Sikh Ideals

In a briefing addressed ‘The Sikh Religion and its advantages to the State’ by M. Macauliffe, ESQ., I.C.S., M.R.A.S., in 1903, it was said: ‘… we have seen that Sikhism prohibits idolatry, hypocrisy, caste exclusiveness, the concretion of widows, the immurement of women, the use of wine and other intoxicants, tobacco-smoking, infanticide, slander, pilgrimages to the sacred rivers and tanks of the Hindus; and it inculcates loyalty, gratitude for all favours received, philanthropy, justice, impartiality, truth, honesty, and all the moral and domestic virtues known to the holiest Christians. It would be difficult to point to a more comprehensive ethical code’.

Whilst it was remarked that: ‘I quite agree with Mr. Maucauliffe that our [British] Government should take advantage of every legitimate opportunity offered to promote the cause of Sikhism’, only some Sikh values that suited a particular agenda were gradually championed, and those that would have led to a global, egalitarian fraternity in which human rights could exist for all, were not. Despite the Universal Declaration of Human Rights sharing Sikh sentiments, there is still widespread discrimination by States and other agencies who have not evolved to tackle these human rights violations. We have, therefore, detailed the Sikh ideology that should form the framework of any civilised society:

Universal laws should exist to promote acceptance, compassion, love, morality, strong ethics and justice. To uphold such noble values and human rights, these universal laws must be grounded and practised in 21st Century global society (and future societies), irrespective of borders and boundaries.

There are ideologies that currently exist which seek to violate and destroy the basic human rights of others, claiming and imposing - through terror and temptations - a monopoly of the truth and superiority over others.

For example:

1. Ideologies where men and women are not equal.
2. Ideologies that do not promote, or practise, acceptance of others.
3. Ideologies that promote class division and status inequality in society.
4. Ideologies that deny access to justice. 

It is, therefore, incumbent that Guru Nanak’s concept of the ideal citizen should have the following qualities:

1. Compassion
2. Righteousness
3. Courage
4. Strength
5. Competence

and is prepared to help the vulnerable even at the cost of their own life.

It was these ideals that were formalised into a Republic - the Order of the Khalsa - by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699  which bestowed upon the successful candidates these civic duties.

Recognising the timeless importance of these values, the framework of the Order of the Khalsa has been refreshed into a modern day context - the Sikh State.

© Pal Singh. All Rights Reserved.