Jathedar of Akal Takht Giani Harpreet Singh in his latest message has placed thrust on global cooperation in this hour of international crisis. Foreign Policy Analyst Tridivesh Singh Maini looks at his message in the current context and emphasizes that it assumes significance after the Kabul tragedy in which 25 innocent Sikhs were killed. He acclaims Sewa -the humanitarian work of Sikh bodies and urges Sikhs to invigorate their international presence and cooperation.

THE ACTING JATHEDAR OF SRI AKAL TAKHT SAHIB -THE PROVOST OF THE HIGHEST TEMPORAL AUTHORITY OF THE SIKH PEOPLES -GIANI HARPREET SINGH’s recent message is relevant, not just in the context of Sikhs, but humanity as a whole.

While invoking Sarbat Da Bhala, Giani Harpreet Singh in his recent address has made some very interesting points. First, that the coronavirus and numerous other issues, which mankind is grappling with can only be dealt with through global cooperation and shaping responses within the narrow confines of nationalism is not possible.

He has pointed to numerous environmental, economic challenges as well as terrorism when he alluded to the case of the 25 Sikhs murdered in a gruesome attack on a Gurdwara in Afghanistan capital Kabul.

“In this hour of crisis, with the Guru’s blessings, let us forget all differences, animosities, debates, each other’s deficiencies, and become the family the Guru decreed,” said Giani Harpreet Singh.

Giani Harpreet Singh, Jathedar Akal Takht Sahib

Showing the mirror to the Sikhs and the community at large, Giani Harpreet Singh rued that we have invariably been reactive in dealing with problems. He said, “We normally wake up only when trouble hits us. Nuclear wars, climate change, terrorism–that recently swallowed our Sikh brothers, children, and women in Afghanistan – unemployment, inequality, intolerance, and other problems hover over us. These all can only be solved through human society’s cooperation and togetherness.”

Apart from criticizing narrow nationalism, Giani Harpreet Singh also referred to the relevance of how Sikhism through putting some of its key teachings into practice can play a crucial role in moulding the global narrative on important issues. He has referred specifically to the institution of Langar Sewa -which derives from one of the important pillars of Sikhism – Vandd Chakna -Sharing. It emphasizes the need and rationale for egalitarianism.

During crisis situations, be it natural calamities or conflict situations not just in India but globally, the Langar Sewa carried out by Sikh religious organizations as well as philanthropic organisations is being recognized. During the coronavirus crisis, the Sikh community’s role both in India, and overseas has been lauded as religious and social organisations have not just provided meals, but have offered their Serais –free inns, for accommodating doctors, nurses, paramedics and also as quarantine centers for the sick and infected.

Apart from this, Giani Harpreet Singh referred to contributions by Sikh individuals and organisations in not just the sphere of philanthropy, but also in conservation of the environment in Punjab and other parts of the world too.

The Jathedar, who has been making the right noises since some time on key challenges affecting the community, expressed the need for Sikhs to focus on unity and not allow narrow divisions mar their work.

“In this hour of crisis, with the Guru’s blessings, let us forget all differences, animosities, debates, each other’s deficiencies, and become the family the Guru decreed,” said Giani Harpreet Singh.

The latest to join the bandwagon of international cooperation is Gordon Brown -former British PM and former US Secretary of State -Henry Kissinger. Even the US President, Donald Trump, a staunch critic of globalization, who triumphed on the plank of ‘America First’ is himself seeking international cooperation in the fight against the coronavirus.

Giani Harpreet Singh’s message needs to be looked at in the context of the global narrative, where globally influential voices are arguing for greater international cooperation. The latest to join this bandwagon is Gordon Brown -former British PM and former US Secretary of State -Henry Kissinger. While Gordon Brown in an article for the Financial Times on the eve of the G20 meeting, argued for greater international cooperation -arguing for a temporary global government, to deal with the epidemic, Henry Kissinger in an article for The Wall Street Journal also pitched for greater internationalism and cooperation in dealing with the coronavirus pandemic.

Significantly, the US President, Donald Trump, a staunch critic of globalization, who triumphed on the plank of ‘America First’ is himself seeking international cooperation in the fight against the coronavirus.

Sikhism is a truly global religion and its scope cannot be restricted to one state or country. While Sikhs have attained success in different spheres globally, in recent years charity and philanthropy work in India and different parts of the world -including conflict zones like Syria and Iraq and Rohingya refugee camps on the Bangladesh-Myanmar border and the firm stand taken by Sikh institutions against hate and Islamophobia in India and outside -examples being the solidarity and support extended to the Kashmiris, at various levels, post the revocation of Article 370, and rebutting of Muslim hate by Sikh policymakers in US and Canada, have sent a constructive message.

The positive work of Sikh bodies on the Afghan Sikh issue in India, US, UK and Canada is a good beginning but a lot more needs to be done.

The clear messaging of Giani Harpreet Singh on the issue of ‘globalization’ is crucial, because there will be challenging situations for the Sikh community -like that pertaining to the Afghan Sikhs, wherein not just resources and lobbying with local governments is essential, but effective leverage with international institutions and the ability to draw support from various governments and civil society organizations effectively and promptly is essential.

In the times to come, Sikhs will need to rise above their citizenship and political persuasions and work more effectively on the global arena.

Tridivesh Singh Maini is a New Delhi-based Foreign Policy Analyst.  His research interests include Role of Punjab in India-Pakistan ties, the role of subnational units in Foreign Policy, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and Federalism. He is a contributor for prestigious publications including The Diplomat, Modern Diplomacy and The Geopolitics. Reach out to him at @tridiveshsingh