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ABSTRACTS OF SIKH STUDIES : APRIL-JUNE 2005 / 537 NS
the recent French ban on wearing of turbans. Countless representations
have been addressed to the French Govt with no results. This lack of
response, and indifference to the feelings of the followers of a major
world religion, adds to the widespread unrest and leads to resentment.
I enclose herewith a brief note ‘Turban and the Sikhs’, which
without going into philosophical or historical details, explains that
turban is an essential and indispensable part of the Sikhs’ personality
and religious discipline. It is not merely a symbol and is not optional.
The French people are known for their liberal approach. They
gave the lead to the world in this respect through the famous French
Revolution under the banner of ‘Equality, Fraternity and Liberty’,
inspired by great thinkers and philosophers like Voltaire and Russeau
centuries back. We believe they will not fail to understand the depth
of feelings of Sikhs and the grievous hurt caused to them by the ban
on turbans, which tantamounts to encroachment on their liberty and
the fundamental right to freedom of faith.
We request Your Excellency, therefore, to kindly take up the
matter with your government to get the ban withdrawn. We trust, the
French Govt will not like to miss this opportunity to win the goodwill
of the Sikh people.
Gurdev Singh
January 22, 2005
President
TURBAN AND THE SIKHS
Turban is an integral part of the Sikh religious discipline and
expression of the total Sikh spiritual philosophy. Sikh thought is
uncompromisingly monotheistic believing in only One God who
created the universe and looks after it with His benevolent Will. A
Sikh is required to strictly follow His Will. This is the basic creed of
Sikhism (j[ew oikJh ubDk).
The Guru explains that all living beings and their forms are the
result of His Will or hukam. The human form has also been bestowed
by God. Hair is a prominent feature of the human male. A Sikh
respects it as a gift of God and does not tamper with it. He respects