The North American Gurdwara: Are We Expecting Too Much?

Phulkari’s post a few weeks back got me thinking about Gurdwaras – their origin and the role they play in Sikh society today.  History tells us that Guru Nanak Patshah created Dharmshalas in Kartarpur where Sikhs would rise early and meet for Keertan, Veechar, reflection, and Guru-ka-Langar.  It was a central element to the ideal society that Kartarpur would become. 

Over a century ago, Sikhs first arrived in North America – working at lumber mills, railroads, and as migrant laborers.   They settled their families and chose to establish Gurdwaras (as early as 1908 in West Vancouver, BC and 1912 in Stockton, CA) to preserve both their spiritual and cultural roots in the land far from their history.

Now with hundreds of thousands of Sikhs in North America and the needs of our communities growing, the Gurdwara has expanded the services it offers far beyond its humble beginnings.  Many Gurdwaras have Khalsa schools and libraries.  Others plan for fitness centers, basketball courts, and healthcare clinics.  One of the local Gurdwaras here hosts an annual Panjabi cultural show and mela, with weekly Giddha and Bhangra practices held at the Gurdwara facility itself.  The North American Gurdwara has become not only a spiritual center, but also a community center, serving all the needs of the Sikh and Panjabi population.
 
On the one hand, I like having a Gurdwara as the center for our community’s activity.  Although not all people have an initial interest in Sikhi, all these other events and programs at least keep people coming.  And even a short “ritualistic” trip to the Gurdwara could develop in to something more.  On the other hand, I can’t help but wonder…are we asking too much from our Gurdwaras?
 
With such different and competing interests, leaders fight for position so they can make their agenda the focus, and control Gurdwara resources accordingly.  This drives much of the political drama and power struggles that surround our Gurdwaras today.  As a result, many programs (such as Khalsa schools) end up mismanaged, poorly resourced, and inefficient. 

Secondly, with all the programs our Gurdwaras offer, I question – are we taking away from the primary purpose of the Gurdwara…learning Gurmat (the Guru’s way)?  How well do our Gurdwaras focus on Simran and Veechar?  How well do our Gurdwaras connect the youth with the Guru’s message?  What about services for non-Panjabi speakers or introducing non-Sikhs to our faith?  What about programs emphasizing Sikh culture – like Gatka or Gurmat Sangeet?  Are our Gurdwaras really institutions for learning?  If the answer is less than perfect, shouldn’t we re-prioritize and change the focus of our Gurdwaras?
 
Many Gurdwaras serve small communities in rural areas where limited resources force the Gurdwara to serve multiple purposes.  However, in larger communities, where resources are plenty – should we consider separating out our organizations?  Maybe create separate Punjabi societies, Khalsa schools, clinics, and even Sikh community centers that focuses on outreach, youth counseling, and seva projects?
 
Perhaps under separate structures and management, these organizations will be able to thrive and meet their goals more efficiently with less resistance.  And with our community’s growing needs, why not grow our presence with more diverse organizations?
 
Thoughts?