http://www.sikhfoundation.org/2009/sikh-punjabi-language-studies/reshaping-ivory-towers-into-towers-of-learninga-lay-perspective-by-dr.-i.j.-singh/ a non-profit and non-political charitable organization which strives to promote the heritage and future of Sikhism. Fri, 03 Feb 2012 01:20:47 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.4 http://www.sikhfoundation.org/2009/sikh-punjabi-language-studies/reshaping-ivory-towers-into-towers-of-learninga-lay-perspective-by-dr.-i.j.-singh/comment-page-1/#comment-76 nirmal s. nilvi Wed, 16 Dec 2009 05:43:25 +0000 http://sikhfoundation.org/?p=4087#comment-76 Regardless of what we often like to project, Sikhism is still in its infancy in many ways and in many areas. May it be our understanding of historic background, development of traditions (worship, Sikh thought), interpretation of AGGS (context of each Shadb, Ragas, historic references, religious context), Sikh way of life, spread of education, professional development, transition from rural to urban life......... Living in the western culture, our research appears to be in infancy as well. The areas for research are many, need is acute and the availability of mature scholars is limited. Current focus of our research is more "pure" than "applied". In my opinion we need more applied research to benefit in resolving existing problems. Also education in our community is still young and basic (perhaps primitive). Applied research should be in selected areas where the benefits are most needed. Sikhs as a group are going through tremendous cultural and identity upheaval. How we cope with the changes, where we are prone to make life style adjustments, its impact on traditional way of our existence (cultural and Sikh way)for the last 500 years in a relatively small geographic area. Our scholars have to be truthful to their work just like Christian scholars of post Dark Ages of Europe who often had to hide, seek friendly safe havens to continue their work and eventually bring change to the status qou. Sikhism have to make structural changes in my opinion to survive and then flourish. We need to consider setting up privately run independent think tank to support the work. Money is available but we have not developed well thought out plan and the benefits of such work to to the community to convince the donors. It is not easy but is doable. I had some communication with Dr Kapany one time with the idea of setting up a chair one time but backed off due to my personal preference for applied work. Just few thoughts for your consideration. Thanks. Regardless of what we often like to project, Sikhism is still in its infancy in many ways and in many areas. May it be our understanding of historic background, development of traditions (worship, Sikh thought), interpretation of AGGS (context of each Shadb, Ragas, historic references, religious context), Sikh way of life, spread of education, professional development, transition from rural to urban life……… Living in the western culture, our research appears to be in infancy as well. The areas for research are many, need is acute and the availability of mature scholars is limited. Current focus of our research is more “pure” than “applied”. In my opinion we need more applied research to benefit in resolving existing problems. Also education in our community is still young and basic (perhaps primitive). Applied research should be in selected areas where the benefits are most needed. Sikhs as a group are going through tremendous cultural and identity upheaval. How we cope with the changes, where we are prone to make life style adjustments, its impact on traditional way of our existence (cultural and Sikh way)for the last 500 years in a relatively small geographic area. Our scholars have to be truthful to their work just like Christian scholars of post Dark Ages of Europe who often had to hide, seek friendly safe havens to continue their work and eventually bring change to the status qou. Sikhism have to make structural changes in my opinion to survive and then flourish. We need to consider setting up privately run independent think tank to support the work. Money is available but we have not developed well thought out plan and the benefits of such work to to the community to convince the donors. It is not easy but is doable. I had some communication with Dr Kapany one time with the idea of setting up a chair one time but backed off due to my personal preference for applied work. Just few thoughts for your consideration. Thanks.

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