing of all. The current Sikh struggle is a continuation of the ongoing struggle to reclaim Sikh sovereignty since 1849, which has been known as the Khalistan movement since 1984. The movement is rooted in the Sikh tradition of uprooting oppressive states and establishing righteous rule for the benefit of all. It is the hukam of Guru Gobind Singh Sahib Ji for the Khalsa Panth to ensure that justice and righteousness prevail, allowing the Khalsa to thrive for the wellbeing of all.
- Avoiding Protests at Religious Sites Sikhs should avoid protests at religious sites. Engaging in such actions may not look consistent with Sikh values and can be exploited by those who seek to provoke counterattacks at the Gurdwaras. Khalistan is a Sikh concept of a state based on Sikh principles, which embrace all people. Sikh character is rooted in high moral standards, and it is essential that we uphold this standard in all actions. Historically, Sikhs have avoided such actions, as demonstrated by the following examples: •Example 1: During the recent Kharku Sangarsh, Kharku Singhs refrained from killing police officer Chattopadhya in the hazoori of Guru Sahib at Nanaksar Gurdwara, despite the critical need for his Sodha for the Panth. •Example 2: There is a saakhi in which Guru Gobind Singh Ji instructed Sikhs not to engage in inappropriate actions in retaliation to Mughals, saying, “ham neechan kee rees nahee.” •Example 3: During his campaigns, Baba Banda Singh Bahadur refrained from desecrating religious sites and did not touch the Rauza Sharif mosque (which still stands today), the dargah of Shaykh Ahman Sirhindi, who was responsible for the shahadat of Guru Arjan Dev Ji. The Qazi who issued the fatwa for the Sahebzadey to be bricked alive also used to visit this mosque. Baba Banda Singh Bahadur prevented the Singhs from touching these places because they were religious, even though they were associated with the killers of Guru Sahibaan and the Sahibzaday. These examples highlight the importance of upholding high moral Sikh character.
- Formation of a Joint Panthic Action Committee A Joint Panthic Action Committee consisting of five members should be formed to address the pressing issues facing the Panth in Ontario, Canada. This committee should facilitate collective deliberations, decisions, and actions on important Panthic matters. If not a long-term body, this committee can be formed as needed during each Panthic meeting. Additionally, it is recommended that every meeting begin with a period of naam Simran, Gurbani recitation, and an Ardas to align our thoughts, and ensure that the best collective decisions are facilitated by the Panj, as a Gurmatta, for the collective benefit of the Panth.
These are humble suggestions to address the current challenges faced by the Panth in the GTA and beyond. The focus is on strengthening security at Gurdwaras, fostering alliances, educating the public on Sikh principles, and ensuring that all actions reflect the core values of the Sikh faith. We hope this humble submission will be discussed thoroughly during the upcoming Panthic meeting, leading to concrete steps to address the critical issues facing the Panth in the GTA.
Submitted by: Windsor Sikh Panthic Jatha Date: November 10, 2024
Written Suggestions on November 10th by Windor Sikh Panthic Jatha