Sikh Chairs in North America an Opinion - Global Sikh Studies
Sikh Chairs in North America an Opinion - Global Sikh Studies
Sikh Chairs in North America an Opinion - Global Sikh Studies
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her earlier work (1985) “Robber Noblem<strong>an</strong>: A study of the political system of<br />
the <strong>Sikh</strong> Jats.”<br />
10. Pashaura S<strong>in</strong>gh, South Asi<strong>an</strong> <strong>Studies</strong>, University of Michig<strong>an</strong> where he heads the<br />
<strong>Sikh</strong> <strong>Studies</strong> Program. Completed his doctoral work on the Adi Gr<strong>an</strong>th at the<br />
University of Toronto. His thesis attracted considerable criticism. Has yet to<br />
publish a major book. At the early stages of his academic career.<br />
As is clear from the list, some scholars are primarily histori<strong>an</strong>s, others function <strong>in</strong><br />
departments of religion, while some are <strong>in</strong> South Asi<strong>an</strong> studies, <strong>an</strong>d two are<br />
<strong>an</strong>thropologists. They also vary widely <strong>in</strong> their ties to <strong>Sikh</strong>ism <strong>an</strong>d <strong>in</strong> their track records.<br />
To support <strong>an</strong>y or all of them completely from the cradle to the grave is expensive as well<br />
as unproductive <strong>an</strong>d undesirable, especially s<strong>in</strong>ce some are controversial. Yet, even the<br />
most controversial ones may wish to embark on a project that we like <strong>an</strong>d c<strong>an</strong> support. It<br />
could be the tr<strong>an</strong>slation of a rare document, or the development of a course to teach.<br />
All we need to know before fund<strong>in</strong>g someone is whether the scholar has the necessary<br />
credentials to do what he/she w<strong>an</strong>ts to do, <strong>an</strong>d whether or not we wish to fund the effort.<br />
Is the project feasible? C<strong>an</strong> it be done <strong>in</strong> the m<strong>an</strong>ner proposed?<br />
By <strong>in</strong>vit<strong>in</strong>g project applications or fund<strong>in</strong>g research on specially targeted topics we as a<br />
small community c<strong>an</strong> make a difference. Because of the accountability <strong>an</strong>d <strong>in</strong>creased<br />
competitiveness built <strong>in</strong>to the system, both the quality <strong>an</strong>d qu<strong>an</strong>tity of research would<br />
improve.<br />
In short, we submit that with the proposed model we will get more research <strong>an</strong>d better<br />
research. In other words, the <strong>Sikh</strong> community would get a bigger bag for the buck.<br />
VIII. Prerequisite for the proposed Model<br />
We are propos<strong>in</strong>g away that the community c<strong>an</strong> support badly needed <strong>Sikh</strong> studies at<br />
universities <strong>in</strong> <strong>North</strong> <strong>America</strong> <strong>an</strong>d elsewhere. However, its implementation depends<br />
upon the ability of the community to come together <strong>an</strong>d establish NIH-like private<br />
foundation – perhaps a <strong>Sikh</strong> Research Council – which will negotiate with universities<br />
<strong>an</strong>d scholars to disburse funds.<br />
If we c<strong>an</strong> establish such a mech<strong>an</strong>ism, it would be fitt<strong>in</strong>g milestone to mark the 300 years<br />
of the Khalsa <strong>in</strong> 1999.<br />
References<br />
1. Dr. Gob<strong>in</strong>d S<strong>in</strong>gh M<strong>an</strong>sukh<strong>an</strong>i Memorial Sem<strong>in</strong>ar. S<strong>an</strong>ta Ana, California,<br />
September 1993<br />
2. <strong>Sikh</strong> Renaiss<strong>an</strong>ce Conference, Walnut, California, July 1995