| Petaling Jaya, Malaysia | 21 July 2016 | Asia Samachar |
Khalsa Aid founder Ravinder Singh to be honoured at an evening darbar programme in Petaling Jaya on 15 Aug 2016 (Mon)
UK-based Khalsa Aid founder/CEO Ravinder Singh and his wife Bal Kaur Sandhu will be honoured at an evening gurdwara funtion in Petaling Jaya on 15 Aug 2016 (Monday).
The event, organised by the Coalition of Malaysian Sikh Organisations (CMSO) and Gurdwara Sahib Petaling Jaya (GSPJ), is in ‘recognition and appreciation of the selfless work of Khalsa Aid globally’, said CMSO secretary general Autar Singh.
The pogramme will include Rehraas, kirtan, a presentation by Ravi Singh on Khalsa Aid, presentation of siropa and a cheque to Khalsa Aid by the Coalition.
“The Sanggat is cordially invited to attend this programme and meet them personally,” said Autar in a message shared via the social media.
Last year, CMSO forged a tie-up with Khalsa Aid to channel aid to the earthquake victims in the aftermath of an earthquake in Nepal.
[ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs / Punjabis in Asia. How to reach us: Facebook message or WhatsApp +6017-335-1399. Our email: editor@asiasamachar.com. For obituary announcements, click here
South won the Lall Singh Trophy 2016 – PHOTO / SUPPLIED
South defeated North in the annual Malaysian Sikh cricket meet for the Lall Singh Trophy this year.
Held in Penang on Sunday (17 July 2016), the annual assembles together young and senior cricketers for in honour of cricket legend Lall who holds the disntinction of being the only Malaysian to have played test cricket.
The event was organised by the Penang Sikh Association (PSA) under the auspices of the Malaysia Singapore Sikhs Sports Council (MSSSC) at the Penang Sports Club.
The players are divided into two zone: north and south of Peninsular Malaysia.
Lal played for India in their debut Test at Lord’s against England in 1932). He played for Southern Punjab for two seasons, and returned to Malaysia where he lived out his life as a groundsman. He played 13 matches for the Federated Malay States and Malaya, scoring 722 runs and taking 34 wickets, writes Mihir Bose (A History of Indian Cricket, 1990).
On Saturday, PSA led by its president Dr Kuldip Singh Sohan hosted a dinner for players, officials and former greats of Malaysian cricket players like Lakhbir Singh Chal, Dr Amarjit Singh Gill and Dr Harjit Singh.
The wining South Team was managed by Sukdev Singh Sidhu while the North Team was under Dr Jaspal Singh.
Amandeep Singh from South won the Man of the Match award while Sagar Singh, also from South, won the Most Promising Player award.
The last two editions of the Lall Singh Trophy were organised in Johor Bharu. Perak Sikh Union (PSU) will host the Lall Singh Trophy 2017.
PSU president Gurjeet Singh Rhande said it plans to hire a coach and scheduling coaching clinics for budding cricket players in the state.
“Trainings will also be scheduled for cricket with the objective to unearth cricket talent among the Sikh Community in Perak,” he told Asia Samachar.
At its exco meeting, MSSSC has initiated plans to introduce a 6-a-side cricket at the annual sporting event Gurdwara Cup and Sikh Festival of Sports 2017.
MSSSC will also work with the former greats to make cricket one of the core games to be organised by state affiliates during their Vaisakhi games celebration and thereafter to make it a popular sport among the Sikh Community.
Grouop photo during the Lall Singh Trophy 2016 – PHOTO / SUPPLIED
MORE ON LALL SINGH:
On 6 June 1927, Malaya beat Australia by 39 runs to make history. Lall Singh became the first Malaysia born test player, according to one report.
In another write-up, this is what is says about Lall: “India’s first one-cap wonder was also one of their most unusual: Lall Singh was born in Kuala Lumpur, and managed to get to India for trials before their 1932 tour of England thanks to subscriptions from local cricket lovers. In England he made a name for himself with his lithe fielding, and he played in India’s inaugural Test match, at Lord’s, scoring 15 and 29. Wisden observed that “the agility of Lall Singh cost Woolley his wicket when the Kent batsman went rather leisurely for an injudicious second run”. But, something of an outsider, Lall Singh played little first-class cricket in India, and eventually returned home. He remains the only Test cricketer to have been born in what is now Malaysia.” [ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs in Southeast Asia and surrounding countries. We have a Facebook page, do give it a LIKE. Follow us on Twitter. Visit our website: www.asiasamachar.com]
| Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | 19 July 2016 | Asia Samachar |
KL police chief Amar Singh (3rd form left) with some of the speakers from the various faiths. The include (L-R) Christopher Tan (Christian), Dr Karminder Singh, Charlie Chia Lui Meng (Buddhist), Basker Yogi (Hindu) and Dr Sarjit Singh – PHOTO / ASIA SAMACHAR
More than 400 police officers from the Hindu, Buddha, Christian and Sikh faiths serving in Kuala Lumpur took part in the first ever program to pick up the finer points of their respective faiths.
The one-day event was declared open by Kuala Lumpur Police Chief Commissioner Amar Singh.
“Make full use of the learning here to enhance your knowledge on your own religion so that we can be better officers.
“If you are a Christian, be a very good Christian; if you’re a Buddhist, be a better Buddhist….Whatever religion you profess, be good at it,” he said in his opening speech at the police training centre in Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, today.
“Our intention is to instill good values in them so that they become better police officers, and better citizens, of the country,” he told a press conference later.
The idea began with separate, small-scale programme for officers from the various faiths. However, Amar decided to pull them together in a bigger event.
“We begin together as one big family,” he told the assembled group of multi-faith officers who turned up for the ‘Program Penerapan Nilai-Nilai Murni Agama Hindu, Buddha, Kristian Dan Sikh, Siri 1/2016’.
Such programmes are regularly held for Muslim officers.
“This is great,” one participating officer told Asia Samachar. “Other state police contingents should follow suit. It is a good way to boost the morale of the police force.”
The police have invited subject specialists to conduct sessions for the respective faiths.
The Sikh speakers were senior civil servant and Sikh lay-preacher Dr Karminder Singh Dhillon and academician Associate Prof Dr Sarjit Singh from Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM).
Sikh policemen and speakers in a group photo with Kuala Lumpur Deputy Chief Police Officer Abdul Hamid Mohd Ali – PHOTO / ASIA SAMACHAR
ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs / Punjabis in Southeast Asia and beyond.Facebook | WhatsApp +6017-335-1399 | Email: editor@asiasamachar.com | Twitter | Instagram | Obituary announcements, click here |
| Petaling Jaya, Malaysia | 20 July 2016 | Asia Samachar |
Cooking class in progress at SWAN Centre in Petaling Jaya – PHOTO / SUPPLIED
By Sarjit Kaur
Swans are beautiful aquatic birds that are members of the duck and goose family. They symbolise grace and beauty on many levels. Hence, it is indeed a beautiful acronym for the Sikh Women’s Awareness Network or SWAN, which is run by women, to empower women.
Objective of SWAN
SWAN, a Malaysian registered Sikh women’s organisation, was set up in April 2004 with Rajinder Kaur at the helm as founder and president. Its objective is to create awareness on various issues to bring about changing attitudes for the betterment of society. It does this by empowering women and enhancing their perspectives in life through talks and workshops and improving women’s livelihoods via skilled training. Women are after all, the nucleus of the family and when she is taught to fish, she teaches the whole family to fish.
The community often mistakes SWAN for a welfare body. It is not. Welfare issues, as and when they crop up, are usually channeled to the Sikh Welfare Society Malaysia (SWSM), another member of the Coalition of Malaysian Sikh Organisation (CMSO). Hence, role overlap is avoided.
SWAN Team and Presence
Asia Samachar speaks to Satwant Kaur, the current President of SWAN, who assumed the voluntary office in 2015. She is supported by an executive committee comprising volunteers who commit time and energy in creating awareness to empower women.
SWAN endeavours to support not only the spiritual and social needs of women but also their economic, intellectual and physical well-being. Satwant shares with us their vibrant and engaging activities, milestones and developments and upcoming plans.
SWAN occupies a centre at 10, Jalan SS 1/4, Kampung Tunku in Petaling Jaya. Activities are held at the centre, and external locations as well, throughout the year. They run weekly programs like Golden Swans and Bollyrobics. They have skilled training once a month. It also organises talks at gurdwaras in Petaling Jaya, Shah Alam and Pulapol to reach the masses and the man on the street.
Talks and Workshops
Talks and seminars are conducted from time to time, to educate and disseminate information. Speakers are experts in their field and are sourced either independently or from the community.
Health matters are important, as women generally will think of everyone else except herself. They are the catalyst in enriching and building happy and dynamic families ready to face external challenges through the nourishment of holistic development programs.
The health talks have been on diverse areas namely hypertension, stroke, breast cancer, dealing with menopause, exercising and staying fit, healthy living and ageing gracefully. Health Camps have been conducted in many areas to create awareness on the importance of regular check-ups.
Parenting topics touched on bonding, nutrition, child raising and domestic violence. On skills enhancement, appealing topics and lively workshops were held on floral arrangement, versatile saree tying, fine dining etiquette, dupatta tying, computer classes and public speaking.
Hands-on cooking and baking sessions are a favourite among the women folk especially on preparing vegetarian, traditional and healthy food. Both male and female chefs have made their presence felt. Motivational, self-empowerment and self-defense talks have been well received. Also sessions on will writing and crime prevention.
Local trips are organised occasionally and they are self-funded where they are paid by participants. They provide women with the opportunity to connect and among others, discuss common challenges and resolutions.
In the next two months, SWAN plans to conduct First Aid and CPR workshops. Satwant is concerned about the lack of awareness and knowledge on these crucial areas. Once, they are aware, they can help others in need.
Legal and Medical Aid
A recent project embarked this year by SWAN is the formation of the Legal Aid group to provide free legal services. Their panel of volunteer lawyers have been assisting women from India who faced immigration issues, also women who have abusive relationship. A trained group is actively involved in providing counselling service to those needing them.
The SWAN Centre has certain medical facilities namely an adjustable medical bed and various type of walkers for loan, for those requiring them. Doctors also provide medical service.
Golden Girls at their workout – PHOTO / SUPPLIED
Golden Swans and Bollyrobics
On Thursdays, Mrs Jagjit Kaur conducts a two-hourly morning program with the Golden SWAN Girls in their 60’s and 70’s. They do prayers, workouts and share health remedies together. The purpose is to provide an engaging platform for older women to come out, socialize, exercise and learn.
Every Fridays, Sunita would lead a group of energetic women on bollyrobics steps and movements for a good two hours of cardiovascular workout. Over time, these talented ladies have stepped up and perform at family and friends’ Sangeet and wedding.
Camps
SWAN has conducted various camps which include Family Camps on nurturing family relationships; Sirjana Camps to inculcate religious values in women and Anand Camp which represents an enrichment program for married couples.
Urban Farming
Another project Satwant speaks fondly of is on Urban Farming. It is therapeutic and keeps you in touch with mother nature. Should anything untoward happen in the city, there will be insufficient food for survival, she cautions. Unlike our parents and grandparents times where we had ample land to plant our crop, today’s urban living makes this tradition a challenge.
SWAN has put together three planter boxes at the Centre producing organic and pesticide-free crops. They have since harvested their home grown kangkung and okra. Long beans and four angled beans are on the way. These organic vegetables are harvested weekly, packed in plastics and sold. Again, this project was undertaken to create awareness and encourage women to replicate the same farming activity in their backyard. Seeing and harvesting is believing!
Sew and Earn Project undertaken by SWAN with some 60 women participants nationwide – PHOTO / SUPPLIED
Sew and Earn Project
An entrepreneurship project entitled Jahit and Berdikari or a Sew and Earn course is now underway with 60 women participants. It started in January and will end in November 2016. The participants are based in various locations which includes Sungai Petani, Ipoh, Selangor and Johor. This program is funded by the Socio-Economic Development of the Indian Community (SEDIC).
They are learning various sewing techniques encompassing smocking, quilting and patchwork to enable them to produce bags, dresses, curtains, cushion covers and other saleable items in demand in the market. This involves making items out of recyclable material. This initiative helps single mothers and women in general to earn the extra income by starting their own business. She hopes some successful entrepreneurs will emerge from this project.
Transitioning Women
Single mothers sometimes get a rough ride with the eco system. Here, SWAN has helped some of them to come out of their depression and confined world and raise their self-esteem to stand on their own. Many take comfort that they have an organisation that they belong to without prejudice. It is so joyful and fulfilling to see them flourishing over time!
Women play many roles in society and SWAN programs cater to their healthy development. Being a pillar, they enrich their families and entire community in the process. In connection with this, Satwant would like to humbly reach out and empower more women. She urges them to attend sessions which are of interest to them. SWAN disseminates information and activities on their social media website i.e. Facebook and also Whatsapp group.
Family Carnival
Their next event is the Family Carnival scheduled for this Sunday, 24 July at Bangsar Sports Complex in Kuala Lumpur from 9 am to 4 pm, with a minimal entrance fee of RM10. It aims at bringing the community together. Instead of having separate events to celebrate Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, they are consolidated for the family as a whole.
Among the activities planned include cultural performances and vocal sessions by our local talent, bhangrarobics by Susheel Kaur – an instructor from Sweden, food stalls, jumble sale, fun games and lucky draws. Stalls will be selling turmeric products, cookies, Pakistani clothings, fabrics, kurti tops, office wear and ceramics. SWAN is also compiling a booklet on health remedies and recipes from their various sharing sessions, at the Carnival.
Satwant encourages the community to come for this family bonding time together. There is something exciting, for every member, she says.
[ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs in Southeast Asia and surrounding countries. We have a Facebook page, do give it a LIKE. Follow us on Twitter. Visit our website: www.asiasamachar.com]
| Letter | Malaysia | 18 July 2016 | Asia Samachar |
Budh Singh featured in one of reports in Straits Times (24 Feb 1949). Budh was the second president of the political party MIC, then known as Malayan Indian Congress, between August 1947 and November 1950. He died in India in 1958.
Dear Sir,
I am most pleased to inform the Asia Samachar that the Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC) plans to celebrate the 70th year anniversary of its founding, and wishes to honour all the past Presidents of MIC.
As for the Presidents who have passed on, the MIC plans to honour the next of kin or any other surviving member of the respective families at the event. The MIC wishes, therefore, to have their addresses including e-mail and home addresses as well as mobile / landline numbers in order to contact them easily.
We are having difficulties to trace the family of Sardar Budh Singh, a former railway clerk who became the second President of the Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC) during the period 1947-1950. He left Malaya to settle down in Punjab, and passed away not long thereafter. I understand from one source that his daughter-in-law is residing in Canada, but I cannot verify this.
I wonder if you could kindly help trace the family members of Budh Singh. One of the ways of doing this might be for you to kindly post a notice on your website, seeking information.
Thanking you very much in eager anticipation of a positive response from your side.
Yours sincerely,
Prabhakaran S. Nair
Research Officer
Dewan Negara (Senate)
Malaysian Parliament
Jalan Parlimen
50680 Kuala Lumpur
[ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs in Southeast Asia and surrounding countries. We have a Facebook page, do give it a LIKE. Follow us on Twitter. Visit our website: www.asiasamachar.com]
| Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | 18 July 2016 | Asia Samachar |
Action on Match Day 1 of Akaal Premier League (APL) 2016 – PHOTO / ASIA SAMACHAR
The second season Akaal Premier League (APL) kicked-off in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday with the two top teams from last year – Rawang Akaal Warriors and Pulapol Eagles — maintaining an unbeaten run after two matches.
The football tournament for Sikh youth under 12, with an allowance of two players under 14, saw 29 goals scored and three yellow cards on day one, after the nine teams making up the league played two matches each.
Klang Rangers and Kampung Pandan Lions also retained an unbeaten streak at the close of the Match Day 1 on 17 July at the Akaal Arena, the futsal field at Gurdwara Sahib Jalan Kg Pandan, Kuala Lumpur.
After its successful stint in December 2015, three additional teams are stepping forward for the challenge. They are the Seremban Lions, Selayang Sardars and Klang Rangers.
The original six — Pulapol Eagles, Rawang Akaal Warriors, Pandan Village Lions, Beruntung Hills Twin Lions, Iron River Kings and Titiwangsa Panthers — will continue with their campaigns from where they left off last year.
MORE REPORTS, MORE PHOTOS, MORE ACTION TO COME
Match Day 1 of Akaal Premier League (APL) 2016 – PHOTO / ASIA SAMACHARTOP SCORERS: Match Day 1 of Akaal Premier League (APL) 2016 – PHOTO / ASIA SAMACHAR
[ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs in Southeast Asia and surrounding countries. We have a Facebook page, do give it a LIKE! Visit our website: www.asiasamachar.com]
Cortege timing: Cortege leaves their residence at No 45 Jalan Semangat 25/8, Taman Sri Muda 40400 Shah Alam at 1.30pm to Nirwana Memorial Services Shah Alam (Section 21) on 19/7/16 (Tues).
Saskar/Cremation: 2.00pm, 19/7/16 (Tues) at Nirwana Memorial Services Shah Alam
Path Da Blog: 31/7/16 (Sun), 9.30am-12noon at Gurdwara Sahib Guru Nanak Shah Alam
[ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs in Southeast Asia and surrounding countries. We have a Facebook page, do give it a LIKE. Follow us on Twitter. Visit our website: www.asiasamachar.com]
| Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | 18 July 2016 | Asia Samachar |
Amarjeet Singh: EY Malaysia Tax practice leader – PHOTO / SUPPLIED
EY has appointed Amarjeet Singh as its Malaysia Tax practice leader, effective 1 July 2016.
In this role, Amarjeet will lead a team of more than 400 tax professionals in Malaysia who provide tax services to a broad range of clients across all principal industry sectors and market segments in Malaysia, the firm said in a statement.
Amarjeet, who has more than 18 years of professional experience in the field of taxation, is also a founder member of the Malaysian-based Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Academy (SGGS Academy).
Amarjeet, whose field of expertise include tax structuring, incentives, group reorganisations and IPOs, has been involved in some of the country’s largest mergers and group re-organizations including investment structuring for public utilities, plantations, property, automotive, leisure and tourism groups.
A regular speaker in tax seminars and conferences, Amarjeet is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, UK; and a member of the Chartered Tax Institute of Malaysia (CTIM) and the International Fiscal Association. He is also a licensed Tax Agent and GST Agent with the Ministry of Finance.
“Amarjeet brings a wealth of experience in tax and this is an area where we expect to see significant growth. With businesses’ tax strategies under greater scrutiny all over the world, Amarjeet will help our clients develop and execute business strategies quickly and effectively, with strong accountability and governance,” said EY Malaysia Managing Partner Abdul Rauf Rashid in the same statement.
On his part, Amarjeet says: “This is an exciting opportunity for me to lead a dynamic business. An uncertain global economic outlook and increasing tax regulatory and business risks are fuelling demand for greater accountability and transparency. I want to ensure that EY is best placed to help support our clients as they seek to manage their tax compliance and reporting obligations responsibly and proactively for business success.”
[ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs in Southeast Asia and surrounding countries. We have a Facebook page, do give it a LIKE. Follow us on Twitter. Visit our website: www.asiasamachar.com]
| Puchong, Malaysia | 16 July 2016 | Asia Samachar |
SELANGOR FOR SIKHS: MP Gobind Singh (third from left) chairing a press conference flanked by (L-R) Malaysian Gurdwaras Council President Jagir Singh, SNSM Jathedar Pavandeep Singh and Selangor state exco member V Ganabatirau – PHOTO / ASIA SAMACHAR
Good news for the Sikh campsite at Kuala Kubu Bharu (KKB) and gurdwaras in the state of Selangor.
The Selangor state government gave RM200,000 to 18 gurdwaras for their upkeep and rehabilitation, the second consecutive year for such funding.
At the same time, Selangor has also approved to drastically slash the RM1.9 million land conversion premium levied on Sikh Naujawan Sabha Malaysia’s (SNSM) campsite in KKB called the Khalsa Land.
“Here’s an example of where the state government sat down, listened to us and understood why we need this piece of land…This is a celebration for all Sikhs, not just in Selangor,” Puchong Member of Parliament (MP) Gobind Singh Deo told a press conference in Puchong today.
Also present was Selangor state exco member V Ganabatirau, who chairs the state permanent committee for poverty, caring government and estate workers. He sits in the Selangor exco headed by Menteri Besar Mohamed Azmin Ali.
In 2015, The Selangor state government allocated RM130,000 to nine gurdwaras and one Sikh association.
The 16 gurdwaras that received their cheques today were from Ampang, Kalumpang, Serdang, Sunway, Batang Berjuntai, Klang, Rawang, Port Klang, Rasa, Bukit Beruntung, Selayang Baru, Putra Heights, Kajang, Petaling Jaya, Setia City and Shah Alam.
Gobind said he would also discuss with the Selangor state government on an annual funding for Sikhs in the state.
On the Khalsa Land approval, Gobind said the move comes after an approval from the Selangor state exco, for which he thanked Ganabatirau for his ‘personal attention’ to the matter.
Now, SNSM would only have to pay RM1,000 each for the four plots of land, and another RM192,650 for statutory requirement for drainage and related matters.
On the future development at the camp site, he said: “We are not looking at the next year or two, but the next 10 or 20 years. I think, we as Sikhs, have to start appreciating the fact that we are growing in numbers.
“If we can have an institute of learning, that bring our people together, and enrich them in terms of our cultural and religious history, that is something that all of us should work towards, and should support,” said Gobind.
SNSM, an organisation set up in early 1960s and officially registered in 1967, bought a 22 acres piece of land in KKB, about 80km from the Kuala Lumpur city centre in 2002 for RM1.7 million.
In 2010, the Selangor state approved the conversion of the land status from an agricultre to commercial, though they applied for institutional use.
A levy of RM1.9 million was charged for the move. A team from SNSM has been at work since then to obtain a waiver, which would allow the organisation to use its funding towards developing the camp site.
SELANGOR GURDWARAS: MP Gobind Singh and Selangor state ecxo member V Ganabatirau with representatives from gurdwaras in Selangor – PHOTO / ASIA SAMACHAR
[ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs / Punjabis in Asia. How to reach us: Facebook message or WhatsApp +6017-335-1399. Our email: editor@asiasamachar.com. For obituary announcements, click here]
Pope Francis gestures during an audience with the heads of women’s religious orders in Paul VI hall at the Vatican May 12. During a question-and-answer session with members of the International Union of Superiors General, the pope indicated his willingness to establish a commission to study whether women could serve as deacons. (CNS photo/Paul Haring)
By I.J. Singh
Ever notice that, in most conversations, some people talk about people, others talk of things and a very few talk of ideas.
May 13, 2016: The New York Times carried a brazen headline: “Francis Panel Will Study If Women Can Be Deacons.”
Francis, of course, is the current Pope of the Roman Catholic Church, a religion 2,000 years old, with the largest number of adherents in the whole wide world.
If I were a Christian I would surely be gratified; as a Sikh I am somewhat amused and bemused, but way beyond being shocked or furious.
The Church has an enviable tradition of thinkers and philosophers ranging from the likes of Saint Thomas of Assisi and Saint Augustine, to modern scholars like Paul Tillich and Teilard de Chardin; also a slew of women saints along with a bureaucracy with a long-standing system of governance. Imagine that with such a rich past, the leadership and a people still debating the place and rights of women within their own religious environs in the 21st century.
Movement on women’s rights has been slow even in progressive societies. In the United States they got the right to vote only in 1920, a good 150 years after the birth of this nation. Until as recently as the 1970’s women and non-Whites were not easily admitted into many professional programs of study. Even today the idea of a woman as the nation’s president does not sit well with many. If she achieves nothing else, Hillary Clinton is assured of a place in history as the first woman to be nominated by a major political party for the office of the President of the United States in 2016.
Such regressive attitudes are not as rare as they should be. There is comfort in traditions but what exactly is tradition? It is an idea that has, over time, worked into the marrow of our bones; that then becomes tradition. Tradition holds us because it carries and conveys an overwhelming sense of touching history. For most of us history acquires life only through traditions. Also keep in mind that the longer a traditional idea has been around the harder it becomes to change or dislodge it. Such is human nature and it is not surprising.
Inherently, we don’t want to tinker with something that works. Why fix something that ain’t broken, asks an old adage. Such thinking gives us strength and creates stability and unity, but it can also become a fundamental weakness.
We need to upend and overhaul all our systems periodically, whether in science, religion, education, business or socio-political life. Even in the best made machines, parts tend to rust; non-moving parts more severely and faster. Our perspective increasingly suffers from Newtonian Inertia coupled with the Second Law of Thermodynamics that promises the pervasive presence of entropy in all systems; the result is time-related increase in systemic disorder.
In the battle of ideas old and new three possible fates come to mind:
A new idea may ignite a fire – spur a revolution that inspires a new reality. But major changeover heralds dramatic, traumatic, even violent ends as it upends the existing order. Remember that inertia is the default position of the human mind, not revolution. The Soviet, Chinese and Cuban revolutions, among many others, bring that axiom home to us. And with time, all revolutions slide into a comfortable existence and further changes to the existing order are strongly resisted, be it gender, racial or socio-economic issues. That’s what inertia and entropy do for us.
Sometimes new realities demand changes but a process not by sudden revolution; it needs to be a gradual evolution. Like Darwinian biological evolution of the species it occurs over generations, sometimes eons, never overnight. The process is so gradual that we can deny it ever occured; and many respectably honest minds continue to do so. Just look at the current inflammatory rhetoric over evolution where the naysayers are holding all reason captive. Similar logic or lack thereof, prevails in the matter of climate change. It becomes easier to deny the evidence, presumably to preserve social order or personal stability. But ultimately suppression of ideas promotes disorder, inevitable chaos and errors in policy.
The third alternative – how to kill an idea — should be the most disturbing but it is the most powerful and heart-rending of the three. At times we can’t easily deny the evidence, but in the suffocating embrace of our built-in inertia, we cannot comfortably accept it. It then becomes honorable; even honest, to refer the matter to a Committee for study and recommendation. The more connected and credentialed the committee members, the better. It shows that we are searching for a considered, intelligent, informed decision not a hurried conclusion that might upend the existing social order. Such logic is often a soporific, a bromide more powerful than any while we keep pretending that we are working on a super-difficult problem but remain hopeful. As someone quipped “a camel is a horse designed by a committee.”
That’s how I look at the dilemma facing Pope Francis. Now, 2000 years after this problem on the role of women in the Church raised its ugly head, the Pope has referred the matter to a Committee. If human nature and history are any guides it may take a few generations. By then, time will have caught up with the realities and society might have already done or undone the committee’s mandate. Surely, we would all be dead by then.
My purpose is not to highlight the tactics and oddities of the Roman Catholic Church. I look at it today because this is the universal human condition. So let me, by one single simple stroke, connect you with our (Sikh) ways that are not at all different and remain equally wooly-headed.
We Sikhs all know the lines from our scripture, the Guru Granth Sahib, that categorically reject a second class place of women found in traditional society, irrespective of the religious label. In this matter, I’ll not dwell on the sorry record of Hinduism and Islam, and the many other Indic religions. I’ll also spare you the customary citations from the Guru Granth Sahib that argue for an equal place for women; they are too well known.
In a nutshell, let me just say that Sikhism promises an equal place to women but Sikhs have not yet delivered on that promise.
Even though many such examples exist, I rest my case today on an absolutely exact parallel in Sikhi to the dilemma facing Pope Francis.
The premier gurduara in India, the Amritsar-based Harmander Sahib (The Golden Temple) has never allowed women to sing the liturgy at that site. In the 1970’s, a one-time exception was made, a trio of Sikh American women were permitted to perform. But that has been the only occasion.
Some years ago, in a most progressive step, for the first time, the major body (Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, or SGPC) that manages historical Sikh places of worship in Punjab (India) and impacts gurduara management across the world appointed a woman (Jagir Kaur) as its President. Wonderful, wouldn’t you say? We thought regressive bans on women in the gurduara would soon become history.
Unfortunately her career ended under a cloud.
The petition to allow Sikh women to sing Sikh liturgy at the Harmander Sahib at Amritsar was then passed on to her male successor in office, Avtar Singh Makkar. He took the matter under advisement and referred it to a committee. Who were the members of the committee and how they were selected was never made public, nor was any deadline date for a recommendation. That was over a decade ago. A recommendation or report was never issued; the promise of one very soon is oft-repeated.
What a perfectly exact parallel to the paradox that Pope Francis faces today. I guess we are in good company.
I know time runs slowly in India but this, I submit, is the slow death of an idea by torture….
I.J. Singh is a New York based writer and speaker on Sikhism in the Diaspora, and a Professor of Anatomy. Email: ijsingh99@gmail.com.
[ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs in Southeast Asia and surrounding countries. We have a Facebook page, do give it a LIKE. Follow us on Twitter. Visit our website: www.asiasamachar.com]
