Dalit - Sikh Unity To Dominate Chandigarh Dv Works

[nanakbhatti]

Dalit - Sikh unity to dominate Chandigarh DV workshop

A CORRESPONDENT

Chandigarh "Sikhism on death bed", as highlighted in the Dalit Voice Editorial of Feb.1, 2005, is expected to dominate the Chandigarh workshop of DV family members scheduled for March 11-13, 2005. Our Editor's recent visit to Chandigarh (Jan.19) on the invitation of Jat Sikhs in this connection, the joint meeting he had with Jat Sikhs and Dalits indicate the growing cooperation between the two to save Sikhism from Brahminism.

The Editor in his speech to the Sikh Students Federation at Punjab University on Jan.19 made it clear that "during the worst crisis faced by the different Sikh gurus, it was the Dalits who stood by the gurus, fought with the gurus and died with the gurus".

SIKHISM IS DALIT RELIGION

The English Literature Hall of the university was almost full. Militant Sikh followers of the great revolutionary, Sant Bhindranwale, who is ranked next only to Guru Gobind Singh, cheered the Editor repeatedly.

In a way the Editor created history because he brought together for the first time the estranged Jat Sikhs and Dalits. He demolished the Brahminical barrier built between the two sections. His declaration that "Sikhism is a Dalit religion" and that the "military religion started by the Dalit saints can be saved only by the Dalits", brought tremendous response from the Jats.

There were more cheers when he said

" We are surprised how some upper caste Sikhs now think that Sikhism is their religion. No, Sikhism is the Dalit religion".

Then he added

" We have a great respect for Sant Bhindranwale who stood, fought and died for Sikhism. He was a Jat Sikh but the only person who got angry and killed Indira Gandhi for launching the "Blue Star Operation" (1984) was a Dalit Sikh ÑÊBeant Singh. (cheers).

BRAHMINISM AS ENEMY

He reminded the upper caste Sikhs that it was a Dalit Sikh who avenged the killing of their most revered sant. The Sikhs have to be ever grateful to the Dalits. "Look at Beant Singh and his sacrifice. Does it not prove that Dalit Sikhs loved Sikhism more than the upper caste Sikhs?"

The Editor then asked the Sikhs to identify the enemy. "If you Sikhs want to fight Brahminism, then it is your duty to first identify the enemy. Have you done it? If so, are we Dalits your enemy? If we are not your enemy, why do you torment us? If we are not your enemy then join us in fighting our common enemy".

The last Guru, he said, had left instructions to Sikhs that they should always remain fully armed. A sleeping man cannot be a Sikh. But you Sikhs are sleeping. I find no life in you. We doubt if you are true Sikhs. (cheers).

Finally this meeting of Sikhs and Dalits took place today and together we will have to fight the enemy.

Concluding, he said

" If you go through Sikh history, it is clear that Dalits took part in Sikh revolution in a big way. The people who are now called Dalits were originally Budhists. That is why they only were capable of launching Sikhism after the fall of Budhism. Throughout the Sikh struggle they fought shoulder to shoulder with the 10 gurus. Not only we fight Brahminism but also the Dasam Granth manufactured by Brahmins. Together we shall make history. " (loud cheers).

The Editor's speech to the Sikh Students Federation and later the meeting of Dalits and SSF leaders that took place at Ambedkar Bhawan has given a new hope to the sinking Sikhs.

During the forthcoming Chandigarh workshop the union of two mighty forces is expected to take a definite shape.

[Akaali]

Nice!!!

aaee panthee sagal jamaatee man jeetai jag jeet||

[H4RPAL]

"Not only we fight Brahminism but also the Dasam Granth manufactured by Brahmins"

I think we have to be weary about such statements- this line suggests a rejection of the whole of the Dasam Granth! - Is anybody prepared to sacrafice Jaap Sahib, Chaupai Sahib etc for this unity? I as one would certainly not be. Everyone has an agenda, and thus it is imperative we stick to ours. Giving ground here would only act to support those looking to finish the Sikhi Saroop- and that is not only the Brahmins I refer to, but also our own misguided brothers and sisters who fail to recognose the relevance and significance of the Saroop gifted to us by Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji.

I as much as anyone would like to see unity with our Dalit brothers, but these terms are wholly unacceptable.

Waheguru Ji kA Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh.

[ms514]

Sat Sri Akal:

Yeah...that Dasam Granth Sahib statement needs to be clarified by the speaker.