From Vaisakhi 1699 to Today: The Struggle to Uphold Sikh Religious Symbols
On Vaisakhi in 1699, the tenth Sikh Guru, Gobind Singh Ji, founded the Sikh religion and mandated the five K's for Sikhs: Kesh, Kangha, Kachhara, Kara, and Kirpan. However, not all Sikhs can wear the Kirpan; it is essential to undergo Amrit Paan first, and once a Sikh has taken Amrit Paan, they must keep the Kirpan with them at all times. Unfortunately, even after centuries, Sikhs have struggled to communicate this to others. Historically, Sikhs faced no issues wearing the Kirpan during the Mughal era or the 100 years of British rule, as the British never demanded Amritdhari Sikhs to remove it. After India's independence in 1947, the constitution allowed Sikhs to wear religious symbols, including the Kirpan, under Article 25. Yet, since independence, Sikhs have faced significant challenges in wearing their religious symbols in their own country. It is widely known that Sikhs wore these symbols even in battlefields and are permitted to enter the Parliament with them. However, Sikh children often face obstacles when entering examination centers with symbols like Kada and Kirpan. Sometimes they receive permission after a struggle, but other times they must engage in lengthy legal battles. A recent incident involved a Gursikh girl who was stopped during a law exam in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. Despite her pleas, the duty officers insisted that entry with Kada and Kirpan was prohibited.
Previously, a similar situation arose where the Delhi Sikh Gurudwara Management Committee engaged in a legal battle and succeeded in having the examination conducted again by court order. This time, the committee's general secretary, Jagdeep Singh Kahlo, has stated that they will ensure this girl's examination is conducted with legal assistance. He emphasized that Amritdhari children must take legal exams to achieve high positions and address community issues in the future. Social worker Gurmeet Singh Bedi considers this a serious concern. He mentioned that while the government is working to commemorate the 350th martyrdom day of Guru Teg Bahadur ji at the state level, it should also ensure that Amritdhari children do not encounter such issues in the future, and instructions should be issued to all relevant departments.
Demand raised to change the name of Old Delhi Railway Station
In light of the 350th anniversary of Guru Teg Bahadur Ji's martyrdom, Kulbir Singh, a former Punjab and Sindh Bank official, along with the Vikaspuri Gurudwara Sahib Committee, has sent a letter to the Prime Minister requesting that the Old Delhi Railway Station be renamed after Guru Teg Bahadur Ji. They argue that Guru Teg Bahadur Ji and his followers Bhai Matidas, Bhai Satidas, and Bhai Dayala Ji were executed at Chandni Chowk by order of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, and since the station is located in the same area, it should bear Guru Ji's name. Meanwhile, Trilok Singh Nishad, head of the Bihar Sikh Federation, has called for the Red Fort, from where Aurangzeb issued the order for Guru Teg Bahadur Ji's execution, to be renamed in his honor. Sukhminderpal Singh Grewal, a social worker and BJP leader from Punjab, suggests that naming stations or roads after Guru Sahib will not benefit the community. Instead, he proposes that the government establish a new university, medical college, or law college named after Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, where Sikh children can gain admission based on merit, thereby fostering education and enhancing the prestige of both the country and the Sikh community.
He said that it is our good fortune that at present there is a government in the country which works in the interest of Sikhs. Whatever proposal the Sikh community will put forward before it is expected to be fulfilled. Till date, children have been taught the history of the oppressive Mughal emperors, but on the initiative of the Modi government, now in schools and colleges, instead of the oppressors, the history of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, the protector of humanity, who ended oppression, will be taught.
The entire community is proud of Granthi Singh's daughters
Bikkar Singh, who works as a Granthi in a Gurudwara in a small village in Bathinda, is feeling proud of his daughters today because his three daughters have achieved something that no one would have guessed. Bikkar Singh, who lived a very poor life, used to work as a Granthi in Gurudwara Sahib earlier, but due to the very low salary, he started serving outside. His wife also used to support her husband financially by working in the fields. Both of them did not let their daughters' education suffer, as a result of which today their three daughters defeated poverty and passed the UGC-NET examination, making not only their parents but the entire Sikh community proud. The three sisters Rimpy Kaur, Banta Kaur and Hardeep Kaur are looking for a job as Assistant Professor after getting success in different subjects in the UGC-NET examination conducted by the National Testing Agency. This is a lesson for those who kill girls in the womb before they come into this world. They should understand that in today's time girls are in no way less than boys and along with this the people of the Sikh community should understand that if the children of Granthi Sevadars are also given a chance to study, they can occupy high positions and bring glory to the community. The people of the Sikh community will spend lakhs and crores of rupees in the name of show-off in the programs held in their homes but hesitate completely when giving money to the Granthi Sevadars who come from Gurudwara Sahib, they should think about this and the Granthi Sevadars should be given their due rights so that they can also provide higher education to their children.
Salute to the thinking of Angad Singh of America
Angad Singh, a high school senior in the United States, has been awarded the title of 2025 US National Speech and Debate Champion in the esteemed Original Oratory category. His 10-minute presentation, 'Living on a Prayer,' not only impressed the judges but also attracted national media attention. Angad's victory reflects months of dedication, including writing, editing, and practice, but more importantly, his skill in deeply engaging with the audience. His speech emphasized the power of prayer both individually and collectively, encouraging the audience to blend faith with tangible actions. His words influenced not just the speech and debate community but also people nationwide. His message, centered on unity, perseverance, and meaningful faith, created an impact that extended beyond the competition venue and resonated with the broader human spirit. Angad Singh believes that Ardaas helps unite everyone, and therefore, every Sikh should perform Ardaas.