Road to peace lies in tolerance

THIS refers to A.J. Singh’s article ''Are you a clear thinker?'' (June 10). It is an ironical paradox of our times ,dominated by a tremendous growth in information technology, that not many people are objective and rational in their views. People do not analyse the rationality of their reactions to the socio-economic and political developments around them. Their attitudes are fixed and inflexible.

It is only because of our inability to appreciate a different point of view — be it religious, personal or political — that our society has often suffered communal outbursts and riots. Religious fundamentalism and fanaticism are nothing but a product of our intolerance of others’ points of view.

If man has to grow and sustain himself in the civilised world, he must learn to rise above his prejudices. Material progress in the absence of a value system is like commerce without conscience. Man must detach himself from his biased views and consider the good of society and humanity his goal. Only therein lies real peace — material, mental as well as spiritual.

VED GULIANI
Hisar

Dasam Granth

This refers to the controversy about the issues at the centre of the debate regarding Sikh identity.

(a)As far as the composition of the Dasam Guru Granth Sahib, normally referred to as the Dasam Granth, is concerned, there are a few points to be noted. This is not the tenth Granth of the Sikhs after Adi Sri Guru Granth Sahib the very name Dasam Granth suggests that this Granth is named after Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji. Even if it is believed by some that entire Dasam Granth is not the composition of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the fact that he has compiled it, has his approval. It has to be revered as his gurbani, the status given to Bhagtan Di Bani in Adi Sri Guru Granth Sahib.

The controversy regarding Namdharis has been brought into the limelight by certain individuals regarding the book, Purkh Guru, written by Mehar Singh and published by the Namdhari Durbar, Sri Bhaini Sahib. The demand varies from the book being banned to Namdharis being declared as non-Sikhs. According to the book the Guru has to be a Dehdhari; it challenges the concept of Panjpiaras having right to give directions to the Guru and Guruship having been bestowed on Sri Guru Granth Sahib.

The author has quoted extensively from Sri Guru Granth Sahib in support of his argument in favour of Purkh Guru.

It is not good enough for these individuals to only express their feelings against the book. They should be able to give their arguments against the points made by the author.

Namdharis' faith in Purkh Guru notwithstanding, they revere the Guru Granth Sahib , no less if not more ,than any Sikh with faith in Granth Sahib as Guru. They follow Gurbani not only in letter but also in spirit and are engaged in promotion of Sikhism all over the world in true spirit. Any Sikh in the know of their activities should only feel proud of them as Sikhs and not seek their exclusion from Sikh Religion.

Before making a demand for declaring Namdharis as non-Sikhs, the Sikhs must know as to what will be left of them as Sikhs less the Namdharis?

The controversy regarding Nanakshahi calendar is basically an internal tussle between radical and moderate Sikhs. No hasty step to change the calendar is desirable, as the Gurpuravs have become synonymous with the lunar calendar.

H.S. CHEEMA
SAS Nagar