Jan-March 2006 - Institute of Sikh Studies

52ABSTRACTS OF SIKH STUDIES : JAN-MARCH 2006 / 537-38 NSunimpressive, do not meet the demands of the youth who want tolook at every thing in their modern context. If some people still adoptsymbols of Sikh identity they soon shed them because of their weak faith.Gurbani, teachings of which even scientists have started appreciating, doesnot preach blind faith, which with little effort gets effaced.REMEDIAL MEASURESWe should counter the bad effect created by our ignorant andselfish leaders on the Sikh psyche by their undesirable conduct. Weshould, therefore, exercise utmost vigilance at the time of selecting/electing our leaders. For this purpose, sincere Sikh scholars shouldcome forward in a big way to educate the people to ensure election ofpersons of unimpeachable character who are competent to lead thecommunity and offer strong resistance to anti-Sikh efforts. They shouldbe prepared to face any challenge to the Sikh Panth. If our leaders areclean with unflinching faith in Sikhism, dilution of Rahit Maryada canbe stopped by timely actions.The work of Dharam Parchar, the SGPC and the Takhts shouldbe entrusted to Sikhs, who are competent to handle it, and whounderstand and practise the spirit of Sikhism. They should also befree from narrow political influence and personal considerations, andthey should have the courage to discontinue any Brahminical dilutionof Rahit Maryada in Gurdwaras and other institutions where there isparkash of Guru Granth Sahib. Discourses on Sikh Itihas, RahitMaryada and Shabad Vichar by qualified scholars should be arrangedso as to create lasting effect on the sangat. TV channels should beliberally used for this purpose where Sikh problems should be freelyand fearlessly discussed. No siropao should be given merely on politicalconsiderations. For, it smacks of gaining some personal favour fromits recipient at the cost of Sikh interests. Such practices createdisenchantment in the Sikh sangat.Alarming as the present situation is, let us not feel dejected. It isa temporary phase, and ours is a community of Charhdi Kala, destinedto follow the course of sarbat da bhala, chartered by our great Gurus.For lasting effect, the Sikh intelligentsia should come forwardand jointly formulate action plans and execute them with the help andcooperation of Sikh masses who yearn for this.¤