The tradition of celebrating the centenaries or birth anniversaries of the Sikh Gurus has been going on for the last few decades, but the question is whether these centenary celebrations truly reflect the teachings of the Gurus and the principle of universal welfare? This tradition, which began in 1966 with the 300th birth anniversary of Sahib Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, continues even today, in which crores of rupees are spent by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee and the governments. But Sikh intellectuals and social reformers believe that all this expenditure is for pomp and show and political gain, and not for the propagation of Sikhism or the welfare of the people.
Since 1966 till date, the centenaries and half-centenaries of the Sikh Gurus are being celebrated with grand celebrations, Nagar Kirtans, and processions. Crores of rupees are spent on these events from the funds of the governments, the Shiromani Committee, and the Sangat. This expenditure is done in the name of propagation of Gurbani, but in reality these events become a means of political propaganda of the ruling parties and Akali leaders. Sikh historians and social reformers ask whether these events have given any tangible benefit to the Sikh community? The answer is often disappointing.
Before 1966, the Sikh character and the respect for Sikhism were very high. Despite the fear of death and great greed during the time of Muslim rulers, the Sikhs remained steadfast on their principles. Even in the British Raj, very few Sikhs converted to Christianity. But today’s situation is worrying. The Christianization of Sikhs is increasing in Punjab and other parts of the country. In addition, the number of lapsed Sikhs is also increasing. Sikh intellectuals believe that the centuries-old celebrations have not yielded any lasting benefit, but rather the spiritual and social strength of Sikhism has weakened.
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, the largest organization of the Sikh community, should work for the welfare of the Sikhs and the propagation of Gurbani. But it is being seen that crores of rupees of the committee are being spent on grand events, lights, crackers, and big processions. This expenditure remains as a mere one-two-day spectacle, from which the Sikh community does not get any permanent benefit. Sikh social reformers ask that if this money is invested in social welfare works according to the teachings of the Gurus, will the results not be more positive?
Sikh historian Professor Sukhdayal Singh suggests that instead of big events on the occasion of centenaries, the Sikh community should focus on making permanent contributions. For example, using the funds of the governments and the Shiromani Committee, medical colleges like PGI or modern scientific and technical educational institutions should be established. Special departments, digital libraries, and auditoriums should be created in these institutions for the propagation of Gurbani and Sikh history. This will not only provide medical and educational facilities to the poor Sikhs, but will also increase the propagation of the teachings of Sikhism.
Dr. Paramjit Singh Mansa says that the SGPC and Sri Akal Takht Sahib should appeal to the Sikh Sangat that on the occasion of the centenaries, every Sikh family should sit at home and recite the scriptures, teach children the teachings of Sikh history and Gurbani, and go to local gurdwaras and learn Sikhism from groups of preachers. Globally, Sikh scholars should hold seminars on interfaith discussion with scholars of other religions. This will reach the message of Sikhism at the global level and the unity of the Sikh Panth will also be strengthened. The purpose of celebrating Sikh centenaries should be to adopt the teachings of the Gurus in life and strengthen the spirit of the welfare of all. But in modern times, these celebrations have become limited to pomp and circumstance and political propaganda. The Sikh community should stop this wasteful expenditure and create such institutions in the memory of the Gurus, which, along with working for the welfare of the society, can also become a medium for the propagation of Sikhism.
