Activism in Sikhi
We have become more aware of social issues in ਪੰਜਾਬ (Punjab; region in South Asia) through the implementation of social media, especially during and after the farmers’ protest. I attended webinars and monitored the news to stay up-to-date on the latest events. I had in-depth discussions with the Sangat around me to deepen my understanding of the situation in ਪੰਜਾਬ (Punjab; region in South Asia) and was excited to hear about the strength of the ਖਾਲਸਾ ਪੰਥ (Khalsa Panth; order of initiated Sikhs who publicly vow to take Guru Granth Sahib Ji as their center and Guru Gobind Singh Ji as their father). Watching the events unfold, I was deeply moved by the strength and ਜੋਸ਼ (Josh; energy) of these activists. Through their unyielding demonstrations, the “farmers’ protest” generated attention and support and agitated against the status quo. They refused to accept regressive governmental policies, and their work inspired people worldwide to join them, making it the largest labor strike in human history.
What Is Activism?
Activism is defined as “the policy or action of using vigorous campaigning to bring about political or social change.” Often when we think of activism, we think about activism for movements like BLM (Black Lives Matter) or LGBTQIA+ (forms of sexual orientation or gender identity including lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex, asexual, and more) or climate justice. Though these movements are influential, they are not the only matters in which to participate in activism. Activism can be done for a broad variety of causes and is meaningful at both large and small scales. Simple actions such as volunteering at your local food bank can create a substantial impact on those in the community.
Sikh Activism
In our unique Sikh experience, our Gurus have set forth disciplines and teachings where our entire way of life is that of an activist. In Raag Aasa, Guru Arjun Dev Ji reveals (Ank 400):
ਬਲਿਹਾਰੀ ਗੁਰ ਆਪਣੇ ਸਦ ਸਦ ਬਲਿ ਜਾਉ ॥
balihaaree gur aapane sadh sadh bal jaau ||
(ਹੇ ਭਾਈ!) ਮੈਂ ਆਪਣੇ ਗੁਰੂ ਤੋਂ ਕੁਰਬਾਨ ਜਾਂਦਾ ਹਾਂ, ਸਦਾ ਹੀ ਸਦਕੇ ਜਾਂਦਾ ਹਾਂ।
I am forever a sacrifice to the Guru.
ਗੁਰੂ ਵਿਟਹੁ ਹਉ ਵਾਰਿਆ ਜਿਸੁ ਮਿਲਿ ਸਚੁ ਸੁਆਉ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
guroo viTahu hau vaariaa jis mil sach suaau ||1|| rahaau ||
ਮੈਂ ਗੁਰੂ ਤੋਂ ਵਾਰਨੇ ਜਾਂਦਾ ਹਾਂ, ਕਿਉਂਕਿ ਉਸ (ਗੁਰੂ) ਨੂੰ ਮਿਲ ਕੇ ਹੀ ਮੈਂ ਸਦਾ-ਥਿਰ ਪ੍ਰਭੂ ਦਾ ਨਾਮ ਸਿਮਰਨਾ (ਆਪਣੀ ਜ਼ਿੰਦਗੀ ਦਾ) ਮਨੋਰਥ ਬਣਾਇਆ ਹੈ ।੧।ਰਹਾਉ।
I am a sacrifice to the Guru; in meeting the Guru, I am absorbed into the Divine.
A Sikh is meant to spend each and every moment of the day in remembrance of the Divine and in sacrifice to the Guru. In doing so, each breath taken, each action taken, by a Sikh, is meant to bring about social or political change. Whether this is to bring an end to the caste and class distinctions of society, to realize the presence of the Divine in each and every person, or to liberate our minds and recognize our sovereignty in the face of the oppression caused by the 5 ਵਿਕਾਰਾਂ (vikara(n); vices) of humanity – ਕਾਮ, ਕ੍ਰੋਧ, ਲੋਭ, ਮੋਹ, ਅੰਕਾਰ (Kam, Krodh, Lobh, Moh, Ankar; lust, anger, greed, attachment, pride), a Sikh is meant to be an activist incarnate.
Our ability to become immersed in activism is directly linked to our understanding and internalization of ਨਾਮ (Naam; remembrance of Vaaheguru’s name).
ਪੁੰਨ ਦਾਨ ਜਪ ਤਪ ਜੇਤੇ ਸਭ ਊਪਰਿ ਨਾਮੁ ॥
pu(n)n dhaan jap tap jete sabh uoopar naam ||
(ਹੇ ਭਾਈ! ਮਿਥੇ ਹੋਏ) ਨੇਕ ਕਰਮ, ਦਾਨ, ਜਪ ਤੇ ਤਪ—ਇਹ ਜਿਤਨੇ ਭੀ ਹਨ ਪਰਮਾਤਮਾ ਦਾ ਨਾਮ ਜਪਣਾ ਇਹਨਾਂ ਸਭਨਾਂ ਤੋਂ ਸ੍ਰੇਸ਼ਟ ਕਰਮ ਹੈ।
Gifts to charity, reflection, and strict discipline – above all these things is the remembrance of Naam.
ਹਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਰਸਨਾ ਜੋ ਜਪੈ ਤਿਸੁ ਪੂਰਨ ਕਾਮੁ ॥੩॥
har har rasanaa jo japai tis pooran kaam ||3||
ਜੇਹੜਾ ਮਨੁੱਖ ਆਪਣੀ ਜੀਭ ਨਾਲ ਪਰਮਾਤਮਾ ਦਾ ਨਾਮ ਜਪਦਾ ਹੈ ਉਸ ਦਾ ਜੀਵਨ-ਮਨੋਰਥ ਸਫਲ ਹੋ ਜਾਂਦਾ ਹੈ ।੩।
One who chants the Name of the Divine with their tongue – their actions become perfect. ||3||
In these lines, Guru Ji highlights the purity of Naam. It is only through Naam that our activist work has purpose and meaning. By remembering the Divine, each action we take is done in the service of the Guru instead of our egos, making the action “perfect.”
This perfect state is our goal, but even our imperfect selves can bring about change and goodness. Many of us are still working towards a true connection with the Divine, and activist work can give us tangible ways to help further this relationship. When we fight for human rights, negotiate for justice, or serve the needs of others, these actions have the potential to remind us of our interconnectedness and the inherent unity of creation. In many ways, our journey with advocacy and activism is a means to work towards the goal of ਆਪਣਾ ਮੂਲੁ ਪਛਾਣੁ (Aapanaa Mool Pachhaan; realizing one’s origin)
The History of Activism in Sikhi
Activism in Sikhi is not a new phenomenon – it has been around since the times of Guru Nanak Sahib Ji. Guru Ji fought hard for equal rights for all people, advocated against the caste system, worked for economic equity, and defended religious sovereignty. When Guru Nanak Sahib Ji visited Saidpur, Guru Ji chose to stay with the lower caste and honest Bhai Lalo instead of Malik Bhago who used oppressive business tactics. Through this simple action, Guru Ji participated in a small-scale version of activism – fighting for the equality of all. Guru Amardas Ji led a campaign against sati – a practice in which a widow would jump into the fire at her husband’s funeral – as a form of advocacy. Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji empowered Sikhs across the community to protect the rights of the oppressed. Under ਮੀਰੀ (Miri; temporal commitment) and ਪੀਰੀ (Piri; spiritual commitment), Guru Ji inspired many Sikhs to take initiative to raise arms against any injustice. Guru Gobind Singh Ji continued these forms of activism during his lifetime. He initiated Sikhs into a family whose absolute commitment is to serve the Guru, making him the father of the Khalsa Panth. After the ਗੁਰਗਦੀ (Gurgadi; installment of the Guru) of Guru Granth Sahib Ji in 1708, the Khalsa Panth continued the customs of activism, following the examples set by the Gurus before them. It is well known throughout Sikh history that many have given up their lives for those without a voice.
Even in “recent” Sikh history, there have been displays of Sikh activism. During the partition of the Indian subcontinent, the state of Punjab was split across two countries – India and Pakistan. The Indian government added an official language to each state, but made Punjab’s language Hindi, despite the overwhelming Punjabi majority. In response, the Punjabi Suba Movement began. Sikhs led protests, pressuring the government to take notice of the issue. Because of the strength, courage, and passion of the Khalsa Panth, this movement was partially successful in convincing the government to make part of Punjab a Punjabi-speaking region.
Following the Anandpur Sahib Resolution, a document by the Sikhs that proclaimed their sovereignty, the Indian government viciously attacked Harmandir Sahib in June 1984. Over ten days, in a violent, anti-Sikh campaign called Operation Blue Star, Indra Gandhi’s military relentlessly assaulted Darbar Sahib, the Akal Takht, and many other Gurdwaras throughout Punjab. Baba Jarnail Singh participated in a form of activism when he gathered 100 Sikhs and held off the Indian army, resulting in their Shaheedi. These brave Sikhs faced the injustice of a tyrannical government but their sacrifice inspired Sikhs across the globe to reconnect with their roots, receive Amrit and continue the cause to speak out against injustices.
The Indian government continues to restrict the rights of the Sikhs by making elections unfair. By spreading anti-Sikh propaganda, the government turned many Punjabi Hindus against the Sikhs. By convincing many to oppose the policies and leaders the Sikhs wanted, the Indian government secured a strong hold on Punjab. Sikhs’ votes no longer mattered because the winner of each election was guaranteed. This led to the Sikh Voting Boycott, where Sikhs demonstrated to the world the injustices that occurred in India. Jaswant Singh Khalra was another influential Sikh activist in recent times. Many Sikhs (mostly young Sikh boys) disappeared in Punjab, and no one knew if they were alive or dead. Jaswant Singh Khalra took it into his own hands to solve these cases. At different cremation centers, he counted the amount of wood used on specific days and looked through the records they provided. He was able to demonstrate the many lies of government authorities and reported the horrific findings to the world. He was later killed for his work, but his bravery in the face of such a threat has left a legacy of demonstrating the true potential of Sikh activism.
This brings us to the Farmer’s Protest that many of us are familiar with. In 2020, the Indian government and Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, proposed 3 laws that made it easier for large corporations to take over the farming business. The Punjab economy is dependent on small-scale subsistence farming and these laws would have resulted in further economic depression. This attempt to destroy the spirit of the farmers of Punjab was met with global uproar, with sympathizers from all over Punjab and beyond marching to Delhi to protest these intolerable actions. Worldwide, others were educated about this issue and lent support by expanding visibility, providing finances, and even participating in the protests. The efforts and determination of the Farmer’s Protest led to the repeal of these disastrous laws.
A current issue in Punjab is the Water Crisis. Over many decades, the Indian government has tried to deprive Punjab of its valuable resource – water. Punjab’s land, once fertile, is slowly losing its vitality, and the situation is now becoming critical. The SYL canal, which, once finished, will direct the rest of Punjab’s water to other states, is 85% complete. Activism and protests have raged throughout Punjab, and are continuing.
My Story
The history of activism in Sikhi has inspired me to take initiative in my community and contribute where I can. I feel passionate about climate justice. Vaaheguru’s vast creation is priceless and the continued decimation of this beautiful gift is detrimental to those without power. As corporations and other large industries deplete our precious resources, underprivileged individuals face the consequences of their actions. By participating in local protests, writing articles in school, and lobbying legislatures, I have brought a voice to this issue.
In addition, a food insecurity crisis has become prominent in America. Many individuals live below the poverty line, making it impossible for them to feed themselves and their families. For those of us who have never experienced hunger, imagine not having the comfort of knowing when your next meal would be. To bring light to this issue, I have volunteered with many organizations that combat hunger, I hope to contribute towards small changes that can create a positive impact in society. I have volunteered at the Seva Food Truck, a non-profit organization that provides free meals to those in need.
What You Can Do
Being a Sikh activist must start with Gurbani. As stated earlier, activism as a Sikh begins with the Guru.
The next step is to get educated. It is important to gain some understanding of the issue you are passionate about to improve the effectiveness of your work. Moreover, you should set achievable goals for yourself. Know exactly where you want to be in your activist journey at specific times to ensure that you stay involved. Lastly, it is important to get support from the people around you. There is power in numbers, so when becoming an activist, it is important to educate others, and hopefully, they will join the cause to maximize the impact.
There are other specific actions you can take to be an activist in your community. Educating others about an issue, Sikhi-related or not, is one of the best ways to create change. Joining a non-profit is another great way to make a difference. A more direct form of activism is joining/organizing a local protest for any number of issues. You should partake in any form of activism that you are good at. If you are a good writer or speaker or artist, you should use those skills to your advantage. Activism does not always entail stepping out of your comfort zone.
With small actions, collectively, we can work towards greater change. Guru Sahib has given us the greatest gift in Baani. The knowledge and empowerment given to us by Baani gave us tremendous privilege. We must use our privilege, as Sikhs of the Guru, to bring activism and service into our daily life. In such ways, we are reminded of our interconnectedness and our lives begin to have a purpose.
Sources
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/activism
https://www.wikihow.com/Become-an-Activist
https://rubymoon.org.uk/blog/2020/09/20/small-scale-activism-making-a-difference-everyday/
https://madrascourier.com/insight/when-babur-met-guru-nanak/
Journey With The Gurus – Volume 3 (Book)
Lost in History: 1984 Reconstructed (Book)
https://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Anandpur_Sahib_Resolution
https://www.nsyf.org.uk/10-days-of-terror
https://ensaaf.org/jaswant-singh-khalra/
About the Author
Bismaad Kaur
Bismaad Kaur is a high school student in Troy, Michigan. She enjoys baking, Keertan, and spending time with her Sangat. She is passionate about many human rights issues and hopes to continue her journey in Activism in the future.
