User talk:Gundeep: Difference between revisions

Question

I want to ask something to all Sikhs that why we still believe in casteism?Why a General category person can't marry to a person belong to Ramdasia Category even that person is highly qualified and settled but still our society will take it wrong? Why?

Why we people take it as a blunder or crime?

If our Waheguru does not teach us to accept casteism then why we people start believing on this strategy?this is wrong..if we are true sikh then we should follow our gurus teachings.

Reply from Hari Singh

Gundeep ji,

You are absolutely right; to believe in or to practise casteism is wrong as outlined in the article Caste system: ideology and practise?. Unfortunately, the leadership in Sikhi is not fully committed to this philosophy. With more awareness and pressure may be we can make them follow the lead provided by our Gurus. Hari Singh^talk 15:30, 12 June 2009 (UTC)

casteism

Dear Gundeep ji, Sat Sri Akal

It is extremely sad to know that casteism continues in Sikhi despite the concerted efforts of our great and enlightened Gurus. I am very sorry to learn that your life has been personally affected by this human disease. Please don't despair; you have mighty support in the form of the true Sikhs and all the Sikh Gurus and Saints.

I know it is not easy for you but you have my support and the support of everyone at SikhiWiki. Casteism has no place in human society; it is divisive and inhumane and we are all on your side in this matter; as are all fair and peace-loving people of the world. I know, sometimes, when your own parents do not support you or the true path, it can be very difficult. However, it is the mission of all Sikhs to follow the way of equality and of one humanity. So, your path is correct as you believe in equality and non-discrimination. So you are right as you have taken the side of the Sikh Gurus.

Casteism: reply

Our Cultural baggage

Unfortunately, many of our parents have their feet in the "Punjabi culture", which has a history spanning thousands of years of discrimination and segregation; or unfairness and suppression. Those cultural habits will not go away quickly; they are in the blood of all Indian societies. It has taken many generations for Sikh society to appreciate and to begin to follow the message of our Gurus; the true path is always harder and tougher to follow.

Please don't despise or rebel against your parents; they just do not realise that they are wrong. Also, do not assume that they will understand easily. It takes a brave person to challenge the "norms" of society; a society who's values have remained the same for many generations; the wrong done by generations has become the norm; the expected way of the people. How can we move them away from this link and these habits which their parents and grand-parents have followed for generations.

Their elders have followed these cultural ways and fought for them "tooth and nail"; many have have been "ex-communicated" and punished by village elders for breaking the "rules" of their norms; and for practising equality. Whenever, anyone moved outside their caste; they were punished by the elders and society. This has been the way of life known to them for generations; for as long as they can remember! And probably, your grandparents have supported the village Panchayat in these actions of punishment; this has been orally passed for many generations. Don't expect your parents to change easily; they would be condemning their elders and the history as they know it by changing. Education and slow reformation is the way forward; slowly and with intelligence; with confidence and conviction we need to tackle these "slow-movers".

Real reform needed

Many Punjabi who are Sikhs have only become Sikhs 4 or 5 generations ago; Those initial Sikhs were not educated; they did not understand Gurbani. The values in their society did not change when they became Sikhs; in fact very little changed and that has remained the same. Even today, many Sikhs do not understand Gurbani with any depth; and so they do not realise that their practises are against "real Sikh values". When we say "maanas kee jaath sabai eaekai pehichaanabo", "Recognize the whole of human race as one"; many Sikhs do not realise the power and real message in this statement; they say it but they do not understand it! The fact that real meaning of this statement speaks against casteism; against gender discrimination; against racism; has never reached them

Way forward

How do we move forward? The first thing to do is to remove the stress from your mind; remember the Guru is with us and is our support; the truth is on our side; remember casteism is ugly and wrong. Take a deep breath; do ardas to Waheguru because this is really "His struggle"; He is using you to spread his message of truth; so there should be no stress. Be positive and work with others who are on your side; plan how you can change by education and by love and intelligence the views of our elders.

Engage with elders

Ask your parents: Hey mum, dad. What do you understand from the tuk: "maanas kee jaath sabai eaekai pehichaanabo" What did Guru Gobind Singh mean do convey in this line? (see Recognize the human race as one). Do not push them but engage them; slowly without pressure; make it a fun thing. As them to tell you what they know about Sikhi. After discussion generally about Sikhi talk about gender discrimination and then racism against "blacks and coloured" as it was in the UK, USA and South Africa; How the world as changed and Sikhi values now apply there now. May be then you can talk about casteism and the present problem facing Sikh panth regarding "Ravidassia"

If you get any difficulties; Remember you are not alone; you just need to whisper and many thousands are behind you; Guru has given us technology and our Sikh panth; we are all brothers and sisters, fathers and mothers and children of one family; this is our mission together and this may be your personal project to influence the people around you; but we have a big global team. We will tackle this problem according to the teachings of our Gurus. We love, dedication, impartiality and purpose.

Just ask!

If you need any help, just ask. Please write here at Sikhiwiki (which is better as other may gain from it) or email me directly at [email protected]

Guru kirpa karan, your UK uncle, Hari Singh^talk 15:01, 15 June 2009 (UTC)

Thanks for your support

Thanks a lot sir for your support.I am confident that I am on a right track..Waheguru mehar karan and i 'll able to convince everyone.I feel proud to be a sikh girl.With God's grace one day I 'll able to remove this disease from our society.Thanks a lot Again.