A personal view by Dr. Jagroop Singh, a student of Sikh Studies without funding or conflict of interest
The report by the independent inquiry set up to review the death of Daniel Morgan was published 2 weeks ago. Scotland Yard has been accused of decades of cover-up, corruption and incompetence, accusing the Metropolitan Police of “a form of institutional corruption”. This is additional to the problem of ‘institutional racism’, as defined by Lord McPherson in the Steven Lawrence inquiry of 1999. These reports shake our belief in the British governance, which is not the worst offender by international comparisons. Through association, our minds inevitably turn to consider such problems in the Panjab, where reports of this nature wouldn’t see the “light of day”.
The simple definition of corruption is `the abuse of entrusted power for private gain.’ It can include bribery, unlawful gifts and donations, extortion, nepotism, buying influence, but at its heart, it thrives on a level of secrecy, a lack of integrity and a betrayal of public trust in office or government. An individual’s abuse of power, dishonesty and lack of accountability can affect entire institutions. As this process can be slow and insidious, it requires alert and brave individuals to speak up and be heard. The dangers of ignoring ramps up its’ final cost in terms of rapid erosion of social trust and interdependent functions. Corruption can becomes so embedded in our political and social cultures that erosion of morality is a matter of course. And yet despite the failings of individuals, we’re entitled to expect that religious institutions will live up to the highest ideals and fully commit to their duty for a common good.
So, what has this got to do with the Sikh nation?
The Sikh nation has endured long and continuing assault on its ‘haund’, our very existence. The leading authority, Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has been the focus of fierce criticism in recent decades. However, the situation is much more pervasive, affecting the entire management system down to local Gurdwaras. It is difficult to imagine the honest and genuine intentions of early Sikh immigrants eroding to dysfunctionality.
It is logical when society loses faith &/or trust in their religious institutions that it affects the entire social fabric. Sikhs increasingly appear to be distancing themselves from their faith with younger generations being described as ‘coconuts’. The above claims are evidenced by inadequate or inappropriate responses to emerging issues by the SGPC officialdom. Silent contempt reigns in the public relation communications without due attention the accountability process. This is replicated in local Gurdwara management committees to the dismay of the Sangat. Let us consider the lack of interest shown to recent occurrences: –
- Hindutva inspired propaganda that Guru Teg Bahadur was “Hind ki Chadar” as opposed to “Srist ki Chadar”
- The continuing misinformation on narrative of June & November 1984
- The erection of a model of Durbar Sahib, without permission in the Panjabi Bagh district of Delhi
- The non-conclusion and appointment of further Special Investigating Team (SIT) on Beadbi (insult) of Guru Granth Sahib. The dumping of Justice Ranjit Singh’s Report and the ‘suspension’ of IPS Kunwar Vijay Partap Singh’s investigation
- The likelihood of potential loss of important documents in the process of relocation of National Archives of India in the development of Central Vista Project. Particularly relevant following the loss of the Sikh reference library in 1984
Trust and truth always go hand in hand and it is at the very heart of faith. Openness and accountability are essential qualities for any organization with the aim of espousing a good and decent society, where no one feels excluded. This may describe ideals of Sikhi but are not necessarily being enacted by individual Sikhs or their institutions. It is incumbent for the top tier organizations to set a demonstrable example in actualizing the tenets of our faith.
Corruption is of course a global challenge and it can take different forms. Simply put, it is prioritizing personal gain above the greater good of society. This can lead to a dangerous situation of ‘broken trust’ and societal degradation lasting many generations. Who would want that on their conscience? It is not even if one can take that money into the next world?
ਪ੍ਰਾਨੀ ਕਛੂ ਨ ਚੇਤਈ ਮਦਿ ਮਾਇਆ ਕੈ ਅੰਧੁ ॥
praanee kachhoo na chetiee madh maiaa kai a(n)dh ||
The mortal does not remember the Lord, even for a moment; he is blinded by the wine of Maya.
ਕਹੁ ਨਾਨਕ ਬਿਨੁ ਹਰਿ ਭਜਨ ਪਰਤ ਤਾਹਿ ਜਮ ਫੰਧ ॥੨੬॥
kahu naanak bin har bhajan parat taeh jam fa(n)dh ||26||
Says Nanak, without meditating on the Lord, he is caught by the noose of Death. ||26||
(Guru Granth Sahib, page 1427)
Conclusion
The SGPC has been corrupted to its core and is need of some reformation and revitalization. It has been separated from its root structure and thus facing inevitable death: –
ਪੇਡੁ ਮੁੰਢਾਹੂੰ ਕਟਿਆ ਤਿਸੁ ਡਾਲ ਸੁਕੰਦੇ ॥੧੨॥
pedd mu(n)ddaahoo(n) kaTiaa tis ddaal suka(n)dhe ||12||
When the tree is cut off at its roots, the branches wither and die. ||12||
(Guru Granth Sahib, page 306)
Sikhs around the world need to amass around the basics of Sikhi and demand adherence to those values at personal level and in those around us. The trust placed in your Gurdwara management should be conditional on the highest form of responsibility. The Corona pandemic has clarified the economics and functionality of local Gurdwaras, which will be seen in a different light. There exists a potential to change the status quo by building better alliances to promote education and discussion forums. The liberation and revival of the Gurdwara institutions will require a mammoth effort, similar to that of the 1920’s. It is time to reflect on your views and aspirations and more importantly, what role are you going to play in that change?
Reference:
Durbar Sahib Replica at Delhi Park Sparks Row (TV84 Report)
Macpherson, William (1999) The Stephen Lawrence Inquiry (Gov.UK)
Siddiqui, Mona (2021) Thought for the Day (BBC Radio 4) 21 June 2021
Khalsa Diary 