M A I N   N E W S

Scholars’ advice to Sikh leaders

New Delhi, June 13
Sikh leaders need to ponder the growing decline of wearing uncut hair and full beard by many a community member within India even as they protest against instances of religious bias abroad, religious scholars said today.

The call came a day after scores of Sikhs staged a protest against the USA over the sacking of a New York cop allegedly because he had refused to remove his turban and beard required by his faith.

“Such protests are fine, but at the same time, Sikh leaders need to tackle the increasing trend of cutting hair and beard among many a community member, particularly in Punjab, said eminent Sikh scholar Jaspal Singh, a former Ambassador.

‘Kesh’ or uncut hair signifies acceptance of the natural form which God gave the wearer, but also makes Sikhs (particularly men, who would cover it with a turban) stand out in a crowd.

Amric Singh Rathour had filed a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in the USA claiming he was sacked wrongfully from the New York Police Department.

“Recently, a Canadian court has ruled that a Sikh student should be allowed to wear a kirpan at his school. Such legal victories will ultimately strike the conscience of those Sikhs who damage the very hallmark of their faith in this country,’’ said Mr Surinder Singh of the renowned classical Singh Bandhu duo.

In May, a Quebec court has ruled that 12-year old Gurbej Singh should be allowed to wear his ceremonial dagger at school. UNI