Sikhism Under Siege

For the panth, the tricentenary celebrations have been overshadowed by larger concerns-the problems facing the community today. A cross-section of the Sikh intelligentsia has identified some major issues. Here's a look at the most pressing.

Resolve the miri-piri (temporal-spiritual) conflict. The Akal Takht needs to be placed above and autonomous of the government, without in itself becoming dictatorial. Voices of dissent, recalling the republican and reformist underpinnings of the faith, should be heard.

Revive traditions. The erosion of the Sikh identity through ignoring traditions like keeping hair long is disturbing. "People are losing faith in Sikhism and moving to other religions. The sgpc should have been putting its money into dharam prachar and not into politics. There's a lack of confidence in the religious and political leadership," says Amarinder Singh.

Overhaul the education system. With no thrust on technical training, it churns out masses of what K.P.S. Gill calls "the unemployable unemployed", semi-literate youth unsuitable for either white collar jobs or farms. Punjab's spoiled, consumerist youth are fast losing the work ethic-where once they picked up the gun, they now turn to drugs. The emphasis on sports is gone, with Punjab coming third in the recent national games.

Create genuine employment opportunities. With fragmentation of holdings, no second green revolution or thrust on industry, job opportunities are limited. Populist policies like subsidising power and water and wasteful government expenditure haven't helped. Representation in the armed forces and central services including the judiciary is declining.

Address the immigrant problem. The demographics of Punjab is gradually changing thanks to migration from the cow belt, with immigrants monopolising the tertiary sector. Tohra once told Laloo Prasad Yadav that he might be needed to campaign in the next elections-he was only half-joking.

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Sikhism Under Siege

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