Sikhism debate on "We the People".

Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Sikhism debate on "We the people"
Hello all,
I was seeing the program "Sikhism and extremists" on "We the people". This post is primarily to do with Ms. Barkha Dutta aplolgising at the end of the program to Mr. Kushwants singh's son. I would like to air my opinion on it.
Firstly, I live in Melbourne and i have a full sikh attire ( no trimned beard, which now seems to be the new style mantra with modern sikhs, and have a turban). When i walk anywhere (into any office , any restaurant, any cinema) people know who i am and what my religion is. They know me as a sikh and as an indian. This is the identity that was created for us by the 10th guru and i believe this is what primarily defines us.
If we do not have the "swarup" that the 10th guru gave us , we fail the first test of being a sikh. That people with turbans drink , smoke , etc etc .. are the next set of things that are prohibited . (i am not advocating to these).
I am not an extremist but i believe that if you follow a religion then then you must do it to the fullest . This is similar to having an assignment at work and submitting it 80 % of what is needed of you to do. "Oh the 20 % was not relevant and important , so i did not so it". Similar to i am a sikh , whether i keep hair / trim beard is up to me , but i am a sikh.
And i think the reason for this is because as Indians religion comes to us by birth and not by choice as it is with the western world. "I was born in a sihk family, hence i am a sikh, whether i believe in it or not".
I would not call Mr. Kushwant Singh's son as a true sikh and why should Ms. Dutta apologise to him for rightfully being "not called a skih" .
I would like to sum up by saying that if sikhs out there do not want to keep the swarup, do not . There is no hard and fast rule. Peer and parent pressure will only work up to a certian point . After that a person does what he / she wants.
Religion is nothing but a belief . If you cannot respect the sanctity a belief , please do not disrespect that belief.
Do not call yourselves sikhs if you cannot at take the first step in being so.
Regards,
Narender Singh.
11:15:15 AM
Posted By narender singh Comments (1) Uncategorized
Comments
K.Venugopal Tuesday, May 22, 2007 11:45:24 AM
Religions are teachings that enable us to discover our fullest potential. Unfortunately, we tend to inherit religions as identity tags and end up quarrelling in the name of religion. We should cease using religion as identity tags and instead seek it out to discover our potential and become free, free particularly of all identities. What should it matter if one dresses up as Guru Govind Singh or Krishna or pretends to be Christ (as folks in Philippines do and crucify themselves)? What is important is that we celebrate life together.

Saddy Tuesday, May 22, 2007 12:04:31 PM
For any who say their religion is great Should be in all senses .One is in the position to say that only if he /she is well aware of all the religions around and still he feels the same then it is right .Be are Sikh/Hindu /Christain/Islam Only because our parents belonged to that faith.If they where any other religion we would have been following that faith and telling the same! It is all the same Gods doesn?t want peace In this world or else noone would prefer to stay in heaven .We should get united against the God. They are just making as fools to always fight against ourselves and seeing all fun from there .!