Sikhism and World Peace

Submitted by K Prabhakar Rao on Fri, 03/23/2007 - 15:45. baber guru gobind singh guru nanak mughal Sikhism

Prof Dr Colonel (Retired) K Prabhakar Rao

It is a known fact that all religions of the world emerged from the prophets or divine men from time to time at various parts of the world with a view to guide the human beings on a correct and truthful path and to live a purposeful life in this world. Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikh religion too, found the faith having seen the ills in the contemporary society of 16 Th century in India that constituted Hindus and Muslims, few Buddhists and Jains. The society was plagued by the ills such as caste, creed, idol worship, Pardha (Veil), Sati (Self immolation by widows), discrimination of women, dowry system, show of wealth and mutual hatred.

The invading Muslim armies from Western front in the medieval period resorted to grave crimes such as mass murders, genocide, rapes and abduction of women and children and peace was adversely affected. In such scenario, Guru Nanak (1469-1539) stepped- in as a divine messenger to spread peace. The new faith amalgamated the good points of Hinduism and Islam and denounced the ills prevalent in the society. It stood for universal brotherhood as the only basis of true relations. It demolished the barriers in the society between man to man and man to woman. It denounced the narrow barriers of caste, creed, color and sex. It has elevated woman to a respectable position in the society by giving her identity of honor and tended her to free from all restrictions and fetters to which she was bound in a Hindu society. Guru Nanak traveled around the whole India and also to far off lands such as Iraq, Afghanistan and Mecca to spread his doctrine of peace and universal brotherhood. However, the faith has been mostly limited to India although the enterprising Sikhs settled in various parts of the world and distinguished themselves in various walks of life. All the ten Gurus advocated peace and universal brotherhood in the society. However the prevailing political conditions in the country at the time of founding of the faith, fundamentalist disposition of Delhi Sultan Sikander Lodi and persecution in subsequent years drew itself into conflict with the Mughal administration that was inevitable (1). The religion is comparatively new and had the advantage of availability of various scriptures and interaction with various people across the world in distant lands.

The Gurus were not passive onlookers in the society. They were enlightened men and had political awareness and outlook too. Guru Nanakdev, the founder of the religion was greatly pained at the shocking atrocities committed by the invading Baber from Kabul on the Indian population in 1527 during the course of invasions and consolidation of his authority. Baber is credited to have built a tower of skulls with the severed heads of slain and captured soldiers after his victory in war at Battle of Kanawha fought on 7 March 1527 near Agra and assumed the title of Ghazi meaning upholder of faith (2). Baber and his armies thus committed mass murders, genocide, killings, genocide, rapes and abductions in 1527 and in subsequent years. This was out- rightly objected- to by Guru Nanak. As a consequence, he courted arrest (3). Owing to the policies of Mughal administration and religious tyranny by the Mughal rulers after Emperor Akbar (1542-1605) the great, subsequent Gurus had to raise their own troops for self protection right from the days of Guru Har Gobind (1595-1644). Suitable forts were also built by them. The seed for turning Sikhs to bear arms for self - protection was sown after the death of Guru Arjun Dev (1563-1606) at the hands of Emperor Jehangir(1605-1627) on frivolorous charges of alleged conspiracy against the State by abetting the revolt by his son Prince Khusro in 1606 (4).The politics of confrontation by Mughal Emperors continued and Guru Teg Bahadur (1621-1675) was also executed by Emperor Aurangzeb (1659-1707) again on frivolorous charges in the year 1675 (5). Sikhs were greatly annoyed and the tenth and the last mortal Guru Gobind Singh (1666-1708) transformed Sikhs into martial race by transforming them into Khalsa. Sikhs were asked fight oppression and injustice by use of the sword when necessitated. Zafarnama (Epistle of Victory) by the Guru Gobind Singh is very clear on this aspect (6). He exhorted Sikhs that when all options for seeking a peaceful solution are exhausted, the solution can be sought by the use of the sword as the last alternative. The transformation of Sikhs into an armed community was complete by the short sighted policies of the Mughal administration, Emperors, their war lords and Governors. Guru Gobind Singh transformed Sikhs into Khalsahood (1699) and fought tooth and nail against Mughal oppression till he was stabbed at Nanded by Mughal agents in 1708 shortly after the death of Emperor Aurangzeb in 1707 (7). Guru Gobind Singh did not recover from the wounds and passed away very soon. In subsequent years that followed, the confrontation continued under the leadership of Banda Singh Bahadur ( Laxman dev) whose armies defeated Mughal armies at various places in Punjab. He killed governor Wazir Khan of Sirhind and took revenge for the murder of Guru Govind Singh and his two young sons who were bricked alive by the Governor. Banda Singh Bahadur was finally was captured and put to death by the Mughals during the reign of Emperor Farukhsiyar along with nearly 700 of his followers. This was the result of some disunity among Sikh leaders who were not happy with Banda and his ways (8).

Although Sikh resistance appeared to have weaned out, they rose again at the time of Maharaja Ranjit Singh who established a great Sikh independent State in the year 1801 and ruled till 1839 (9). Although the Sikh State was annexed by the Englishmen in subsequent years, the Sikh princes played active part in politics in Punjab. Sikh Princes sided with East India Company during the Sepoy Mutiny during 1857. This mutiny is called First war of independence by Indian historians. After gaining independence by India, the State of Punjab greatly prospered in agriculture and small scale industry due to the untiring efforts of enterprising Sikhs.

The Khalistan movement for a separate Sikh nation gained momentum during the nineteen eighties that finally culminated in the military operation by Government of India owing to the unabated terrorist activities and gravity of situation The Khalistan movement was spearheaded by Sant Bhinderwale aided by some hard core retired army officers such as Retired Major General Shabeg Singh. The Golden temple complex at Amritsar was invaded by Indian Army in 1984 (10). Many Terrorists and Bhinderwale along with Shabeg Singh were killed in action.Sikhs have considered this army action as a great insult to them. Certain Sikh regiments and recruits mutineed. But they were over powered by other army troops before they could do any damage. As a consequence, Mrs. Indira Gandhi Prime Minister of India was assassinated by her Sikh body guards in 1984 in her official residence that led to riots in and around New Delhi in which thousands of innocent Sikhs were killed brutally by the violent crowds allegedly abetted by the ruling political party leaders, thugs and goons (11). General Vaidya the Chief of Army staff was also assassinated after his retirement in Pune by Sikh terrorists for his active part in ordering the assault on Sikh shrine by the troops of Indian army.

Although many years have passed, the culprits responsible for riots in Delhi have not been apprehended in spite of many enquiries. Some of the alleged culprits have died natural death during these years. Sikhs are very sore on this account. Thus, Sikh sentiments have been hurt after the Army operation (Blue Star) on Golden temple Complex, the holiest shrine for the Sikhs, owing to the Delhi riots and utter inability of the Government of India in bringing the culprits to book. Nevertheless, the State of Punjab is again on the path of progress and peace prevails.

Sikh religion is misunderstood by many as a religion that lives by steel and Sword. But this is not true. Sikh scriptures shun all violence and preach peace and universal brotherhood. These men are ignorant of circumstances under which the Sikhs were compelled to hold the sword. This is the only religion that has fought tooth and nail to save the followers of other faiths such as Hindus against the tyranny and religious persecution by the Mughal Emperors who were mostly religious bigots and persecutors of Hindus and Sikhs and even Shia . Although Sikhism is only 500 years old, it has been very closely associated with Indian political history. Two of their distinguished Gurus were put to death by the Mughals. Guru Gobind Singh had to fight tooth and nail all his life for upholding the faith. Even Guru Nanak was arrested by Baber. Banda Singh Bahadur was brutally tortured and put to death by Mughals). In every century; the Sikhs have gone through great turmoil and personnel losses while Sikhs fought tooth and nail to protect Hindus from tyranny of Muslim rulers and invaders. Even at the time of partition of 1947 in India, Sikhs suffered very greatly and again during 1984 in Delhi riots.

The Khalistan movement that brought a bad name to the Sikh community, in it’s hey days posed threat to world peace as Pakistan tried to fish in troubled waters. It saw the movement as an opportunity to bifurcate India as retaliation against the birth of Bangladesh in 1971 war. However, the evil designs did not succeed and majority of Sikhs were loyal to India and disowned demand for Khalistan. Yet, some of the hard core Khalistan separatists escaped from India and took asylum in foreign lands. An organization titled Council of Khalistan operates from Washington with Dr Gurmit Singh Aulakh as the President. Another prominent member of the movement of Khalistan is Dr Paramjit Singh Ajtawat (12). Some of the Sikhs in India observe Martyr days for the assassins of Mrs. Indira Gandhi and General Vaidya, former Army Chief who was assassinated by Sikh youth in 1987 (13). However, their numbers are small, but it is a source for generation of bad blood among communities. Certain sections of Sikh opine that their problems have not been solved by all peaceful means by the Indian Govt during the last many years and therefore seeking a solution by use of might or use of sword is very much in order as per Zafarnama of Guru Gobind Singh. Demand for Khalistan, an independent Sikh State and support for this movement is probably based on this concept. These are the aspects that contribute to the disturbance of peace in certain regions of the world. In present world scenario, no nation can exist independently without any interaction with others. Global stability is based on peace between various neighbors. Pakistan and India always live with daggers drawn and with swords at each others throat and clawing each other all the time and this has been the situation ever since these nations have been formed. The clever policy of divide and rule by the Englishmen has resulted in permanent instability in Indian Sub Continent and creation of Bangladesh has further added to the existing vows of the region. The demand for Khalistan in the region of Punjab would be of great welcome to Pakistan and it would always keep the fire alive by giving all underground help to these activists in future too. These are the live problems generated by Sikhs some of whom claim to be of separate identity to form an independent nation.

Religion and politics that go hand in hand invariably breed troubles to the society. When religion is practiced without indulging in politics, the administration by the Govt usually has no clash. But unfortunately, in world to day, this concept appears to be a mirage. For political leaders, religion is a powerful tool to sway the masses in their favor. Majority of the people particularly in third world countries are poorly educated and can be easily influenced by the religious sentiments. The scriptures and real truths in them are not easily understood by the masses. Lack of education is a big stumbling block in front of them to study and understand the scriptures of their religions. This has resulted in the rise of priestly classes in the societies that have iron grip over the masses. In most of the cases, the priestly class serves the interests of the ruling class in all the nations. The religious sentiments are exploited by the political leaders for their nefarious ends and this has resulted in various agitations for separate nation hood, State hood, reservations, identity and benefits. India is a fine and befitting example. Most of the princes in India took part in the first war of independence in 1857 against the East India Company. This war is known as Sepoy (Soldier) Mutiny in the words of the Englishmen. Muslims and Hindus fought with shoulder to shoulder against the forces of Englishmen. Sikh rulers of Punjab however remained away and abetted the Englishmen and derived benefits subsequently. Sikh masses took part in freedom movement of India led by Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi during 20 Th century. However, Muslims opted for Pakistan and ensured that they divided India at all costs. All quotes of brotherhood, saintliness and shoulder rubbing by Gandhi with slogans “Hindu Muslim Bhai- Bhai” ( Bhai means brother) vanished into thin air at one stroke of religious sentiments and Islamic Republic Pakistan became a naked reality. Gandhi was also assassinated by Nathuram Vinayak Godse of Hindu Maha Sabha (An organization) as a result of partition and heart burning. He shot Gandhi with a semi auto pistol at Birla Mandir in Delhi on 30 Th January 1948 while he was proceeding to a prayer meeting. The bitterness was clearly evident when Nathuram in his statement at his trial said that although he had respects for Gandhi for all the sacrifices he made during the struggle for independence, he had no right to vivisect the country and thus he lost the right for a natural death and deserved to be shot dead (14). This proves that politics and religion always go hand in glove in present age. Sikhs are no exception to this and rise of Khalistan movement for a separate nation to be carved out of India is the sole outcome of the phenomenon. Although the demand for Khalistan is under hibernation, it is very unlikely that the demand would be totally given up by the separatists. The fact that these elements are able to propagate their philosophy of separation from India in foreign lands such as USA, Canada, UK and other European nations where they have been allowed to stay and given asylum is an indication of things to come in future. There are many international terrorist groups claiming allegiance to Khalistan movement out of which Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) is prominent. This was founded by Sukhwinder Singh Babbar and Talwinder Singh Parmar of Canada and they formed the first unit in 1981. They have active units in Canada, Germany, USA, UK, France, Belgium, Norway, Switzerland and Pakistan. However, Talwinder Singh formed his own breakaway group in 1992 owing to differences titled Babbar Khalsa International (Parmar Group); Currently, Wadhwa Singh heads this group. Pakistan plays a great role in their activities. In one of the major acts of terrorism, the terrorists of Babbar Khalsa International blew up in mid air the Air India flight 182 Kanishka in 2000 near Irish coast killing all the crew and passengers. Ajaib singh Bagri and Ripdaman Singh were arrested by Canadian police for this activity. BKI is actively carrying on the activities across the Jammu and Kashmir border and many of these activists have been arrested from time to time by the Indian security forces. Efforts by India to extradicate the offenders from these nations have met no success due to legal implications and prevalent laws in these nations. Although former Director General of Police KPS Gill has been credited for elimination of militancy in Punjab, the danger lurks around the corner.

It is also a fact that many Sikh soldiers of Indian army mutinied and deserted their regiments with arms after the Operation Blue star by Indian Army in 1984 in which the Golden complex was invaded to flush out Khalistan terrorists. However, their number was limited. But the incident remains a bitter fact of life and a potential danger although all efforts are made to downplay the incidents by the Government (15). Fortunately, majority of Sikhs including armed forces personnel are sane and love India to the core and feel they are integral part of Indian society.

The Sikh scholars disclaim the popular notion that Sikhism is the combination of Hinduism and Islam. They claim that Sikh religion is entirely new religion and are very touchy about it. They do not like to be identified with Hinduism in any way. Yet, Sikhs are unable to free themselves from their Hindu moorings from which they have come. However on religious front, Sikhism propagates universal brotherhood and peace like any other religion. It is opined by most of the scholars including Sikh scholars that the turmoil in the world particularly in Asia and Middle East countries is due to the rise of religious fundamentalism. Religious intolerance has become the root cause for the violent activities in these areas. The ongoing violent activities by Islamic terrorists can be attributed to the religious intolerance and fundamentalism. This is equally applicable to Khalistan separatists who as fundamentalists are demanding a separate nation that is against the concept of universal brotherhood preached by the Gurus. Sikhs are highly respected in India as brave warriors and as a community that stood up against the invaders, oppressors and enemy and India is very proud of them. Spreading of Gospel by the Sikh Gurus as given in Guru Granth Sahib is very essential. The Gurus have preached universal brotherhood and religious tolerance. Guru Granth Sahib has recognized all religious dispensations were capable of elevating human soul. Emphasis of Gurus was on creating communal understanding with assertion that the essence of true religion consisted of love of God and good conduct. The holy book of Sikhs aims at all round development of society, interfaith understanding, peaceful existence and eradication of evil. One need not get baptized to practice these tenets. These are universal divinely declarations and when humanity practices these virtues, peace would be automatically established in the society and world. These aspects should be taught to the students at a very young age at primary school level itself, if a sane society in the world is to be built up.

Sikhism that is only 500 years old was founded in the most troubled times in Indian History. It was the period when Hindu society was plagued by the social evils such as caste, Satee, creed, and discrimination of women; dowry etc and the invading Muslim armies committed very grave crimes and atrocities against the natives. The Sikh religion had a succession of Gurus till the 10 the Guru Gobind Singh who abolished Guruship and declared that the Holy Scripture Guru Granth Sahib would be the eternal Guru after his death. Sikhism has preached universal brotherhood, peace and denounced social evils such as caste, creed and demolished social barriers and discrimination on sex. It has believed in unity of God and denounced idol worship. Sikhs were transformed to Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh to resist and fight the Mughal persecution and oppression. The community played great part in Indian liberation struggle and has done yeomen service to the nation. However a section of Sikhs agitated for a separate Sikh State that was thwarted by Indian Army when the agitation turned in to militancy. Although the movement has been suppressed, some of the misguided separatists are hiding in foreign lands and keeping the issue alive. The faith of Sikhism is mostly confined to India although the enterprising Sikhs have established colonies in foreign lands and prospering. Sikhism is generally misunderstood as a militant faith that lives by sword. However this is not true. The religion stands for universal brotherhood, peace and nobility. This aspect is required to be disseminated around the world. Most of the people believe that Sikhism is the outcome of combining better aspects of Hinduism and Islam although the Sikh scholars deny the theory. They claim that it is entirely a new religion as discussed earlier. In India, Sikhs are subjected to Hindu personal law while Muslims are subjected to Muslim personal law that clarifies official position in India. Close social interaction with Hindu society has resulted in deep infiltration of certain Hindu practices in to Sikhism and Sikhs are unable to get out of them. Thus, Sikh community is also plagued by ills such as dowry, alleged bride burning, show of wealth, alcoholism, discrimination of women and they are unable to overcome their Hindu moorings. Sikhism is also divided into various sects and sub sects. However, some efforts are being made to correct the situation and much more is required to be done. Although Sikhism preaches peace and universal brotherhood, demand for a separate State has soiled the relations and image in the country. However majority of the Sikhs including personnel of Armed forces are peace loving, patriotic and loyal to the nation. This was the main reason for suppression of the Khalistan movement in Punjab that has claimed the lives of scores of people in the State. Mrs. Indira Gandhi, the prime minister and General S Vaidya, the retired Army Chief were assassinated by Sikhs as retaliation against operation Blue Star (Attack on Golden temple). Sikh sentiments are badly affected due to the Delhi riots of 1984 in which thousands of innocent Sikhs were done to death by hoodlums allegedly abetted and guided by the leaders of the ruling party and in spite of many enquiries, the Govt has failed to punish the culprits and this is a dark spot in Indian History. Sikh religion is very young and limited to India and is unlikely to be of great disturbing influence on world political scenario except in Indian sub continent. Sikhs must solve their problems within the purview of Indian Constitution and shed their ill notions as a separate nation. This would greatly contribute to world peace. However, the noble tenets of the faith are worth emulating and if followed in life and spirit, would result in promoting world peace.

Bibliography

1. Prof Dr Colonel (Retired) K Prabhakar Rao, Critical studies into philosophies of Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, and Sikhism with respect to Human values, self realization, welfare of human beings and global peace, Ph D Thesis in Religious studies, Almeda University, USA, 2006. PP 246-248

2. Todd, Annalls of Rajathan, The annals of Mewar, Edited by C H Payne. Allied Publishers, Bombay and Calcutta, India, PP 48, 49

3. Dr Gopal Singh. The Sikhs, Cultural and religious pattern in India, Jointly published by M Seshachalam and Co and Popular Prakashan, Bombay, India, Edition 1, 1970, PP 11

4. Ibid,( Martyrdom of Guru Arjun Dev), PP 24-25

5. K S Narang, Mughal rule in India, Dhapat rai and Sons Private Limited, Delhi, Jullundhur, India, 1962, PP 297-317Ibid, PP29-31

6. Dr Gopal Singh. The Sikhs, Cultural and religious pattern in India, Jointly published by M Seshachalam and Co and Popular Prakashan, Bombay, India, Edition 1, 1970, PP 34

7. Ibid, (Death of Aurangzeb), PP 35

8. RC Majumdar, Roy Chaudhry, Kalikinkar Datta, Advanced History of India, St Martins press, New York( Martyrdom of Banda Singh Bahadur), PP 534-535

9. Khushwant Singh, Ranjit Singh, Maharaja of Punjab, 1962, George Allen and Unwin

10. Operation Blue Star, www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/operation_bluestar

11. Delhi riots of 1984, www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1984_Anti_Sikh_riots

12. Khalistan terrorists in foreign countries, www.satp.org/satposyfp/countries/india/states/Punjab/terrorist_outfits/BKI

13. General Vaidya’s assassination, Jain Commission report. http://72.14.235.104/search?q=cache:eWVOzVTx7I8J:www.india-today.com

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14. Gopal Godse, Why I assassinated Mahatma Gandhi? And the events, accused, the epilogue (Statement of Nathuram Vinayak Godse), Published by Surya Bharathi Prakashan, 2596 Nai Sarak, Delhi, India, 110006, Edition 1993

15.All about Sikhs, Your gateway to Sikhism, Mutiny by Sikh soldiers and Sikh Regiment in Indian army after attack on Golden Temple in 1984 http://72.14.235.104/search?q=cache:9EfqmlSHTTsJ:www.allaboutsikhs.com

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