July 2003

Sikh Studies Chairs

Let us first identify the needs. Why we need The Sikh Study Chairs. First and foremost is our posterity. You do not need Gallup Pole Study to convince you that our Sikh Youth are absent in Gurdawaras. Why? Their needs are not being addressed there. They need to understand Sikhism in the modern idiom and Western Terminology and in present day-to-day context. Secondly, they need a forum to ask questions and discuss the issue and relevance openly. 
The other necessity is to take the beautiful teachings of Sikhism to the mankind as a whole. As early as 1950s, UNESCO had declared Guru Granth Sahib as a heritage for the entire mankind. What have we done to present Sikh teachings to the rest of the world? 
Historically there is a shinning example of a brilliant teamwork. Max Arthur Macauliffe and Bhai Sahib Kahn Singh of Nabha. Bhai Kahn Singh ji provided the depth and beauty of Sikhism and Macauliffe transformed into the Western idiom. We are still reaping the fruit of that great effort. Even today, Macauliffe’s Six Volume Treatise on Sikhism is a great reference and starting point of any study in Sikhism. It still is the most quoted literary work in English language books on Sikhism. Macauliffe’s set is the most recommend set of books to any youth who wants to start their personal library of books on Sikhism. 
On the other hand, You must have read or heard some criticism of Sikh Studies Chairs. It is but natural, whenever a revolutionary step is taken, some criticism is always expected. Human mind works in grooves and any thing out side the groove is feared and rejected. “The Club Of Rome” assert that it is only a very small percentage that can think futuristically. But it is always worthwhile to look at the criticism because it can contain a genuine concern that could be addressed and watched for. All the criticism leveled against the chairs so far is only on specific activity or writings of some of the incumbents. We have to accept that when you do any unconventional activity, there can be some false starts and as we call it, “Infant Mortalities.” Some of the projects may not have been conceived correctly or may not have been executed expertly. But it certainly does not mean that we should give up a worthy cause.
It was shocking to read an Article Titled, “ A Plethora of Restrictions on The Study of Sikhism in University.” This Article appears in the Jan-Feb. 2003 issue of Punjabi Monthly “Sant Sipahi” a prestigious magazine serving for the last 57 years and published from Amritsar. This article discusses Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar. Perhaps we may have forgotten that this University was established in 1969 celebrating Guru Nanak Dev Jis 500th Birthday Anniversary, in spite of a severe opposition from Arya Samaj sect of Hinduism. The Mission Statement highlighted, “Study and exposition of Guru Nanak Dev Jis life and Teachings.” The Article mentions that in the last two years the number of students seeking admission in these courses has been dwindling to such a dismal level that currently there is NOT A SINGLE STUDENT. If there are no students, where are you going to get the Sikh Scholars?
The state of affairs of current scholarship in India is completing subservient. A laudable effort by Punjabi University is “The Encyclopedia Of Sikhism” in English in Four Volumes. But did you notice that there is no entry on Dya Nand Why?
Western Scholars who have independently studied Sikhism are so impressed that:

• “It is such a modern religion and so scientific. Wonder the world does not know about it.”

• “Sikhs should stop thinking of the Sikhism as one of the religions. Sikhism is THE Religion.”

• “In the coming debate of worlds religions, Sikhism has a lot to say and give to the world.”

Who will undertake these tremendously important responsibilities in the future? Our Bhai Jis and Granthis or semi literate Parcharaks? We have already failed miserably in reaching our youth through them. Most of them have no knowledge of English language and no idea of comparative religion. Let us face it, our generation put all efforts in becoming excellent scientists, engineers, doctors, lawyers, accountants and we succeeded but we left the field of study of Sikhism, its marvelous history, and unparalleled theology to illiterates. Now we are facing assaults from all directions and unable to even defend ourselves. 
In Western World, The Governments or the media whenever they need opinion on any subject, they go to Professors with expertise in that specific area. We are left with no such spokespersons. This vacuum is being handled by some make shift spokespersons, who nudge themselves in front even though they should be ashamed to even call themselves as Sikhs.
In Houston, after Nine Eleven Ms. Tara Dooley, Reporter for Houston Chronicle wanted to do a story on the Sikh Youth and their experiences in growing in this multi cultural environment. We arranged a number of meetings for her with the Sikh Youth, but at the end she asked me “Is there a Professor on Sikhism?” I gave her the reference of Professor Gurinder Singh Mann in University of California, Santa Barbara. When the article appeared, Prof. Mann was profusely quoted and his picture was published. 

After 1984, we had plethora of Sikh Spokespersons all over the country. Where are they now? They all lost their credibility with the media. Name one person who is sought by the media to present Sikh point of view convincingly.

Establishing Sikh Study Chairs is essential. It is preparation for the forthcoming (probably already started) debate and dialogue of all the major religions. Let us work on creating intelligent Sikh Scholars to meaningfully and effectively participate in this world debate and to fill these places (Chairs). At least these prestigious creations are a great incentive for our youth and coming generations to seriously consider this area of pursuit of knowledge rather than high tech and medicines etc.

Secondly, having A Sikh Study Chair in a Campus opens many doors. World class Seminars and Conferences can be organized. There are tremendous opportunities to take advantages of the State of the Art facilities of the University in publication of authentic literature, multi media labs. Libraries, art clubs, performing arts, exhibitions and most of all building bridges with Interfaith activities. 

Only functional chair so far at UCSB is doing excellent. It is attracting number of students from other majors. Professor Mann’s initiative on “Sikh Diaspora” is another excellent effort. We are aware that there is some criticism on some of the work of Dr. Mann, but such differences must be there and are healthy, and are to be handled in proper manners.
Let us not forget, that the Sikh Community by creating these chairs is leveraging the resources tremendously. Don’t depend on Punjab or India to meet your needs of Sikh Scholars. Refering to the same Article in Sant Sipahi once again, “Aligarh Muslim University conducts Islamic Studies, Banaras Hindu University encourages Scholarship in Hinduism and similarly other places offer opportunities for scholarly studies in Buddhism and Jainism. For pursuing these Religious studies, University Grants Commission (India) awards Fellowships and Scholarships based on a National Test (N.E.T.). Passing these tests creates economic incentives for Professors, lecturers and graduate students. But since 1999, this test has been abolished in Punjab without any reason. If it had been stopped for Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists and Jains it could be understandable, but only Punjab, well it is clearly against Sikhs.” Did any body object to it or challenge it?

One more interesting thing is that Sikhism believes in synthesis. But it is being dismembered. Study Chairs in India are being created for Namdev, Ravidas, and Kabir and on and on, but in Guru Nanak Dev University there is not a single student for study of Sikhism as a whole.

This is Reality Check and is another reason to believe that Sikhism will go from West to East. Let us join in the laudable efforts of The Sikh Foundation in undertaking this monumental and historic step forward. The Sikh Foundation is finalizing the setting up of FIVE SIKH STUDIES CHAIRS in University of California System. It is virtually equivalent to setting up a Sikh University. It is a clarion call to all to get involved in supporting these chairs. You owe it to your posterity. You owe it to Guru Ji to bring his message in its pristine beauty to the whole of the world. Get involved. Make it a point to attend the functions organized by Universities and stay in touch and keep the dialogue open.
Most of all encourage and support the Sikh Youth to go for these studies.

Jasbir Singh Sethi, Houston, TX