Sir, - Sr. Tarlochan Singh’s response (SR April 2008) to the above titled article by Sr. Sher Singh, IAS (Retd) published in SR-January 2008 issue is, to say the least, astonishing.

The article in question painstakingly brings out facts chronologically, based on old records, how the Mughal Darbar was manipulated by vested interests to achieve preconceived and diabolical objective in the late 17th century, resulting in the tragic martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, in 1675, which, incidentally, was not very different from the events that had culminated in the martyrdom of Guru Arjun Dev Ji in 1606 AD.

History has never been an exact science which can honestly split apart subjects into ‘black and white’ categories, more so when we are dealing with events that occurred over three hundred years ago. At the best of times, one can only provide a plausible perspective or window - to past events, as perceived by a given recorder who, incidentally, are plentiful in every age. Further, there seldom are completely honest transactions, at any given time, among various interacting individuals and groups, and they invariably get affected by intrigue and whims of the influential power-centers in every regime - thus making the job of history researchers very complex.

With the ringside view of events ending in Operation Bluestar, closely followed by the assassination of the Indian Prime Minister, Sr Tarlochan Singh no doubt contributed to the Administration’s self-serving view of events. But, surely, he should be able to visualize how future (and even present) students of history perceive, analyze and project this subject in their works. Currently, while the Government (read Congress Party) circles condemns Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale as a downright evil force, but the Sikh Diaspora in general consider him a Divine phenomenon sent down to earth for redemption of their honor and dignity which stood severely mauled by Brahminical forces that betrayed and, subsequently, attempted to annihilate, or merge, them into Hinduism.

In this context, they go back in history to 1675 AD when a delegation of Kashmiri Brahmins, led by Pundit Kirpa Ram came to Guru Tegh Bahadur at Anandpur to seek protection for their religion against the fanatic zeal and activities of Islamic crusaders, headed by Aurangzeb, and for their reception and care, Gangu Brahmin was engaged as a domestic help. Gangu is well known to have betrayed Mata Gujri and the two younger Sahibzadas, in 1704 AD, and handed them over to Subedar Wazir Khan of Sirhind, after robbing them of their valuables. Gangu’s progeny to hide their identity and avoid reprisals subsequently altered their family name to Nehru and continued with oppression and betrayal of Sikhs in general and thoroughly short-changing them once independence from foreign rule was achieved, which was attained largely based on the sacrifices made by Sikhs. Sant Bhindranwale effectively challenging the dynasty headed regime, emerged as a Hero of the Sikh masses.

I hope to have put in prospective the commendable job done by Sr. Sher Singh in his paper and I compliment him profusely for cogently putting together the sequence of events leading to martyrdom of our Ninth Master Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji.

Gangadher Chetty Road,

Bangalore 560042

Email: sudarshansingh31@yahoo.com

Sir, Many thanks for the Report (SR: May 2008) by Sr. Avtar Singh. I had the opportunity to attend seminar, hosted jointly by the Sikh Forum and Sri Guru Singh Sabha, Kolkata, for the Christian Brothers’s delegation from Europe, who wanted to know what Sikhism was all about, and its contribution towards togetherness of mankind.

A brief, but highly engrossing, introduction as to the various aspects, ethics and the evolution of Sikhism, by the learned Sardar Saran Singh, I.A.S. was followed by some very impressive captivating and thoroughly satisfying answers by him and Sardar A.P. Singh to the queries of the enthusiastic visitors. In a word, the show conducted by these two Singhs was "enthralling"!

When the show ended, with a sumptuous lip-smacking langar, I doubt if even a single Sikh who attended this gathering, would have gone home without feeling a great sense of pride, instilled in them by the manner in which the representation was made by the two gentlemen in particular, and the organisers. A fitting observation, and remark was was made by one beaming Sikh who attended: chakk de phatte!

It was a rare and satisfying sight for me when each and every question put by the visitors was so articulately answered! There were answers to questions which many Sikhs who attended would have wanted to know but never had the opportunity to as - as it is seldom when such educative, satisfying and motivating seminars are held, that too, with such knowledge and talented speakers at the helm!

I have often wondered what is it that the Sikhs of today (especially youngsters) need to be told apropos their religion which they are proud to belong to, but reluctant to profess. And more often, than not, I have come to the conclusion that it is the poor and lackadaisical approach of the clergy and preachers in acquainting them with the rich ethical values that are there in Sikhism, and which can be proudly embraced by them, even in this modern "electronic-yug". The only need of the hour is educate logical and motivating professors – not the uneducated or at the most, half-educated, money-making pracharks who make their sermons and lectures sound as if there were meant to tell these electronic youngsters – embrace, and be shackled. It is here that these people should get to heart the Saran Singhs and A.P. Singhs who can make them understand, and even feel, that the shackles visualized by them are nothing but the bond of love in the form of a kada which binds them in the eternal love of the Almighty, and reminds them of the bounties showered on mankind by Him, of doing good and being done good, of helping and being helped when in need, of being true to self and to others, of the endless happiness that is rightfully theirs – of knowing, and feeling, the pride that Sikhism bestows on them!

It is time such pioneers are brought to the forefront at all religious gatherings and seminars to do service to that which they believe in, and in the process bring more contentment and happiness in their own being.

108E, Bhai Randhir Singh Nagar

Ludhiana, Punjab

A Letter to Loksabha Dy Speaker from Sr. Tarlochan Singh, MP

My Dear Sardar Atwal.

I have already made many verbal requests to you to help the passage of The Anand Marriage Bill in the Parliament. You are aware that the Parliamentary Committee on Law & Justice has already cleared the Bill and the Law Minister has already assured the Rajya Sabha that it would be brought before the House at the earliest. The Session is now over and precious time is lost.

This is not my personal work; it relates to the whole Sikh community and other desirous of using Anand Karaj in holy matrimony. I am sorry to say that sufficient efforts are not being made by the Sikh Members of Parliament in this behalf. You are in a position to get this expedited in the coming Session, and I again seek your help in this matter.

MP (Rajya Sabha)

Sir: All paintings, pictures, engravings of Gurus Sahiban are artificial, manmade, unauthentic. They don’t reflect the reality and reflect only the imagination of the painter/artist. Hence they should not be made an object of worship, for this is idolatry. Only divine enlightenment in the form of Gurbani enshrined in the Guru Granth Sahib is our "GURU". As such we should try to follow and obey the Gurus Teachings with devotion and humility, and beware of idol worship.

The SGPC passed two Resolutions dated 18 Nov. 1966, as follows:

(1) Gurus Sahiban’s artificial pictures should not be printed on Rumalas. Such a practice is considered as disrespect to Guru Granth Sahib.

(2) The SGPC advised the Government of India that while issuing Postal Stamps on the occasion of the tri-centenary of Guru Gobind Singh Sahib’s Birthday, his picture should not be printed. Instead, a picture of his birth place Patna Sahib may be shown. This advice was adhered to.