Jan-March 2006 - Institute of Sikh Studies

8ABSTRACTS OF SIKH STUDIES : JAN-MARCH 2006 / 537-38 NSout that our leadership consistently failed to deal with the problems,so that our history of the recent past is no more than a long list ofwailings and failures. We forgot our responsibilities as Guru Panthand left our fate in the hands of ambitious self-seekers who could notsee beyond their nose and have driven the community to the brink ofdoom. It is painful to say that the intelligentsia among the Sikhs haveso far chosen to sit back, to fret and occasionally to curse the leadership,watching the downward slide of the Panth without fully realising thethreat to their very existence.This sordid state of affairs cannot be allowed to continue anylonger. The holding of this conclave is an indication of awareness ofthe need for change in outlook and approach, and new initiatives toaccelerate the march of the Panth towards ascendancy. It is clear thatthe Panth has decided to take its destiny in its own hands, as desiredby the Guru who always blesses his Khalsa.Let us all extend whole-hearted support to this new organization,ISC, for fulfillment of the divine mission of sarbat da bhala and serviceto humanity, entrusted to the Panth.The objectives of the ISC as listed in the Constitution are fairlycomprehensive. The ISC will seek to ascertain and articulate theaspirations of the Panth, and with inputs from best brains available inthe community, suggest solutions and organize action for theirachievement. It will prepare a road-map for peace and prosperity ofthe Panth, and a place of honour nationally and internationally for theSikh community, through education, economic development andpropagation of the lofty ideals preached by the Gurus.While the proposal for the ISC has been widely welcomed, somequestions have been raised which demand answers and clarification.One of these relates to its relationship with the existing organizationslike the SGPC, the SAD and other political parties. The earlierattempts, viz., the World Sikh Organisation and World Sikh Councilfailed largely because of suspicions in this respect. Therefore, it mustbe made very clear that the proposed ISC is not supposed to supplantany of the existing organizations, much less the SGPC or SAD. Itvalues these organizations and recognizes the services rendered bythem in the past. The SGPC was achieved after a prolonged struggleand lot of sacrifices, and has a glorious record of reforms and support