Jagpal Singh Tiwana

JATHEDAR Joginder Singh Vedanti resigned from his position as Jathedar of Akal Takht on August 5, 2008. According to Jathedar Vedanti, he was forced to quit by Akali Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal's men who are running Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (S.G.P.C.). The un-ceremonial exit of the Jathedar Vedanti has upset many Sikh bodies and organizations since the position is held in high esteem by Sikhs all over the world. Sometime the Jathedar of the Akal Takht is compared to Pope in Christianity.

The institution of Akal Takht was started by Guru Hargobind as a political wing of Sikh religion to defend his followers from the tyranny of the rulers of the time. Since its inception in 1606, it has a glorious history and its Jathedar has guided the Sikhs during critical times in the past.

The position of the Jathedar has evolved since the first quarter of the 17th century when Bhai Gurdas was appointed as the first custodian of Akal Takht called Akal Bunga. Guru Hrgobind used this to take political decisions, issue Hukmanamas and invite his followers to come to the place with arms and horses .The first Hukamnama was issued by the Guru on June 12, 1606 in this context. However, Guru Hargobind had to leave the place in 1634 due to the hostilities of the Mughal rulers and it came in the possession of the Minas, descendants of Prithi Chand. In 1721 Bhai Mani Singh took Harmandir Sahib and Akal Takhat under his control at the behest of Mata Sundri. During the misl period, Sarbat Khalsa used to meet at Akal Takht twice a year on Baisakhi and Diwali days. Historic decisions were taken and strategy was discussed to fight against the Mughal forces and invaders from North-West. Nawab Kapur Singh, Jassa Singh Ahluwalia and later Akali Phula Singh were the Jathedars of Akal Takht and guided the panth in the critical times. According to H S Dilgeer, "In April 1759 a Hukamnama was issued in the name of the Sarbat Khalsa to all Sikhs to make generous offering for the rebuilding of Darbar Sahib. The seal of Akal Takht was used on the Hukamnama."

By 1799 Ranjit Singh had captured Lahore and established his rule over central Punjab, yet he was not free from the authority of Akal Takhat. In 1800, Akali Phula Singh took charge of Akal Takhat and conducted its affairs according to Sikh traditions. He even summoned the powerful Maharaja at Akal Takht for having an affair with Moran, a Muslim nautch girl. Ranjit Singh was again punished by Akal Takht Jathedar when he donated a beautiful canopy to Akal Takht after himself using it for some time. In 1805, when Maratha chief Jaswant Rao Holkar came to Punjab to get Ranjit Singh's support against the British, the Sikh Maharaja summoned a meeting of Sarbat Khalsa at the Akal Takht to take a collective decision. This was perhaps the last time when he sought the advice of Sarbat Khalsa. After that he started making his own decisions by consulting his Sikh, Hindu and Muslim ministers and advisors. We don't find much activity at Akal Takht till British took over Punjab in mid 19th century.

Under the British, Akal Takht Jathedar or custodian gradually started asserting his authority. To start with, Sanatani Sikhs who believed that Sikhism was part of Hinduism were in control of Darbar Sahib. They, however, came in clash with radical reformers of Lahore Singh Sabha who were determined to free Sikhism from Hindu influence. Since the Sanatani Sikhs had control of Akal Takht and other Takhts, they issued a Hukamnama on 14 March, 1887 excommunicating Prof. Gurmukh Singh, Secretary of Lahore Singh Sabha. Though it was issued by pro Hindu Sanatani Sikhs, it still had some force and sanctity and it affected Gurmukh Singh’s standing in Sikh community. Despite this Gurmukh Singh did not look back or apologized. However, after 108 years, the hukamnama against Prof. Gurmukh Singh was specifically withdrawn by the World Sikh Convention held in Amritsar in 1995, presided over by acting Akal Takht Jathedar, Manjit Singh.

Role of Jathedat Akal Takht after 1920

Strictly a manager or a custodian in charge of Akal Takht was not called Jathedar before 20th century. Actually, the title of Jathedar of Akal Takht came into being in 1920. The Khalsa Biradari of lower caste Sikhs held a conference at Jalianwala Bagh on October 10- 12, 1920 where they resolved to offer Parshad at Harimandir Sahib. When they went there the priests refused to accept their Parshad. At this Jathedar Kartar Singh Jhabbar reacted sharply and threatened to throw them out if they did not accept their Parshad, did not offer ardas and took the Vaak. The priests acquiesced and with Guru’s grace Vaak came in favor of the lower caste Sikhs. After this Sangat led by Jathedar Jhabbar marched to Akal Takht to do the same. Priests in charge of Akal Takht slipped away leaving the holy place vacant. Sangat took over Akal Takht at Jathedar Jhabbar’s command. He then advised Sangat to appoint Jathedar Teja Singh Bhuchar in charge of Akal Takht. A jatha of 25 Sikhs was put at his command to help him to look after Akal Takht. After that he was called Jathedar Akal Takht.

SGPC founded

On November 15, 1920 Jathedar Teja Singh Bhuchar called a meeting of all Sikh bodies and organizations at Akal Takhat. Here Sikhs decided to oust the pro-Government priests from other Gurdwaras and formed a committee of 175 members to run their management. This is how S.G.P.C. was formed. Next month on December 14, 1920 Shiromani Akali Dal, a political wing of the SGPC was launched. Jathedar Teja Singh Bhuchar was elected secretary of the new Akali Dal. This further added strength to his position and standing in the community.

Jathedar Buhchar did not just sit there as a custodian of the place; he provided strong and sterling leadership to the community. He led a jatha to Taran Taran Gurdwara to oust the priests forcefully. He succeeded in his mission after some clashes with the government agents. He appointed a committee of 15 members to look after the Gurdwara management. He also led jathas to take control of Gurdwara Panja Sahib and a Gurdwara in Pashawar. Since such actions were contrary to law, he was arrested and put in jail for quite for sometime.

During the Jaito Morcha (1923-25), three Jathedars of Akal Takhat- Teja Singh Akarpuri on 13 October, 1923, Udham Singh Nagoke on 8 Februrary 1924, Achhar Singh on 7 May, 1924- courted arrests. After his release in 1926, Jathedar Akarpuri was elected as member of SGPC and was also appointed as Jathedar of Akal Takht for the second time and remained in this position till 1931.

In 1925, Jathedar Didar Singh was the Akal Takhat jathedar. Akali leaders had come into agreement with the government and the agitation was withdrawn. Sikhs started coming out of jails, but some in Nabha Jail refused to leave the prison and adopted quite an unreasonable attitude. Jathedar Didar Singh went to Nabha and advised them to come out, "since you have come here at the orders of Akal Takhat, I now in the capacity of Akal Takht jathedar order you to leave the jails and get out". This had the desired effect and they agreed to obey his order. Such was the position of the Akal Takht jathedar in the Sikh world.

Sikh Rahit Maryada

Teja Singh Akarpuri, Jathedar Akal Takhat, felt and stressed the need of a prescribed Rahit for the Sikhs, though unsuccessful attempts had been made earlier by Panch Khalsa Diwan and Chief Khalsa Diwan. It was on his suggestion that a committee of 28 Sikh scholars was appointed to work on the draft of Sikh Rahit Maryada on 15 March 1927. The committee with Prof. Teja Singh as its convener prepared a draft which was thoroughly discussed, amended and changed according to the wishes of the members at various meetings of the committee held at Akal Takht. In all meetings Jathedar of Akal Takht was present. Even Jathedars of Kesgarh and Patna were also invited. From 1931 to 1934 Gurmukh Singh Musafir, Jathedar of Akal Takht, attended the meetings and then from 1935 till the SRM was finally passed in 1945, Mohan Singh Nagoke, Jathedar Akal Takht, played an important role. He also served as President of SGPC from 1944 to 1948 which put him in much better position to bring the Sikh scholars to an agreement on SRM.

Jathedar Mohan Singh Nagoke was widely respected for his character, integrity and sacrifices. He served as the Jathedar Akal Takht for 17 years(1935-52), maximum time any Jathedar held this office. His personality added much power and prestige to this august office. Many historic decisions were taken in his time. In 1936 when Govt. banned the wearing of Kirpan by Sikhs, Jathedar Mohan Singh led the first jatha of 100 Sikhs in this morcha against the ban. The ban was withdrawn by the govt.

Ragmal

Should Ragmala be read while reciting the whole of Guru Granth sahib at Akhand Paths ?. The issue had split the community since the beginning of the 20th century. There were well established scholars and religious leaders on both sides. In favor of Ragmala were Bhai Vir Singh, Bhai Jodh Singh, Sant Gurbachan Singh Bhinderanwale, Akali Kaur Singh and some Sants. Those opposing Ragmala were Bhai Kahn Singh Nabha, Bhai Randhir Singh Narangwal, Giani Gurdit Singh, Piara Singh Padam and others

In 1945 Mohan Singh called a meeting of Sikh religious leaders and scholars at Akal Takht to resolve the issue. The anti-Ragmala group carried their point with his support. But to keep unity in the panth, Jathedar issued instructions that reading of Ragmala was optional, though he stopped its reading at Akal Takhat. This practice is still in force. Baba Gurbachan Singh Bhinderanwala was staunch supporter of Ragmala. SGPC sent Giani Lal Singh to Bhinderawala to find out if he would abide by the decree of Akal Takht Jathedar. Baba Gurbachan Singh gave in writing that he would honor the decree of Akal Takht.

During Mohan Singh's time as Jathedar, Ardas was amended to include that Sikhs should have unhindered access to Nankana Sahib and other holy shrines which were left in Pakistan after partition of Punjab in 1947.

Punishment to Master Tara Singh

Master Tara Singh was the most powerful and well recognized leader of the Sikhs in mid-twentieth century. He was president of SGPC when Akal Takht Jathedar Achhar Singh punished him for breaking his fast without fulfilling the terms of his solemn pledge in 1961.

Then there is the historic edict of the Akal Takhat Jathedar, Sadhu Singh Bhaura, against the Sant Nirankaris in June 1978. Nirankaris had killed 13 Sikhs on the Baisakhi day of 1978. This edict was widely welcomed by Sikhs all over the world.

Such has been the authority, moral force and veneration of Akal Takht that powerful men like Maharaja Ranjt Singh, President Zial Singh and Chief Minister Surjit Singh Barnala had to appear before it when summoned by its Jathedar. Even Bhim Sen Sachar, a Hindu Chief Minister, appeared before Akal Takht and apologized for sending police in Darbar Sahib in 1955. Among the important people who were excommunicated from Panth were Teja Singh Bhasur (1928), Buta Singh (1984), Nihang Santa Singh (1984). Buta Singh and Santa Singh later apologized and underwent punishment.

1984 developments damaged the institution

Akal Takhat Jathedars became controversial after the turbulent developments of 1984.
So many Jathedars - Jasbir Singh Rode, Ragi Darshan Singh, acting Jathedar Manjit Singh, Bhai Ranjit Singh, Giani Puran Singh- were appointed and removed before the turn of Jathedar Vedanti came this year. All this has affected the credibility and prestige of the Jathedar. One Jathedar would issue an edict, his successor would cancel that. So many edicts were issued that they lost their sanctity and force. One such edict ex-communicating Joginder Singh, editor Spokesman, was even challenged in high court.

Sikhs need a strong central authority

That, however, does not mean that the institution of Akal Takht Jathedar is beyond repair and redemption. Sikhs need a strong central authority to resolve so many contentious issues that keep dogging and dividing the community. There should be a procedure to elect a non-partisan Jathedar of Akal Takht. He should be a man of high integrity and character, deeply knowledgeable about Sikh religion, history and its traditions and could not be easily removed from his position. He should be able to communicate in English. All India Gurdwara Act as demanded by Akalis should have such provisions.

References

H. S. Dilgeer : Akal Takht Sahib, 1986

Harbans Singh: The Heritage of the Sikhs, 1994

J. S. Grewal : The Akalis, a Short History, 1996

Kartar Singh Jhabbar : Akali Morche te Jhabbar, 1998

Kirpal Singh (Jathedar): Sri Akal Takht Sahib ate Jathedar Sahiba, 1999

[The writer Mr. Jagpal S Tiwana lives at , 134 Greenwich Dr., Dartmouth, NS, Canada, B2V 2N5 tiwana@eastlink.ca]

BACK

Threatening levels of Chemical fertilisers in Punjab groundwater: Greenpeace study

INDIAN Medical Association (IMA) and the medical fraternity has voiced concern over the discovery of high levels of nitrate contamination of drinking water based on a Greenpeace study. The study, ‘Chemical fertilisers in our Water’1, conducted in farms across Muktsar, Bathinda and Ludhiana showed that most wells were contaminated with nitrates, and 20 percent of all sampled wells had nitrate levels above the safety limit of 50 mg per litre as established by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

The Greenpeace report was released by Dr Jai Rup Singh, the Vice Chancellor of Central University of Punjab in a press conference jointly organized in Bathinda by IMA (Bhatinda), Kheti Virasat Mission and Greenpeace.

The report noted that there is excessive use of chemical fertilisers in Punjab and that it is steadily increasing. The sampled farmers use an average of 322 kg of Nitrogen per hectare. This is 53% higher than the state average of 210 kg per hectare as per Government records.

This nitrate pollution in the groundwater is clearly linked with excessive use of synthetic nitrogen fertilisers as the higher the application of nitrogen (urea), the higher the nitrate pollution found in the groundwater from the same farm” said Dr. Reyes Tirado, scientist at Greenpeace Research Laboratories in the University of Exeter, UK, who had conducted the study. “The nitrate pollution found in this study is remarkably high given that the groundwater in this area is quite deep, and it is generally assumed that deep groundwater would be cleaner and less polluted than shallow water” she added.

“Since it is established that there is a high number of people impacted by agro-chemical pollution, the immediate need is to ensure an epidemiological profiling of Punjab to provide adequate treatment in such cases. But there is also an urgency to prevent such health crisis from occurring in the first place” said Dr GPI Singh, convener of the Environmental health Action group and Director Principal of Adesh Medical College, Bathinda. He reminded the Government that if the health of the average Punjabi needs to be regained, it is essential that we stop loading our farms with agrochemicals.

“Since it is established that there is a high number of people impacted by agro-chemical pollution, the immediate need is to ensure an epidemiological profiling of Punjab to provide adequate treatment in such cases. But there is also an urgency to prevent such health crisis from occurring in the first place by what is termed as Primordial prevention” said Dr GPI Singh, convener of the Environmental health Action group and Director Principal of Adesh Medical College, Bathinda. He reminded the Government that if the health of the average Punjabi needs to be regained, it is essential that we stop loading our farms with agrochemicals.

Dr GPI Singh further cautioned against false sense of security that may be generated among policy makers and people at large by tilt in favour of adopting short-sighted solutions as adoption of RO technology to filter Nitrates out of public drinking water supplies &/ or going in for Genetically Modified crops. RO system has the inherent characteristic of concentrating Nitrates and other pollutants which are pushed back into the soil along with waste water in addition to being expensive and wasting nearly 60% of drinking water. Numerous studies have unequivocally proved that Genetically Modified crops require more chemical fertilisers and in many cases more pesticides, which ultimately leach into the soil and aggravate the pollution load of Nitrogen/ other toxic compounds. In any case Genetically Modified crops themselves are considered hazardous from Public Health point of view.

Addressing the media, Dr. Vitull K. Gupta, the eminent health and human rights activist from Bathinda, expressed strong concerns on the matter. He warned the government of the dangerous health impacts on people of this region who are already under increasing threat of cancer due to ever increasing use of fertilisers. Dr Gupta stated that it was essential not just to have strict laws to curb such calamities but to also ensure that they are implemented to safeguard the basic human right to safe drinking water.

‘Chemicals fertilisers in our water’, also points out that high levels of nitrates in groundwater as found in the samples could have serious health impacts. Health risks could vary from the blue baby syndrome in infants to cancers of the digestive tract, bladder and ovary.

Dr. Vitull K. Gupta think, pollution and environmental crisis is a larger monster lurking, its shadow deep, long and uncontainable especially in absence of any government efforts to contain and curb the environmental degradation. Dr. Vitull strongly feels that individual and community efforts are an important ingredient in curbing environmental degradation and pollution, which really gains immense importance in presence of inadequate, halfhearted and apathic government initiative. Dr. Vitull think that until and unless we as a nation identify our environmental priorities and evolve indigenous effective policies, awareness campaigns, educative programmes and motivational sessions to prevent the ever increasing threat of pollution; we will not be able to slow down devastating environmental effects on India. There is no dearth of laws to curb pollution in India, but because apathy, corruption, petty vote politics, lack of will to do along with ineffective, inefficient governance, India has miserably failed to curb progressive degradation of environment. Dr. Vitull feels if immediate measures are not initiated to curb pollution, next generations will blame us for the devastating consequences they will face. Environmental solutions will definitely require a complete overhaul of the existing system, global vision and local actions keeping in mind aspirations and hearts of local people who must shape the local solutions.

Dr.Shiv Dutt Gupta, President of IMA, Bathinda Branch said that IMA is deeply concerned with the results of the Greenpeace study and the doctors fraternity would raise the issue at all possible platforms IMA will also write a letter to both the Central and State Governments, highlighting the issue and demanding immediate action.

“The irrational subsidy doled out by the Government provokes the excessive usage of synthetic fertilisers leading to colossal damage to water, soil and human health 2. The potential for a shift from synthetic to organic nitrogen fertilisers is real: but what is lacking is the political will” said Umendra Dutt, Executive Director, Kheti Virasat Mission.

With the Central Government having declared its intentions to change the fertiliser subsidy regime, the participants endorsed the Greenpeace demands that:

1. The Government needs to create an alternate subsidy system that promotes ecological farming and use of organic soil amendments.

2. The Government needs to shift the irrational subsidy policy for synthetic fertilisers to sustainable ecological practices in agriculture.

3. Scientific research needs to refocus on ecological alternatives, to identify agro-ecological practices that ensure clean drinking water and future food security under a changing climate.

BACK

Ludhiana: A gory theatre of BJP and Congress

Dr Amrik Singh writes from Sacramento

LUDHIANA violence on the eve of 17th anniversary of Babri Masjid’s demolition and 53rd Death anniversary of Dr. B.R.Ambedkar portends dangerous signals for Punjab. Nothing happens in Punjab that has not a history to it. The state has been a theatre of manipulative politics, intricate designs and provocative rationalities since ancient times. In the last hundred years, it remained a target of a colonial milieu, vivisection, and diversionary techniques. The name of one such policy was “the Great Game” of 1885 that the British had designed to provoke sectarian identities to dissipate anti-colonial venom from the hearts of Punjabis. The British in 1947 left a colonial heritage which new rulers of India followed in letter and spirit. New masters revised “the Great Game” and named it “Secularism.” As per its unofficial agenda , non-Hindu religious beliefs have to be discouraged, destroyed and dismantled to an extent that people accept the supremacy of Secularism, which experts believe is just a strategic name for Hinduism.

Hardly anyone knew Dayanand Sarswati when he tried his luck in Maharashtra and in his home state , Gujrat. But when he came to Punjab under a special mission to alienate the poor from Sikh religion, he drew everybody’s attention, especially the British. Earlier, nobody listened to his discourses of returning to Vedic glory, but the moment he made controversial comments on Gurbani, he achieved stardom. He created in Hindu intelligentsia a desire to not only control Punjab, but the whole Indian sub-continent with their racial superiority and intricate designing, scheming and maligning. The dream didn’t appear far-fetched when the English were ready to fulfill their aspirations.

M.K. Gandhi was non-entity when he came back from South Africa. The moment he entered Punjab after the Jallianwallah massacre in 1919, he found an easy route to nationalize his leadership role. The peaceful protests of Sikhs for freeing Gurdwaras from Hindu-oriented Mahants, inspired him to fashion his non-violence mainly for suppressing Punjabis’ rising patriotism and anti-colonial venom. British highlighted Gandhi’s role for their colonial ends because Punjab seemed to pose a growing threat to them. Gandhi kept delaying freedom until the way for Hindu Nationalism was charted by alienating Muslims, forcing Dr. Ambedkar to enter Poona Pact and defrauding Sikh leadership with a state where they would relish the glow of freedom. The epicenter of three grand frauds was Punjab. Undivided Punjab would hinder Hindu nationalistic goals, therefore, suppress the emerging alliance of Dalits, Muslims and Sikhs. All efforts were directed for provoking violence that led to the partition of India.

Divya Jyoti Sanghthan’s founder Asutosh appended Maharaj with his name when he came to Punjab in 1984. His arrival in the state was under a special mission that related to 1984 attack on Harmandir Sahib. Austosh believed Operation Blue star was necessary to stop Pakistan from helping militants. He declared he would not let terrorism again raise its head in Punjab. Although, an elected government at the center and a trained military were in place for meeting any foreign threat, yet Asutosh assumed the extra- constitutional role of the state to free Punjab of terrorists. He questioned Sikh traditions that inspired Amritdhari Sikhs to recite Gurbani daily, which according to him, is just parroting to no effect. He considered Sikhism an offshoot of Hinduism. One of his followers projected Guru Gobind Singh seeking blessings of Hindu Gods and the Khalsa created by him as a misconception. The real Khalsa, according to one of his deputies, was a body of Asutosh’s devotees.
The controversial remarks were brought to the notice of the Akal Takhat. Ashutosh was refrained from creating unnecessary controversies, but his influence reportedly runs in Badal’s family. The state BJP stood behind him even at the cost of the coalition politics. The minority commission had censured Ashutosh for poisoning Punjab’s atmosphere, but could not deter it to abandon provocative speeches in the name of Braham Gyan and to the disparagement of Gurbani.

BJP is of the opinion that every one has right to practice whatever religion one believes in. Therefore, the action of Sikh bodies’ to march towards the venue of the function undermined the freedom of religion. Sikh bodies argue that the BJP didn’t comment on Asutosh’s interference in the practice of other religions. The freedom as a right only exists so long as it doesn’t undermine freedom of the other. Damdami Taksal Chief Harnam Singh Dhumma blamed the government for misleading Punjabi Hindus and creating an anti-Punjab atmosphere.

Mohan Rao Bhagwat, chief of radical Hindu organization RSS, selected historical Babri Masjid’s demolition day for his visit to Punjab. On December 6, 2009, he held a RSS camp and a press conference in Chandigarh . He declared that he had no regrets for what happened in Ayodhiya on December 6, 1992. He also made it clear that all minorities (Muslims and Christians) are descendants of former Hindu forefathers. The aim of Hindu raj should be to take them back in its fold. On December 6, posters of the controversial sect leader displayed all over Ludhiana were said to ridicule Sikhs and create ruckus that might deflect attention from 17th anniversary of Babri mosque demolition. The shooting of Darshan Singh is a sad commentary of Akali-BJP alliance in Punjab.
It is an open secret that Ashutosh’s function was organized by Ludhiana Ashok Malhotra Group of Industries at the behest of BJP party. The top leadership’s incarceration in the Librahan Report motivated them to seek the theatrical protection of the controversial religious leader. Raising the bogey of Sikh terrorism and linking it with Pakistan could wash blood from hands of both Congress and BJP.

The dangerous trends point to apprehensions that the Punjab will burn again. The hatred comes here packaged in the name of peace and non-violence. Mantras of annihilation are chanted to decimate the voices which don't conform to Brahamanical codes. RSS chief has already pronounced that all minorities have their origin in Hinduism. Bhagwat is looking forward to times when minorities will submerge in the ocean of Hinduism. He is fantasizing Mahan Bharat that will include Afghanistan, Kashmir and Tibet as well. If viewed in the background of colonial history nothing has changed even after one hundred years. Science has broken many frontiers of knowledge, but more the development in India, the greater the slide into primitive fantasies.

When Arya Samaj came to Punjab as part of the “Great Game,” it focused on Amritdhari Sikhs and Guru Granth Sahib. In the beginning years, Arya Samaj's programs included reading from Guru Granth Sahib . But it was only to denigrate Gurbani in comparison to the purity of eternal Vedas. The founder of Khalsa Akhbar, Bhai Dit Singh objected to Dayanand’s derogatory commentary on Gurbani and challenged him to debate with him about Vedas and Gurbani. It was Bhai Dit Singh’s genius that exposed Swami Dayanand’s imperfect knowledge about planetary revolution. Swami Dayanand kept insisting that the Sun revolves round the earth. The dynamic personality of Bhai Dit Singh had experienced at Dera Gulab Dass Chatthianwala a negative mindset that degraded Gurabani simply because it had hymns of Saints who owe their origin to Shudra families. Later, he joined Arya Samaj for there appeared a promise that caste would not be followed. Shuddhi of dalits attracted many followers. When Bhai Sahib saw the proponents of Arya Samaj raging with their superiority and replete with blasphemous words for Gurus and Saints, he vowed to give up that faith forever. He met Bhai Gurmukh Singh and embarked on a mission to inculcate true Sikh spirit through his discourses and writings. Bhai Sahib left the world in 1901, but his influence on Sikh history is tremendous and invaluable.

Punjab has seen the blood-soaked politics of Congress in the past decades. The militancy can’t be studied by separating it from the culture that created it. Ludhiana violence has shown that BJP is apathetic to interests of Punjab. Sikhs are either with Congress or with BJP. They barter Sikh ideals for the hateful campaign of their political masters. Right-minded Hindus should rise to discourage nexus of politicians and criminals. Guilty politicians’ attempts to hide behind religious sentiments of people should never be allowed to succeed in Punjab. If Punjabis keep their house in order, no foreign threat can vanquish them. The unity of Dalits, Sikhs, Christians, Muslims and Hindus in a new alliance can force BJP, Congress and their allies to shift the Gory Theatre to some other place.

BACK