Addressing the youth and other participants at the recently held International Sikh Conference in Indonesia, Harinder Singh shares views on the future leadership building program required by the community. These were circulated in the Special print edition of the World Sikh News for the conference.

In the battle to solve the Sikh crisis, the tide is finally shifting. We are beginning to win the fight, but there is much more work to do and the clock is ticking. We must listen to Japuji intently for a vivid glimpse of the Divine’s dwelling place.  There, the Guru-centered (gurmukh) remains connected via musical (nadang) and cognitive (vedang) dimensions, integrating right and left brain. And then, effortlessly, “Listening, the fear of death departs.”

Looking Back

Thirty-three years ago, 1984 sought to gather destructive powers from the Indian state, resulting in thousands of lives lost, millions looted in art, literature and property, and unknown number of raped, lives converted or lost in oblivion.   This past June was the reminder how three decades ago Panjab was sealed, invaded, and violated. This November is a reminder how three decades ago in rest of India Sikhs were targeted, hunted, and violated. According to the well-documented evidence by human rights organizations (Amnesty International, Ensaaf, Human Rights Watch, Physicians for Human Rights, etc.) for the next two decades, similar events continued with impunity.

It was a pleasure to share my thoughts & feelings on behalf of @SikhRI on how to connect with 'linksters' & train them to be representarives of the Panth chiseled by Sabad's Infinite Wisdom. Revival of Sikhi in Indonesia & across the globe. #NextGeneration pic.twitter.com/uDYLxGdJS3

— Harinder Singh (@1Force) December 2, 2017

Fortunately, people around the world began to demand real and substantial answers from the Indian state. From Vancouver to Toronto, San Francisco to New York, London to Paris, Amritsar to Bangalore, Melbourne to Auckland, Singapore to Malaysia, there are a growing number of global Sikhs who are talking to their communities about the urgency of Sikh crises, working together to support solutions, and demanding action from their leaders.

Looking Forward

Already, Sikh work, and the work of non-Sikh supporters, is beginning to pay off. Major Sikh Diaspora sangats (Guru-centered communities) are committing to reducing their in-fights and investing in developing the Sikh commonwealth. Moreover, the rapid spread of much cheaper technology is empowering Sikhs to dream of and assert their sovereignty: mentally, physically, and monetarily. These factors, combined with an inspired group of emerging Sikhs, are opening the next chapter of Sikhi.  However, we are at crossroads: Guru-granted Sikh values are now taking a back seat at the cost of being liked by the local establishments. We have entered a new period of assimilation, but we are also now entering a next period of revival.

Just met Gulraj Singh, s/o Pritam Singh, 1 of original founders of INA. Arrested by Dutch in Medan, forcefully cut his hair, exiled to Java. pic.twitter.com/MNqowdWHLJ

— Harinder Singh (@1Force) October 26, 2016

The Sikh identity crisis is a continued struggle. It will not be resolved overnight, but it can be solved and we will solve it. We have no choice. Our very future depends on it.

“When Khalsa English Medium School was founded in 1931 in Medan, Indonesia, it was the way forward for Sikhs, Tamils, and indigenous Indonesians. It is no coincident Sardar Balwant Singh graduated from that very school in 1962, started the first Gurmat School in Jakarta in 2013, and is now hosting this global conference. Gurmat-based ideology, value-based leadership, and community-based institutions remain the Sikh way forward!”

Sikh world faces big challenges related to identity and character, but challenges present opportunities for action and innovation. Together, we can create a better future for all 30 million Sikhs.

So, let’s get started.  Sikh living means doing things that are good for the Panth and humanity. For example, feeling secure in your identity, being aware of how you spend your capital (physical, intellectual, and financial), and the people you identify with, and issues you support.  All of these seemingly small choices and decisions – essentially habits – can have great impact. Our actions have an impact on humanity and generations to come.

Met Balwant Singh, graduated from Khalsa English School Maden 1962, started only Gurmat school in Indonesia in Jakarta 2013 #Bahasa #Panjabi pic.twitter.com/OhDyMTxtEL

— Harinder Singh (@1Force) October 26, 2016

“Sikh world faces big challenges related to identity and character, but challenges present opportunities for action and innovation. Together, we can create a better future for all 30 million Sikhs.”

Going Sikh can be difficult or overwhelming, especially at first. But little changes can have big impact.  Get involved at local as well as Panthak levels, find out what the Sikh concerns are and then work to make positive changes to solve (not temporary fix) the problems. It is no exaggeration to say our future is at stake as our value system is being replaced or diluted. You – wherever you reside on this planet Earth – are much more powerful than you may think. Act now as an ambassador of Sikhi and connect with the Sikh commonwealth to grow the Panth!

What’s Next?

The next phase is about reviving the Sikh character. Our foremothers and forefathers joined the Sikh revolution not because it was popular; rather it freed them.  Sikh spirit for them was going against the grain, identifying with the disenfranchised; it was not a public relations exercise or philanthropy. So, what was their DNA? It was inspirational life borne out of Ik Oankar, translated into action in daily life.

Relaxing & rejuvenating break: local food, coffee, culture, history, Sikhs. And a fresh affinity with noble Kaur Malika the Queen! #Jakarta pic.twitter.com/63aS37C1ss

— Harinder Singh (@1Force) October 28, 2016

When Khalsa English Medium School was founded in 1931 in Medan (Indonesia), it was the way forward for Sikhs, Tamils, and indigenous Indonesians.  It is no coincident Sardar Balwant Singh graduated from that very school in 1962, started the first Gurmat School in Jakarta in 2013, and is now hosting this global conference.  Gurmat-based ideology, value-based leadership, and community-based institutions remain the Sikh way forward!

We must develop clarity based on Gurmat-rooted Sikh worldview where our goal is to achieve justice at home, community, and world. We need consistency in our behavior that visibly demonstrates our commitment to Sikh values of dignity and respect. And, we need to be current by being relevant to the issues the world is facing today from geo-political to eco-theological.

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“The devotee of the Divine needs to be just like the Divine” proclaims Guru Granth Sahib. The Guru chisels us to become Divine-like, and that is entirely feasible by becoming Guru-centered in our thought and action.  We adopted Guru’s doctrine of Love and Justice, free of vengeance and hatred. May our feelings implore us to channelize emotions of 1984 to shape 2084!