Sikh Community: Not by Violence, my Sikh Brethren

Dr. Mike Ghouse   August 26, 2018   Comments Off on Sikh Community: Not by Violence, my Sikh Brethren

The Sikh Community in the United States.

Appended below is a note from Dr. Indrajit Saluja, I am with him, disappointed by the actions of few Sikhs in California who took to violence to express their difference with the Akali Leader. I urge the American Indian communities in particular and all Americans, in general, to blame the individuals for their acts of violence and not the group. The Sikh community has earned a great name for their service to mankind, and the caring they have shown to fellow humans.

The Sikh Community in the United States

The Sikh Community was honored at the Annual Unity Day event, Leaders of 5 Gurdwara’s attended, 9 Mayors and Media persons and about 400 people attended the event.

The Sikhs showed an extraordinary way of handling the tragedy when a killer walked into the Wisconsin Gurdwara and shot the Sikh worshippers – they responded with prayers for the terrorists, they held prayers all over the nation. They followed the teachings of the Sikh Gurus, to be kind even to the one who harms you. Moved by their “Love wins” attitude, the Center for Pluralism organized the Unity Day event to honor all the Sikh Gurdwara’s of Dallas by presenting a Plaque.

The plaque reads, “In recognition of your work in reaffirming the right values when tragedy befalls the community, and indeed, your response to the Wisconsin Gurudwara massacre was exemplary and reflects the teachings of the Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism and every one of the spiritual masters from Zarathustra, Confucius, Moses, Krishna, Mahavira, Jesus, Muhammad, Buddha, Baha’u’llah, and other great spiritual masters. Your leadership in building a cohesive America is much appreciated by all.

Here are the pictures: https://www.flickr.com/photos/mikeghouse/sets/72157631762797919/show/

The other things we have done about Sikhs:
http://motivationalspeakermikeghouse.com/2012/08/15/standing-up-for-sikhs/

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Front page POST
Not by Violence, my Sikh Brethren
By Prof. Indrajit S Saluja

Sikhs in the US are belittling themselves by indulging in acts of violence against factions which do not agree with their ideology. While there is freedom of expression in this country, there is also a restriction that the feeling has to be peaceful. Physical attacks are a felony and
the US law enforcement is bound to proceed against the perpetrators of violence.

It pains peaceful Sikhs in America (and elsewhere in the world, too) to find a faction of Sikhs supporting creation of Khalistan in India, making physical attacks on those Sikhs who do not subscribe to their ideology. Nobody questions their right to advertise and advocate their demand for a Khalistan in India, but all eyebrows will be raised when they commit violence against those not supporting them, or instead opposing them.

The Sikh groups supporting Khalistan have of late taken to the forbidden path of violence. Maybe, they are frustrated that the mass of Sikhs abroad does not help them. In India, where they want Khalistan, they hardly have any influence. It is their frustration which is driving them to acts of violence against their opponents. They may not realize now, but history has a lesson to be reminded of- there is the ultimate failure when a movement goes violently because then it loses direction and people’s sympathy.

They need to be reminded of the famous words: you may befool some for all the time; all for some time; but not all for all times. Advocates of Khalistan need to understand this.

They may also do well to remember that Law Enforcement in this country will not allow them the freedom to go violent against individuals. When the law comes calling these people will repent.

In attacking Manjit Singh GK, President , Sikh Gurdwara Managing Committee, and a Shiromani Akali Dal leader, and his companions at a gurdwara in Yuba City on Saturday, August 25, the attackers who claim to be pro- Khalistan, have shown complete disregard to the Sikh Gurus who have taught us the lesson of universal brotherhood. They have set a bad example for our younger generation. They have strengthened the already strong impression among US law enforcement that the Sikhs are a great community. They have further sullied the image of
the Sikhs worldwide. They have challenged the peace-loving majority of Sikhs. They have challenged the laws of the land.

I only hope, wisdom will dawn on them, and they will act as the Sikhs our revered Gurus wanted the Sikhs to be- humble, loving and treating the entire mankind as children of One God. Only then will the Khalsa have a sovereign sway. And, in fine, I urge the US administration to curb with a heavy hand this tendency to be violent among some people. Or, else, this nation which has prided itself as being a nation of peaceful and loving people, will soon face the headaches of a third world country.

Are you all listening?

If yes, and, if you agree with my viewpoint, share it with as many as possible. Because it is the question of the dignity of the Sikhs and India. Because it is the question of peace in America.

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