Seen via the prism of a phenomenon described as VUCA (unstable, unsure, advanced, and ambiguous), Punjab and the Sikh neighborhood are at a crossroads. Whereas latest occasions spotlight particular points, the core issues stem from structural and coverage approaches, requiring a broader evaluation past particular person personalities.
The Sikh beliefs of selfless service, standing up for a righteous trigger which then interprets into warrior spirit, and ‘Sarbat da bhala (welfare of all)’ resonate globally. (Sameer Sehgal/HT)
The land of 5 rivers holds historic, agricultural and geopolitical significance. Past its bodily traits, it’s the birthplace of Guru Nanak, whose common philosophy, as enshrined in Guru Granth Sahib influences life in Punjab and the Sikh neighborhood worldwide. The Sikh beliefs of selfless service, standing up for a righteous trigger which then interprets into warrior spirit, and ‘Sarbat da bhala (welfare of all)’ resonate globally.
Departure from Guru Nanak’s ethos throughout the neighborhood resulting in the correctional effort underneath the banner of the Singh Sabha motion of the Twenties, together with bearing the brunt of British colonial rule and the traumatic Partition of 1947, gave beginning to real Sikh considerations and aspirations, which stay unaddressed, until date.
Politics and the Panth
Beginning off as an offshoot of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), the Shiromani Akali Dal later transitioned into electoral politics, with the basic function of safeguarding the Panthic and Punjab pursuits. The Akali Dal constructed itself up as a platform to deal with these considerations and aspirations. However, over years, the occasion deviated from its authentic beliefs of selfless service and elementary dedication to Sikh pursuits, weakening its place as a repository of the Panth.
The mixing of vote-based politics with Sikh establishments by the Akali Dal has led to vital challenges, specifically the dilution of the Sikh idea of Piri-Miri, misuse of Sikh establishments, together with Akal Takht and gurdwaras for political acquire, and the failure to deal with Sikh spiritual considerations and regional socio-economic wants.
A step-motherly perspective in direction of Punjab by successive central governments and a tunnel-visioned and self-centred Punjabi/Sikh management has deepened the disaster. Makes an attempt to deal with aspirations typically lead to fierce reactions fairly than considerate responses from the governments, leading to unrest.
The way in which ahead
Addressing Punjab’s challenges calls for a nuanced method that respects its distinctive civilizational and philosophical context. The border geopolitical relevance, coupled with the common enchantment of Sikh philosophy, requires cautious dealing with of its socio-political points.
To make sure Punjab and Sikh considerations are addressed independently of native politics, a three-pronged method is named for. One, Punjab requires robust regional illustration in Indian legislative our bodies. Second, the present churning within the state’s political scene shouldn’t be diminished to mere replacements in management or floating simply one other political occasion. And, thirdly, a complete and introspective dialogue to re-purpose and construction of politics within the area. This course of should purpose to ascertain clear tips, clear processes, and well-defined goals that prioritise the welfare of the individuals over slender political ambitions.
A transformative political system should undertake a bottom-up method, the place management is cultivated organically via grassroots involvement, fairly than being imposed top-down by the affect of wealth and energy. Such a mannequin would empower residents, foster accountability, and be sure that management displays the real wants and aspirations of the individuals.
With this method, Punjab ought to work to create a brand new political framework — one that’s visionary, inclusive, and firmly rooted within the Sikh values of justice, fairness, and public service. Inside this framework, a regional political entity ought to emerge to deal with socio-economic considerations whereas remaining distinct from core spiritual affairs of the Panth.
Protect Sikh establishments
Central to the reset within the Panthic politics is the criticality to protect Sikh establishments. Akal Takht and Sarbat Khalsa should stay free from occasion politics. These establishments ought to uphold Miri-Piri ideas, selling common values and the collective conscience of the Sikh neighborhood. A dialogue ought to begin throughout the Sikh neighborhood to chalk out concrete steps in direction of defining the factors and course of to be adopted to formulate such a consultant physique that may be entrusted to safeguard the true essence of Akal Takht, which will be upheld solely through collective discussion board of personalities of excessive ethical and non secular character, who embody the true spirit of being “Akali” with a observe report of selfless service in direction of the Khalsa Panth.
Equally pressing are the reforms in gurdwara administration in order that it focuses solely on spiritual and administrative affairs, avoiding interference from political events concerned in state or nationwide elections. Steps ought to be taken to create consciousness and follow of gurdwara administration being run by native representatives (sewadars) evolving from respective sangat, with no affiliation to political events.
Gurpreet Singh. (HT Photograph)
The author is a Sikh mental and spokesperson of Kendri Sri Guru Singh Sabha, Chandigarh. Views expressed are private.