The Sikh community has expanded by nearly 25 million in population worldwide, and has a status as the 5th largest Religion in the world. Most individuals from Sikh families cultivate family and religious values so far, which not only helps them in personal growth but provides moral values which helps in dealing with the outer world.
Since the 15th century we have had many great role models who have given new identities to Sikhi. There are many brave martyrs who have sacrificed their lives rather than renouncing their religion. One such martyr was Bhai Taru singh ji, who was tortured so much by Mughals but still he keep his head up as well as the image of sikhi by saying "Mera Sir jaave tan Jawe Mera Sikhi Sidak na Jawe" (if i die then so be it, but may my faith in Sikhi remain strong). Innumerable tales have been recounted where Sikhs have struggled and sacrificed themselves to keep the Sikhi Atal. Even now, individuals have positively impacted the Image of Sikhi in many various fields. Sikhs such as Piara Singh Gill in Nuclear Science, Dalip singh (who was first Sikh to present India in Olympics ). Many great individuals have served as Army officers such as Bhagat Singh- soldier in the US army during World War 1, who was the first Sikh in the Military allowed to wear Turban on duty. There are innumerable personalities who have succeeded with flying colors. Serving free Foods (Langars), Selfless service (Sewa), Humbleness, Dedication towards Code of Conduct (Rehat Maryada). Gender Equality, Oneness (Ik Onkar), large contribution in Art and Culture, Circumvention of Caste Discrimination - these all have highlighted Sikhi as an accepting Religion which not only contributed in religious the way but also served humanity. We have gained this Image after a very long run of struggles....
But somehow, now, we are losing this image of our deep rooted culture.
In the Race to get modern we have lost many of Our culture practice, such as daily Nitnem (daily prayers of Sikhs), because of the messes of daily routines; we have forgot to put Nitnem as our first priority, especially Nitnem in early hours (amritvela). Following the Rehat Maryada is also the most important thing which we are losing nowadays- there are many who are going through waxing, trimming of kesh (hair) just for the sake of looking pretty. Then a type of religious ego, or competition, is developing among the Sikhs individuals which is showing discrimination.
"If becoming Religious has made us more judgemental, rude and harsh. We have to check whether we are serving God or our Egos.” -Moosa Rahat
Going to Gurudwara, and having Langars is not only the thing which makes us Sikh. The true meaning of being a Sikh means to be a learner and be ready to give up our ego and be ready to learn from every step of our life. We can call ourselves as a “Guru Ka Sikh” only if we are ready to follow his commands, and follow the code of conduct (Rehat Maryada). When we read Gurubani everyday, we should not only read, but also implement each single word in our day to day life.
Every follower of Sikhi has equal responsibility to carry Sikhi's image well and in a good manner. Even modernity took place, but still there are some practices as Sikhs that we have to carry from generation to generation. Around 1000 non-Sikhs are looking forward to and searching about Sikhi everyday. Sikhi is something which we had gotten as a precious gift from our gurus, we recite in Ardass that "Sikha Nu Sikhi Daan" (which means Sikh has the gift of Sikhi) and we have to preserve it from generation to generation. Whether we should carry a good Image or bad Image depends on us. Just like one family member each of us are responsible for the reflection of Sikhi on the World.
Meet the Author
Nidhi Kaur
Nidhi Kaur is from Mumbai, India. She is 17 years old and is currently studying as a Student of BA with philosophy. She also works as a content writer.
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