Petty Criticism - A Rejoinder ~ Sikh Arts and Film Festival

SikhArtsLogo (42K)

Petty Criticism - A Rejoinder ~ Sikh Arts and Film Festival

" I have previously written in detail why I felt it inappropriate to go to New York to receive an honour for becoming the first turbaned Sikh in the UK Parliament. I am totally committed to getting the Indian government to apologise for the government sponsored massacre of Sikhs throughout India. If President Obama can lower the Union flag to fly at half mast both in the USA and abroad to honour the memories of Sikh worshippers in the Oak Creek shootings, the Indian government should do the same on every anniversary of the attack on the Golden Temple and the later planned massacre of Sikhs at the end of October.1984.

However, having spoken to the organisers of the Festival and to S Tarlochan Singh who has courageously and consistently done more than anyone to highlight the atrocities and injustices suffered by our community, I believe that the unfortunate timing of the Festival was an oversight in planning. I am concerned that my reasons for not attending have been used in the media to abuse the organisers and cast doubts on their commitment to the Sikh cause.

I thought that this sort of behaviour of labeling those who appear to differ from ones own views as 'Indian government agents' was simply a part of the UK scene. I never thought it existed in the USA and I wish to dissociate myself from it.

I have known Dr Kapany as a family friend for many years, and know how much he has done to promote the wider dimensions of Sikh Art and heritage both in the USA and in the UK I also know that he has written extensively about the injustices suffered by Sikhs. I also know of the Bindra family and its commitment to strengthen the image of Sikhs in the USA. He was also responsible for screening the film Amu detailing the horrors of 1984 in front of Indian government officials. One of my main reasons for wanting to come to New York was to meet the Bindras and learn how similar initiatives could be replicated in the UK.

Regarding attending functions in the presence of Indian government VIPs I have mixed views. I have been invited to many functions at the Indian High Commission since 1984 but have not attended a single one. In my new position as a member of the House of Lords I have new opportunities to meet and perhaps influence key officials. My heart says keep away but reason suggests that I should use such opportunities to influence and articulate our community's concerns.

One thing is for sure that our community will not get anywhere if we continue to turn on each other with petty infighting. Legitimate and constructive criticism is fine but we should also recognise and applaud the good that people do."

..... ~ Indarjit (Lord Singh of Wimbledon)

--------------------------------