Sneha came to know that in the last issue of Punjab Times, an essay by Jathedar Mahendra Singh Ji Khaira Sahib was published. His essay, 'Dedicated to the 350th Gurpurab of the Ninth Guru', was a commentary on my article published in English in the last issue. This article of mine has also been shared on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook etc. so that it reaches those who cannot read Punjabi, especially the new generations.
There should be debates and dialogues in civilized tone and language, let us listen to something and say something, it is also the teaching of the Gurus. Reading and writing requires constant dedication, hard work and time. It is the freedom and right of the writers and readers to analyze and observe. It was necessary to respond to the three comments of Jathedar ji. But due to lack of time and it is not possible to dwell on the draft outside my main central topic. My understanding of the said three points is as follows:
1. The '...pure religion...' of the Gurus is a symbol of universal spiritual consciousness in the universe in terms of spirituality and as a social concept, it is a humanist and enlightened path for the good of all...
2. The Guru's companions, in constant unity, during the Guru's reign from the 15th to the 18th centuries, dealt with the changing circumstances in various contexts with warnings, with the correct theoretical strategies of the time, with appropriate deeds and sacrifices.
3. There is emotional diversity, ambiguity, and division among Sikhs regarding the history of Hindu pluralism, its political phenomena and the nature of Hindutva developments, and dealing with its effects and actions&hellip.
Jathedar Khaira Ji also has the right to raise questions based on his own views and like-minded references. Please do research and publicize the 'destruction by Hindutvas' during the Guru period and the Sikh movement. Also, raise your questions before the 'Sun and Moon Vanshias' and related Hindu parties. But this author, at the present time, does not allow further analysis and elaboration, due to busy schedules and time.
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After the TarnTaran byelection, refreshed Shiromani Akali Dal, the leadership of Sukhbir Singh Badal - assuming lessons are being learned of the last ten years and also the experiences and experiments of voters/people with the Punjab governments since 2017- can be key factors in propelling the SAD inclusive, to be on the way to re-establishing itself as a functioning opposition for Punjab and to be ready for governance in 2027.
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It's clear from the TarnTaran poll that in Punjab, if all democratic, federal, pro-Punjab regional revival, development and progress, older and younger Akalis come together with the historic-kind Shiromani Akali Dal the success in 2027 Punjab Election is possible.
What is needed in the run-up to Punjab Election 2027? A clear and sustained narrative combined with inclusive Shiromani Akali Dal campaign on Sikh-Panthic, Punjab-Punjabi, Punjabis-Punjabiat issues. There has to be a futuristic vision and values driven plan coupled with a solid program for transforming Punjab's Economy, The SAD will have to be inclusive by accommodating all willing to join Akalis of various groups. The SAD would have to form a pro-Punjab strategic alliance to win and succeed.
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'Sikhs in British-Indian colonial and WW1 history' as a subject, is under researched, under reported and has little space in school, college and university curriculum. No surprise that so much ignorance continues to prevail in Britain that the white supremist and racist elements continue with their hate propaganda and crimes, and victimization of innocent people in streets and at public places. The media in general and the BBC in particular should play a responsible role in spreading education.
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BBC apologized to President Trump over the Panorama editing of its program, but refuses to pay compensation. That is a fair enough position to take Editorial errors had to be rectified. But the BBC as a public broadcaster should not be paying out millions of pounds of public money to any powerful billionaires. Only a competent BBC can hold the power to account...why should the USA president put his hands on ordinary British people's license fee money which funds the BBC. So, after the resignations of two bosses, the successors should resolve the matter and fight for freedom of journalism, which must be maintained despite Trump's threats.
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For once, the Trillionaire Elon Musk posts a meaningful X post that Solar electricity will become by far the biggest source of power for civilization...what a truth in post!
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Recently, the Canadian government ministers Maninder Singh Sidhu and Anita Anand responsible for Trade and Investment and Foreign Affairs respectively, met with their Indian counterparts Piyush Goyal and Dr S.Jaishanker. They discussed a wide range of opportunities in complementary economic sectors and bilateral relations. These are positive developments after the disturbing and terrible incidents of 2023 involving assassination of HS Nijjar, threats to some others and the publications of 5 intelligence reports. In the best interests of our communities in Canada and the bilateral Indo-Canadian relations, the issues should be thoroughly investigated, those responsible should be brought to justice and a positive closure should be arrived at for a better and productive future.
Dr. Sujinder Singh Sangha OBE, FRSA