Mohali-Oct 06 2010: The local chapter of the Global Sikh Brotherhood (GSB) held a seminar on the issue of “Sikh identity in the present adversities” at a gurdwara in Phase X on Tuesday. Former jathedar of Akal Takht, Prof Manjit Singh was the chief guest and founder chief of the GSB, Hardeep Singh, who is also local SGPC member, presided over the function.
Discussing the importance of keeping unshorn hair in Sikhism, various speakers termed it in accordance with nature and ethics of the religion. Prof Manjit Singh, in his lecture, said, “The reasons of declining acceptability of keeping unshorn hair among youth is the result of our irresponsible attitude. We, the parents, Sikh religious institutions and academic centres must accept that we are lacking somewhere in performing our duty of creating the awareness and required atmosphere”.
Terming the ‘polluted’ political system responsible for the present situation, former IAS officer Prof Gurtej Singh said, “Right from the Independence, Sikhs are being subjected to deep conspiracies with the motive of weakening the Sikh identity. The low self-esteem and complex arising due to these attacks are taking the youth astray from Sikhism.” Col Manmohan Singh said, “One can only be called a Sikh if he has unshorn hair and turban.” Jagbir Singh, Director, Fateh Academy, emphasized the need to use media and technology to interact with the Sikh youth and to fill spirit and pride about being nearer to the nature with keeping the unshorn hair.
Hardeep Singh said, “Misguided and misinformed youth deserves sympathy and love and not rejection, who consider themselves as a Sikh but are not aware of the importance of unshorn hair and Sikh identity so that they can be brought back to the fold of Sikhism”. He said discussion should be held with youth to understand their emotions and to let them understand the right path of Sikhism.