By Manjit Kaur | Opinion |
I have always believed in the strength of our Panth; the resilience that has carried us through the darkest of times, the spirit that has allowed us to rise above oppression, and the unity (ekta) that has been our greatest weapon. But today, I cannot help but ask: Where has that unity gone?
We often assume that our religious institutions, traditions, and leaders will provide us with stability, that they will always stand as pillars of justice and righteousness. But the truth is far more painful. The Sikh Panth is in turmoil, shaken by internal strife, power struggles, and broken trust. The recent dismissal of the Jathedars in Amritsar, the corruption seeping through our institutions – Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), Akali Dal, Akaal Takht – are not just political battles. They are symptoms of a deeper disease, one that is eating away at the soul of our community.
As I recently travelled through Panjab in an auto-rickshaw, the jolts and swerves on its broken roads reminded me of our Panth’s journey. At times, the path is steady, hopeful. But then, without warning, a pothole appears, throwing everything into chaos. And now, we are not just on a bumpy road, we are trapped in a deep ditch, unable to move forward. The question is: Do we have the courage to climb out let go of our ego?
It pains me to say this, but today, Sikhs, both as individuals and within Panthic groups, are acting like a broken family where love (piar) has faded. Our institutions resemble toxic relationships, where control, manipulation, and betrayal have replaced trust and seva. Just as a woman in an abusive relationship fears speaking out, dreading retaliation, many ordinary Sikhs today have been silenced by corrupt leadership and self-proclaimed “Sants” who exploit our faith for personal gain. Fear keeps people trapped in oppression. But history has shown us one thing: when we rise together, we shatter chains.
This is our moment of truth. Will we remain passive, allowing those who have hijacked our institutions to dictate our fate? Or will we, like our ancestors, stand tall, reclaim our sovereignty, and demand integrity. Our Gurus taught us to fight injustice, not just in the world but within our own homes This is not the time for silence. It is the time for action.
The road ahead will not be easy. Healing the fractures within our Panth will take patience, wisdom, and most importantly, courage. It will require us to embrace new voices, new ideas, and new leadership, rooted in the timeless values of Gurmat and Guru Granth Sahib. It will demand that we break free from the grip of fear and stand against those who exploit our faith for power and greed.
No revolution ever begins with the masses; it starts with a few brave souls willing to speak truth, to take a stand. And when those few rise, others follow. Let today be the day we choose to rise. Let today be the day we refuse to be led astray. Let today be the day we reclaim the Panth forge a path forward, together with love and in unity.
Manjit Kaur, a UK-based therapist and counsellor, is a presenter at the 1 Show Live at Panjab Broadcasting Channel, UK. She can be contacted via email at manjitkaur1show@gmail.com
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Acknowledging and accepting feelings, rather than trying to suppress them, but this is not possible at all among Sikhs and Punjabis.
The recent dreadful case of a Colonel of Indian Army beaten up by ghundas from Punjab police is a good example, where the brave wife voices up other deadwood start running the wife DOWN.
Existential dread is a feeling of despair and uncertainty that arises from contemplating life’s big questions, such as meaning, purpose, and mortality, often leading to feelings of being lost, fake, or trapped for individuals.
But this is not for individuals, this feeling is a national virus and very contagious that is NOT simple to solve.
This will need years, centuries of entrenched roots to b dug out and destroyed.
Only SOLUTION for such is EDUCATION on multiple fronts
Otherwise it is , will b, and remembered as a HUMAN disaster in PUNJAB of Sikhs.
The Punjabi word may b MAHA Ghalughara
My humble opinion.
Easier said than done.
Leaders irrespective of any faith or institutions promise a dignified and just society.
Solution lies in hitting the greed that comes with power.
Boycotting these corrupt institutions either in Punjabi or overseas by connecting with the divine at home and practicing Sikhi privately for as long as it takes will make the corrupt and greedy leave a sinking ship like rats to save themselves.
The new leaders need to be elected by the sangat for transparency and the survival of Sikhi.
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