Sikh Diaspora Distrust of Those Leading Central Sikh Theo-Political Institutions in Panjab

ਕਬੀਰ ਸਾਚਾ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਕਿਆ ਕਰੈ ਜਉ ਸਿਖਾ ਮਹਿ ਚੂਕ ॥

ਅੰਧੇ ਏਕ ਨ ਲਾਗਈ ਜਿਉ ਬਾਂਸੁ ਬਜਾਈਐ ਫੂਕ ॥੧੫੮॥

Kabeer, what can the True Guru do, when His Sikhs are at fault?

The blind do not take in any of His Teachings it is as useless as blowing into a bamboo. (SGGS A 1372)

The majority of Sikhs are guided by the simple founding principles of Sikhi: Constant awareness of One Creator Being of all honest work and, sharing and serving in a spirit of Sarbatt da Bhalaa. Human equality before One Creator is enshrined in simple Sikhi-living. These basics of Sikhi are the main reason for Sikh survival over the centuries as a rather diverse community under the very broad Umbrella of Sri Guru Granth Sahib. That too is the reason why Sikhs continue to prosper wherever they go. Why those who predict extinction of Sikhi will always be proved wrong.

However, watching the Sikh leadership fiasco in Panjab today, above Pankti of Bhagat Kabir comes to mind. Despite the most advanced ideology and egalitarian institutions given by the Guru, Sikhs are suffering in Panjab.

Admittedly, there have always been anti-Sikhi elements at work within and outside the Panth. However, much that has been going on in Panjab in the last few decades, is self-inflicted. That was openly admitted on 2 December 2024, before Sri Akal Takht Sahib by Panjab leadership in power for decades. The Guru cannot help such Sikhs unless they return to the path of the Guru in a spirit of total self-surrender and humility. They have yet to do that. Almost 10 months after that Hukamnama, the divided Sikh leadership of Panjab, remains even more divided and in mutual mud-slinging mode! Events in Panjab have done immense damage to global Sikh confidence in the calibre of those Sikhs who lead Panthic theo-political affairs in Panjab.

The growing Sikh diaspora impatience and loss of confidence in Sikh leadership in Panjab is mainly due to their apparent lack of dedication to serve the Panth above personal ambitions. They disqualify themselves to lead due to lack of vision and any global perspective. They seem to have little idea of geo-politics as it affects the global Sikh nation.

By contrast, no matter what the anti-Sikh propaganda of vested political interests, especially in India, Sikhs have gained much influence and respect in the diaspora countries. Sikh successes abound and continue in new fields. Even right-wing leaders in the West have developed certain admiration for the Sikhs as net contributors to the national economics of the countries they live in. Despite their distinct appearance they have adjusted well to local and national life. They have earned the goodwill of sister communities in plural societies.

Increasing number of next generation diaspora Sikhs are keen students of Sikhi. They understand the global Panthic organisational need for central Sikh institutions. They understand the Gurmat principles and the miri-piri twin track approach, which should guide them. Perhaps that is the main reason why they are most critical about the glaring self-centred shortcomings of those who have mis-managed these institutions over the last few decades. The gap between Sikhi preaching and actual practice has widened.

Away from the toxic aapo-dhapi Panjab environment, next diaspora generations with interest, are rediscovering Sikhi in its pristine form. It will take time but reforms will follow from grassroots level to manage central institutions with the guidance of Guru Granth-Panth.

Gurmukh Singh OBE

E-mail: sewauk2005@yahoo.co.uk

https://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Gurmukh_Singh_OBE