How Can You Be A Sikh Without Kaur?

[sahib_bindra]

NEW DELHI: How can you be a Sikh without Kaur? If you believed casteism is rampant only in Uttarakhand, Bihar or Madhya Pradesh, our Capital is not far from it. A student of Delhi University (DU) was asked to use ‘Kaur’ as a middle name so that she is eligible for a minority certificate.

Nainpreet Narula, now Nainpreet Kaur Narula, was denied a minority certificate by Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) because she did not have Kaur as a surname. Though not in favour, she was forced to make Kaur her surname as she has to submit her minority certificate for admission in Khalsa College.

Narula insisted that she is a Sikh, but the DSGMC refused to entertain the request without the introduction of Kaur surname. "I told them that my family is from Sikh community. They argued that if I am ashamed of using Kaur as a surname or middle name, I won’t get a minority certificate from them," stated Narula.

Paramjit Sarna, president, DSGMC iterated the same sentiments. Whoever feels shamed of putting Kaur as a surname need not practise Sikhism, here are students who, after getting minority certificate from us, get admission in engineering colleges even when they are far behind in the merit list. We certify them for being Singh and Kaur, added Sarna.

What is the definition of minority for an educational institute? Jaswinder Singh, principal, Khalsa College said: "We have quota for Sikh students where we generally give 5% relaxation to the students with minority certificate. Though Kaur and Singh are identities for Sikh students, our definition of minority insists that the students must practise Sikhism and appears to be a Sikh."

Left with no other option, Narula approached the court to get her middle name. “I got 82% marks and wanted to pursue economic honours. With little time at my disposal, I had to introduce a middle name, which I never wanted. Though I got the minority certificate, I decided to study in Dayal Sing College in the same course. I cannot be a part of system where a surname becomes a form of identity," said Narula.

[+Singh_is_King+]

Well done to the DSGMC for their firm stance on this issue.

I strongly believe that one of the best ways to preserve Sikhi in India is through the enforcement of Sikhi values in Schools and Colleges.

They should have a zero tolerence policy when it comes to people who falter in their practice of Sikhism and come out with rubbish such as denying their own surname, Singh and Kaur. What kind of nonsense is this? These were distinctive markers given to us by Guru Gobind Singh ji himself!

Shame on the young girl in question for denying this.

Unfortunately harsh times require harsh actions. If we are going to preserve our faith and propogate it further, we need to be firm in our resolve.

[1kAuR1]

Agree with the above ^^^^^^

All Sikh institutes should make Singh/Kaur mandatory.

If u identify your self as a sikh then you have the name.

[Seeking_Sikhi]

i don't understand why do people have to claim themselves as Sikhs ... when they don't even want follow it .. :BL:

[Guest G.Kaur]

There's a reason why Guru Gobind Singh Jee gave us the lastnames Singh and Kaur. By using Singh and Kaur you are anonymous and everyone is equal and not divided into casts like jatts, tarkhans, rajputs, chamars etc.

[Nehmat]

i don't understand why do people have to claim themselves as Sikhs ... when they don't even want follow it .. :BL:

Sweet question.

I was reading a Zen Story. Your post reminded me of it. Here...you read it too, if you want:

A Mother's Advice

Jiun, a Shogun master, was a well-known Sanskrit scholar of the Tokugawa era. When he was young he used to deliver lectures to his brother students.

His mother heard about this and wrote him a letter.:

"Son, I do not think you became a devotee of the Buddha because you desired to turn into a walking dictionary for others. There is no end to information and commentation, glory and honor. I wish you would stop this lecture business. Shut yourself up in a little temple in a remote part of the mountain. Devote your time to meditation and in this way attain true realization."

[AvnitK]

nice story bhenji

and true thats a very good question

[Mehtab Singh]

http://www.sikhsangat.com/index.php?showtopic=35110&hl=

[Khaalis]

Could some knowledgable person please provide an actual historic reference to when the word 'Kaur' was first used. As far as I have seen, in puratan ithihaasik granths, the word Devi/Devan has been used for Sikh women i.e. Mata Sahib Devi.

Thanks.