 |  |  |  |  |  |
|
|
|
  |  |  |
| ||
| ||
Simmering Sikhs 03/12/2008 http://thelangarhall.com/archives/175
The article sought to understand the ‘current and cross-currents’ of Punjabi society. At the forefront were: While the journalist, Praveen Thampi is most interested in asserting his political point: “Punjab has burning issues to address. But the only people interested in revival of the Khalistan movement are the journalists coming down from Delhi.” Although quoting another journalist about this issue, Thampi falls into the same trap. Instead of finding solutions and proposals for these burning problems, Thampi wants to waive the ‘Khalistan’ boogeyman to sensationalize his news. So using some of the information, Thampi uncovers I humbly submit some of my thoughts on these four problems and invite other readers to comment, disagree, and suggest their own. The rise of the Dera Complex, by all analysis, seems tied to the failing of the SGPC establishment and widespread casteism that infects the Sikh polity. While hardly a secret, everyone that understands Punjab’s politics knows that central is the delinking of the SGPC to the state political apparatus, the Akali Dal. The Akali Dal often uses and abuses these religious charity funds for its own purposes that doesn’t not include the original purposes of the donations. Sikhs need to begin thinking of ways to assert the SGPC’s prominence and independence. The burning issue of caste may actually warrant in my opinion more attention than the problem of the rise of the Dera Complex as so long as this problem continues, the revolutionary message of Guru Nanak rings hollow on the ears of the oppressed. At the Gurdwara, I once heard a speaker say “From the Qaum of Bhai Lalo, we have turned into the Qaum of Malik Bhago.” Few words could have been so apt. For those Khalsa organizations, they should be making sincere efforts to begin dialogue with heroic individuals such as Bant Singh. This was the reason for the success of the Singh Sabha Movement. This is why they succeeded, while other puritanical movements failed to bring along the masses. However, no more lipservice. The responsibility falls on each individual Sikh’s own responsibility to end this plague. Hiding behind notions of ‘celebrating my family’ that somehow translates to a ‘caste-family’ are antithetical to Sikh beliefs. Sikhs will have to answer that question – what is more important – to celebrate their ‘caste’ or actually live up to the ideals of our Gurus. I hope the Sikh youth lead this effort in breaking down these barriers. I was dismayed by the comments by Jathedar Vedanti: Well, relaxing in his hostel room, with his private secretary keenly moderating his master’s voice, preacher Vedanti has this much to say: “The caste problem is deep-rooted and people are not able to rise above their prejudices. It is here that we have to make a difference. The schedule caste/dalits also have an inferiority complex, which they should overcome.” Such comments to me seem as a complete abdication of responsibility. If THIS is NOT the issue that he can tackle, but can only resort to others overcoming an ‘inferiority complex,’ then the Sikh masses should rethink his ability to fulfill the responsibility of his position. Rising unemployment has been a known problem in Punjab. Rabbi Shergill in his Jugni, stated “Jugni jaa vadi punjab, jithey padhe likhe bekaar” (Jugni goes to the Punjab, where the educated are unemployed.” Thampi quotes statistics from the Finance Minister of Punjab, saying that as of December 31, 2005, the number of unemployed youth in the state is 463,229 where 358,672 have at least a bachelor’s degree (for some reason, I believe these are VASTLY under-reported numbers). The NRP (non-resident Punjabis) may be able to facilitate massive opportunities in the private sector, if the economic willpower is there. Having spoken to some entrepreneurs, they often claim of Punjab’s poor political bureaucracy that is much more interested in it’s bribes, than any progress in the state. While I enjoyed the promotion of Nanak Kheti, I do believe that this is an interim solution. The economies of the world have moved towards industrialization and service-based economies. I believe that somehow Punjab must find a niche in this world-system. Some may argue that Punjab need not follow the path of other nations and this may be a worthwhile discussion, but at present to me it seems that Punjab must find it’s niche in the world-system or continue with its declining station in world economies. Agriculture may be the basis of the catapult, but I am not convinced that it can remain the primary basis of the economy. Drug addiction is a huge problem that is on wide-display for any who have traveled Punjab’s rural areas. I was shocked that the World Drug Report, released by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in 2007, listed Punjab as the world’s Number 1 transit point for opium. The end of the misogynist Taliban regime had worldwide consequences, few greater than what happened to Punjab. The rural youth are addicted to their bhukhe and dode. Tackling the distribution (which is often tied to political channels) as well as treatment for the devastated families and communities should be the focus of Sikh organizations. Too often I hear Sikhs lament about the lack of a ‘third choice’ outside of the normal Akali/Congress politics. However, too few are willing to BECOME that ‘third choice.’ Instead they look for messiahs and saviors to be released from jails, but are unwilling to actually become part of the change they seek. I do hope that these groups make inroads to sincerely address the concerns of heroes like Bant Singh and others to begin addressing these issues. If any Sikhs or Sikh groups genuinely take on these four issues, they will be surprised to see themselves become the ‘third choice.’ Again, these are my humbly submissions and thoughts on these four problems and I invite other readers to comment, disagree, and suggest their own. Note: Comments do not represent the views of SikhNet. Comments containing profanity, provocation or slandar will be removed by the moderators.
 Add SikhNet news to your website
 Become a SikhNet Supporter Make a one time contribution or sign up as a monthly SikhNet donor. History - Donation - Privacy - Help - Registration - Search Copyright © 2007 SikhNet Phone: 505-753-3117 - Email SikhNet Support |
Recent News
