Updated: Failed Assassination Attempt on Dera Sacha Sauda Cult Leader
Earlier today, Gurmeet Ram Rahim narrowly escaped an assassination attempt when someone from a truck passing by his motorcade threw an explosive object.
While members of his entourage were injured, the Dera Sacha Sauda leader walked away unscathed. The rumor mills are buzzing and expect the words “RDX” and “Pakistan” to soon circulate. What seems to be completely missing from the coverage in terms of the timing was the recent directive by the Punjab and Haryana High Court calling the state of Punjab not to file a chargesheet in the case registered against Gurmeet Ram Rahim at Bathinda a few weeks ago. Badal was using the Punjab and Haryana High Court’s directive to wiggle himself out of upholding the Sikh masses’ pressure after the Jathedars had to call an emergency meeting last year at Takht Dam Dama Sahib announcing that if the Punjab Government failed to act, the Sikhs would be “forced to act against the Dera” and would commence all social boycott.
From newspaper reports, GT Road has been flooded with his followers and closed down. Unfortunately, expect clashes and a brutal random round up by the police within the next three days. (See earlier “joke” about this issue)
Update!
Two men, Mohinder Singh and Swaran Singh, have been apprehended in connection to Saturday’s failed assassination attempt against the Dera Sacha Sauda leader. Another man, Bakshish Singh, has been implicated and it is not yet known whether the police have already apprehended him or if he is eluding their capture. (One is never quite sure with the draconian Punjab Police)
Although the Indian press has been liberally using loaded terms such as “RDX,” “Pakistani-trained,” and “Sikh extremists,” the whole scenario seems rather half-baked. While some press outlets seem keen to exaggerate the crude methods as:
it was clear that the job was that of a highly trained person
Most are reporting that the the attempt was little more than two men rolling or throwing a tire with a small explosive at the oncoming traffic vehicles.
Unidentified persons from a truck parked on a highway on which the Dera chief’s cavalcade was passing, had thrown a tyre stuffed with explosives at one of the cars which burst into flames.
More updates may follow.
91 Responses to “Updated: Failed Assassination Attempt on Dera Sacha Sauda Cult Leader”
Its unfortunate that he didn't die. What's really sad is that a majority of the supporters are uneducated women who think that this man is some sort of savior. Its a scary thought, as women have driven almost all movements within Sikhism and we are now seeing women support Dera Sacha Sauda and not the movement against Dera Sacha Sauda. Dera Sacha Sauda strives off "equality" (no caste, creed, religion…everyones equal) a virtue that has not stuck within the Sikh community and this is generally our own fault as we as Sikhs have created such divides. Punjab may come to clashes; but without leadership the Sikh Panth will continue to fall into peril. The Youth need to rise, Sikhs need to rise….I can only predict 1980's all over again and in the best case scenario achieving an independent Punjab to save Sikhism, Punjab culture, Punjabi language, and the future generations of Punjab.
Its unfortunate that he didn’t die. What’s really sad is that a majority of the supporters are uneducated women who think that this man is some sort of savior. Its a scary thought, as women have driven almost all movements within Sikhism and we are now seeing women support Dera Sacha Sauda and not the movement against Dera Sacha Sauda. Dera Sacha Sauda strives off “equality” (no caste, creed, religion…everyones equal) a virtue that has not stuck within the Sikh community and this is generally our own fault as we as Sikhs have created such divides. Punjab may come to clashes; but without leadership the Sikh Panth will continue to fall into peril. The Youth need to rise, Sikhs need to rise….I can only predict 1980’s all over again and in the best case scenario achieving an independent Punjab to save Sikhism, Punjab culture, Punjabi language, and the future generations of Punjab.
I remember being told a story once as a child. Guru Gobind Singh ji was travelling and came across a Pakhandi. Guru ji started asking him questions which he was unable to answer. He asked Guru ji to speak to him aside from the sangat. Guru ji did so. Guru ji asked why he was doing such deeds. He replied "Guruji, you and I know what the truth is. I do not divert true Sikhs, Muslims or Hindus.. just everyone else who wonders about like stray cattle. This way I make a living too. Please let me carry on, I'm not saying anything to your true Sikhs". Guru ji said "very well then, you and all these people you are misleading will go to nark (hell)". There was no blood shed, no violence. Even at the time of the Guru's there were such people.
Nobody went around trying to kill these people then. To kill them is to make them martyres. Do you really want to give such people the privallege? Our own minds and faith should be strong enough to object & be effective without the use of violence.
I remember being told a story once as a child. Guru Gobind Singh ji was travelling and came across a Pakhandi. Guru ji started asking him questions which he was unable to answer. He asked Guru ji to speak to him aside from the sangat. Guru ji did so. Guru ji asked why he was doing such deeds. He replied “Guruji, you and I know what the truth is. I do not divert true Sikhs, Muslims or Hindus.. just everyone else who wonders about like stray cattle. This way I make a living too. Please let me carry on, I’m not saying anything to your true Sikhs”. Guru ji said “very well then, you and all these people you are misleading will go to nark (hell)”. There was no blood shed, no violence. Even at the time of the Guru’s there were such people.
Nobody went around trying to kill these people then. To kill them is to make them martyres. Do you really want to give such people the privallege? Our own minds and faith should be strong enough to object & be effective without the use of violence.
Wow. How about we tone down the militant rhetoric a bit.
Wow. How about we tone down the militant rhetoric a bit.
seems as if these days everyone is only a saint- suddenly the soldier aspect is gone. All the Sikhs have done since the Genocide of the 80's is sit back and say its ok, things will get better on their own. The governemnt is not intervening, and unless you can understand the extent of disrespect this man has down towards Sikhi I dont think you have much reason to call me a militant sizzle. They try to kill our ideas, our views and our people and we are to sit and say…peace?
seems as if these days everyone is only a saint- suddenly the soldier aspect is gone. All the Sikhs have done since the Genocide of the 80’s is sit back and say its ok, things will get better on their own. The governemnt is not intervening, and unless you can understand the extent of disrespect this man has down towards Sikhi I dont think you have much reason to call me a militant sizzle. They try to kill our ideas, our views and our people and we are to sit and say…peace?
oh please…get off your high horse. as a Sikh i have nothing but disdain for man for the disrespect he has shown. but that's just it. in your own words, the man has shown DISRESPECT to Sikhs. he may pervert the very name of the Sikhi and tries to usurp elements of our faith. and for this, you wish death upon him? i'm sorry, but did we suddenly regress to the 16 and 17th century when people were killed for heresy? such a sentiment is anti-Sikhi in and of itself.
just going off of what you posted above, the man and his sect is popular among uneducated women because they so fervently advocate our very own principles – equality. for that, the sect might be popular. and again – you wish death upon him? maybe you should direct your rage to Sikhs themselves, many of whom call themselves Sikhs while engaging in female infanticide, for example. the greatest threat to Sikhi isn't from the outside, it's our own failures as a people, as you've mentioned above, to even live up to or properly advocate the beautiful progressive principles which are it's bedrock.
just like other threats to Sikhi in the past, the Dera Sacha Sauda should serve as a rallying call, it should be used to solidify the Sikh communities principles, to open its eyes, to realize our own shortcomings when another group entirely has the ability to usurp OUR ideals and gain popularity because those ideals aren't acted upon or propagated by our own people.
this isn't a military issue, this isn't an issue that should end in death. this is a political issue, a war of words, a clash of ideas and ideals. The Saint-Soldier himself stated, "When all other means have failed, it is but lawful to take to the sword." Sikhs aren't being persecuted by the man, Sikhs aren't being killed, Sikhs aren't being hunted down and told to convert of die. beat him at his own game – advocate the faith and let people choose what to believe. if they choose other side, then that is OUR own failure.
oh please…get off your high horse. as a Sikh i have nothing but disdain for man for the disrespect he has shown. but that’s just it. in your own words, the man has shown DISRESPECT to Sikhs. he may pervert the very name of the Sikhi and tries to usurp elements of our faith. and for this, you wish death upon him? i’m sorry, but did we suddenly regress to the 16 and 17th century when people were killed for heresy? such a sentiment is anti-Sikhi in and of itself.
just going off of what you posted above, the man and his sect is popular among uneducated women because they so fervently advocate our very own principles – equality. for that, the sect might be popular. and again – you wish death upon him? maybe you should direct your rage to Sikhs themselves, many of whom call themselves Sikhs while engaging in female infanticide, for example. the greatest threat to Sikhi isn’t from the outside, it’s our own failures as a people, as you’ve mentioned above, to even live up to or properly advocate the beautiful progressive principles which are it’s bedrock.
just like other threats to Sikhi in the past, the Dera Sacha Sauda should serve as a rallying call, it should be used to solidify the Sikh communities principles, to open its eyes, to realize our own shortcomings when another group entirely has the ability to usurp OUR ideals and gain popularity because those ideals aren’t acted upon or propagated by our own people.
this isn’t a military issue, this isn’t an issue that should end in death. this is a political issue, a war of words, a clash of ideas and ideals. The Saint-Soldier himself stated, “When all other means have failed, it is but lawful to take to the sword.” Sikhs aren’t being persecuted by the man, Sikhs aren’t being killed, Sikhs aren’t being hunted down and told to convert of die. beat him at his own game – advocate the faith and let people choose what to believe. if they choose other side, then that is OUR own failure.
I find the "it's a shame he didn't die" rhetoric repulsive as well. If Sikhs and Sikhi are not strong enough to withstand the intrusion of false prophets, then we don't deserve to complain. You wonder why women flock to DSS? Maybe it's time to unpack some of the misogyny and suppression of women that's been happening, quietly and tacitly, in the Sikh community for the last 50 years. If we (Sikhs) were extensively delivering on our promises of equality, justice, service, and love, this wouldn't be seen as a threat, but rather, as a bad person who is preying on others and leading them astray.
It is patently un-Sikh, in my opinion, and at odds with the concept of sant-sipahi to call for or promote the idea of such a cowardly assassination attempt. We (Sikhs) are better than that, and I expect better behavior.
I find the “it’s a shame he didn’t die” rhetoric repulsive as well. If Sikhs and Sikhi are not strong enough to withstand the intrusion of false prophets, then we don’t deserve to complain. You wonder why women flock to DSS? Maybe it’s time to unpack some of the misogyny and suppression of women that’s been happening, quietly and tacitly, in the Sikh community for the last 50 years. If we (Sikhs) were extensively delivering on our promises of equality, justice, service, and love, this wouldn’t be seen as a threat, but rather, as a bad person who is preying on others and leading them astray.
It is patently un-Sikh, in my opinion, and at odds with the concept of sant-sipahi to call for or promote the idea of such a cowardly assassination attempt. We (Sikhs) are better than that, and I expect better behavior.
wow all i hear is opression of women….im trying to adress something here…and if assasinations are cowardly..then i guess weve been cowards since the days of Guru Sahib, weve never been a huge army weve always had to fight guerilla warfare, beant singh assasinated Indra Gandhi was she wrong? in my opinion stop being weak, things need to be done.
Be it punjabi heritage, or sikhi…badla lehna koi giddhraan da kaam nahin.
wow all i hear is opression of women….im trying to adress something here…and if assasinations are cowardly..then i guess weve been cowards since the days of Guru Sahib, weve never been a huge army weve always had to fight guerilla warfare, beant singh assasinated Indra Gandhi was she wrong? in my opinion stop being weak, things need to be done.
Be it punjabi heritage, or sikhi…badla lehna koi giddhraan da kaam nahin.
Agreed wholeheartedly with last two comments. DSS head is what he is-so what. Sikhs were persecuted once and now we should be the persecuters?!. It is a perversion in the deepest sense of the word. Punjab is not for Sikhs alone. An isolated Punjab would become the home of religious bigots-we would likely institute a burka-like system. I was in my late teens in the 80s. I remember a time when the militants forced women to cover their head, wear SalwarKameezs only (btw a gift from the muslims-not ethnic 'punjabi' dress) and use saffron chunnis only-Saris were 'banned'. Bordering on Taliban like behavior.
Agreed wholeheartedly with last two comments. DSS head is what he is-so what. Sikhs were persecuted once and now we should be the persecuters?!. It is a perversion in the deepest sense of the word. Punjab is not for Sikhs alone. An isolated Punjab would become the home of religious bigots-we would likely institute a burka-like system. I was in my late teens in the 80s. I remember a time when the militants forced women to cover their head, wear SalwarKameezs only (btw a gift from the muslims-not ethnic ‘punjabi’ dress) and use saffron chunnis only-Saris were ‘banned’. Bordering on Taliban like behavior.
JSD, then we'll have to disagree.
By the way, I did not say all assassinations are cowardly, but it's convenient to take a nuanced opinion, generalize it, and then criticize, isn't it? Sikhs have often fought with uneven odds and have utilized guerilla warfare, but you're seriously going to argue that a drive-by bombing of a dera leader is the same as defending the lives of thousands of people from religious persecution? Give me a break. Violence is not supposed to be the first option — it is the last. The sipahi in sant-sipahi is not an excuse or carte-blanche to use violence instead of your head; it is an argument for being engaged with the (material) world while keeping your head above the muck in the pursuit of a spiritual self. No one is arguing that DSS is legitimate, good, or should even be an alternative to Sikhi. You can disagree with a group or a person without trying to kill them. If you want to defend Sikhi, be a good Sikh.
JSD, then we’ll have to disagree.
By the way, I did not say all assassinations are cowardly, but it’s convenient to take a nuanced opinion, generalize it, and then criticize, isn’t it? Sikhs have often fought with uneven odds and have utilized guerilla warfare, but you’re seriously going to argue that a drive-by bombing of a dera leader is the same as defending the lives of thousands of people from religious persecution? Give me a break. Violence is not supposed to be the first option — it is the last. The sipahi in sant-sipahi is not an excuse or carte-blanche to use violence instead of your head; it is an argument for being engaged with the (material) world while keeping your head above the muck in the pursuit of a spiritual self. No one is arguing that DSS is legitimate, good, or should even be an alternative to Sikhi. You can disagree with a group or a person without trying to kill them. If you want to defend Sikhi, be a good Sikh.
challo ethay beth kay tusi saariyan ne kive rok dehna kise nu deray valey naqli sant nu…othey jeray sikh taang hoonday yah asli singhaan vangu badla leh ke he ravoo gaye…beaadbi kiti Guru Gobind Singh di, tusi sare bethay raavo
challo ethay beth kay tusi saariyan ne kive rok dehna kise nu deray valey naqli sant nu…othey jeray sikh taang hoonday yah asli singhaan vangu badla leh ke he ravoo gaye…beaadbi kiti Guru Gobind Singh di, tusi sare bethay raavo
jsd sahib, thodey vargey internet jodhian nay barey kamm khraab keetey nay. Hajjey takk Delhi vich Sikhaan day kaatil ghummday ney tay tuhanoo ik nihatthey pakhandi sadhu noo maran vich bari bahadri nazar aundi hai. Laanat hai!
jsd sahib, thodey vargey internet jodhian nay barey kamm khraab keetey nay. Hajjey takk Delhi vich Sikhaan day kaatil ghummday ney tay tuhanoo ik nihatthey pakhandi sadhu noo maran vich bari bahadri nazar aundi hai. Laanat hai!
the topic is about this incident…just because you change the subject to delhi doesnt mean i dont care, internet jodha ni haiga jithe bolke kuj karn the hoonda oh karke vi dikhaunda yah darpoke ni yah main hor sarey aaj kal darpoke he lag de yah. laanat , hahah ok buddy
the topic is about this incident…just because you change the subject to delhi doesnt mean i dont care, internet jodha ni haiga jithe bolke kuj karn the hoonda oh karke vi dikhaunda yah darpoke ni yah main hor sarey aaj kal darpoke he lag de yah. laanat , hahah ok buddy
the best way to keep a thief at bay is not to kill him but to stay alert, even when asleep. remember guru gobind singh ji when he was cowardly attacked by the pathans in the thick of night? he was prepared and he struck back because he was prepared, even when asleep. he was at war with aurangzeb, but he faced his enemies on the battle-field. attacks like the one on the dera chief only puts us in bad light because we are using that as our only resort. physical face-off was only when things went out of hand. even during the gurgaddi of guru arjan to guru tegh bahadur ji (save for guru hargobind sahib ji) were all spent in studying ourselves and maintaining a saintly approach. it's only when things went out of hand that the soldierly approach was adopted.
our best defence is gurbani – learn and absorb gurbani with yourself and inculcate the same in your children. that is what no enemy can stand – the power of a saint. and when need be, the soldier will be called to duty.
the best way to keep a thief at bay is not to kill him but to stay alert, even when asleep. remember guru gobind singh ji when he was cowardly attacked by the pathans in the thick of night? he was prepared and he struck back because he was prepared, even when asleep. he was at war with aurangzeb, but he faced his enemies on the battle-field. attacks like the one on the dera chief only puts us in bad light because we are using that as our only resort. physical face-off was only when things went out of hand. even during the gurgaddi of guru arjan to guru tegh bahadur ji (save for guru hargobind sahib ji) were all spent in studying ourselves and maintaining a saintly approach. it’s only when things went out of hand that the soldierly approach was adopted.
our best defence is gurbani – learn and absorb gurbani with yourself and inculcate the same in your children. that is what no enemy can stand – the power of a saint. and when need be, the soldier will be called to duty.
our best defence is gurbani – learn and absorb gurbani with yourself and inculcate the same in your children. that is what no enemy can stand – the power of a saint. and when need be, the soldier will be called to duty.
Very well said. The power of Gurbani is something that can beat all enemies. Try to educate people who have fallen pray to this "Jhoota Baba". Make his disciples understand what the reality is. Take them closer to the Guru's word in the Guru Granth Sahib Ji. That would be a true victory of the Sikhs and the well deserved defeat for this vicious baba.
our best defence is gurbani – learn and absorb gurbani with yourself and inculcate the same in your children. that is what no enemy can stand – the power of a saint. and when need be, the soldier will be called to duty.
Very well said. The power of Gurbani is something that can beat all enemies. Try to educate people who have fallen pray to this “Jhoota Baba”. Make his disciples understand what the reality is. Take them closer to the Guru’s word in the Guru Granth Sahib Ji. That would be a true victory of the Sikhs and the well deserved defeat for this vicious baba.
Attack on dss chief saint Gurmeet Ram Raheem Gingh Insaa cavalcade with 2 kg RDX.
its really a shame that a saintly person has been tried to murder by a bunch of people who consider themselves as the most religious and pure.
Is this what ur religion tells and preaches? Is this what for several of the sikh gurus laid their lives for—– THE MURDER OF INNOCENTS??????????????????
whats the difference b/w jehad and this act????????????????????
i hope gurbani says—-" JIN PREM KIYO TIN HI PRABHU PAYO " no other person( who doesn't love each other) can ever ever achieve the god. then what is this.
and in spite of all this mischief the dss chief hasn't uttered a single word against the concerned religion.
some words may be bitter but are truth. my motive is not to insult or condemn any religion. think deeply and with a cool mind.
thanks
Attack on dss chief saint Gurmeet Ram Raheem Gingh Insaa cavalcade with 2 kg RDX.
its really a shame that a saintly person has been tried to murder by a bunch of people who consider themselves as the most religious and pure.
Is this what ur religion tells and preaches? Is this what for several of the sikh gurus laid their lives for—– THE MURDER OF INNOCENTS??????????????????
whats the difference b/w jehad and this act????????????????????
i hope gurbani says—-” JIN PREM KIYO TIN HI PRABHU PAYO ” no other person( who doesn’t love each other) can ever ever achieve the god. then what is this.
and in spite of all this mischief the dss chief hasn’t uttered a single word against the concerned religion.
some words may be bitter but are truth. my motive is not to insult or condemn any religion. think deeply and with a cool mind.
thanks
read what that saint has said after the attack ::::
http://www.sachkahoon.com/todaymazlish1.html
**you will need to download a font named sachkahoon from home page of the site http://www.sachkahoon.com to read the content.
read what that saint has said after the attack ::::
http://www.sachkahoon.com/todaymazlish1.html
**you will need to download a font named sachkahoon from home page of the site http://www.sachkahoon.com to read the content.
SAINT….SAINT…? wow. go ahead come on you gubrani warriors make people like mentos understand with gurbani. Leave our kaum with weak people and we will be run over. raab ton daar mentos tere varge kahi khatam ketay nay
SAINT….SAINT…? wow. go ahead come on you gubrani warriors make people like mentos understand with gurbani. Leave our kaum with weak people and we will be run over. raab ton daar mentos tere varge kahi khatam ketay nay
hey lookie – i can type transliterated punjabi too.
jsd – chuup kar, yaar.
hey lookie – i can type transliterated punjabi too.
jsd – chuup kar, yaar.
chal ehna naal he lagjaavo pher bethay rahiyo as one day theyll probably have ram rahim singh day as you guys do akhand paaths
chal ehna naal he lagjaavo pher bethay rahiyo as one day theyll probably have ram rahim singh day as you guys do akhand paaths
mentos, please moderate your response a bit. While this action was reprehensible, it is not appropriate to slander Islam (i.e., alluding to "jihad" in a limited and false way).
I'll be honest — I find the idea of referring to the leader of a dera as a "saint" absolutely repugnant. I understand what he's doing, I don't really agree with it, but my concern over this whole incident was in the (in my opinion) un-Sikh-like response.
mentos, please moderate your response a bit. While this action was reprehensible, it is not appropriate to slander Islam (i.e., alluding to “jihad” in a limited and false way).
I’ll be honest — I find the idea of referring to the leader of a dera as a “saint” absolutely repugnant. I understand what he’s doing, I don’t really agree with it, but my concern over this whole incident was in the (in my opinion) un-Sikh-like response.
mein to darta hun when will u b afraid of supreme pwr.
n again i repeat think with cool mind.there may be certain misconcepts.
mein to darta hun when will u b afraid of supreme pwr.
n again i repeat think with cool mind.there may be certain misconcepts.
punjabi ne aundi? haryana da dera the chela hoona.
punjabi ne aundi? haryana da dera the chela hoona.
Guys, can we keep the conversation constructive and accessible, please? Everyone has been doing so well — let's keep things copacetic
Guys, can we keep the conversation constructive and accessible, please? Everyone has been doing so well — let’s keep things copacetic
camille, so u feel satisfied saying bhindarwala as saint-next after 10th guru.
camille, so u feel satisfied saying bhindarwala as saint-next after 10th guru.
I agree!
I agree!
However, I do understand JSD. The problem is that as much as we want to take a scholarly approach to all these problems we have, sometimes we need a combination. I am definitely not advocating the statement "Its unfortunate that he didn’t die." But I do think that there needs to be a physical element of action involved. What that exactly may be, I do not know. But seeing as communities in general often need various approaches to problems like these, it makes sense because different people learn, process, and respond to things differently. In that aspect, I agree that there needs to be an element of action to bring our community out of the grasp of people like DSS.
I do believe that problems like domestic violence, female infanticide, education, etc are major contributing factors to individuals in our community turning to manipulative figures like DSS, and contributing to solving these issues is one aspect of a multi-tiered plan of solving these problems.
So to be constructive, what do you guys think this would be?
I agree!
I agree!
However, I do understand JSD. The problem is that as much as we want to take a scholarly approach to all these problems we have, sometimes we need a combination. I am definitely not advocating the statement “Its unfortunate that he didn’t die.” But I do think that there needs to be a physical element of action involved. What that exactly may be, I do not know. But seeing as communities in general often need various approaches to problems like these, it makes sense because different people learn, process, and respond to things differently. In that aspect, I agree that there needs to be an element of action to bring our community out of the grasp of people like DSS.
I do believe that problems like domestic violence, female infanticide, education, etc are major contributing factors to individuals in our community turning to manipulative figures like DSS, and contributing to solving these issues is one aspect of a multi-tiered plan of solving these problems.
So to be constructive, what do you guys think this would be?
mentos, you can keep baiting, but I'm not biting. Keep your comments relevant and on-topic.
Kaur, what kind of action would you recommend? There are certainly actions that are non-violent (boycotts, protests), so this is not necessarily an either/all dichotomy. I'd love to hear more about your thoughts
I personally think it would be fabulous if we all just did a better job being Gursikhs (i.e., doing sewa, being passionately comitted to equality and human rights, making sure our personal lives/actions are in line with our religious path). While it wouldn't eliminate deras, I think it would make them (somewhat) less attractive.
mentos, you can keep baiting, but I’m not biting. Keep your comments relevant and on-topic.
Kaur, what kind of action would you recommend? There are certainly actions that are non-violent (boycotts, protests), so this is not necessarily an either/all dichotomy. I’d love to hear more about your thoughts
I personally think it would be fabulous if we all just did a better job being Gursikhs (i.e., doing sewa, being passionately comitted to equality and human rights, making sure our personal lives/actions are in line with our religious path). While it wouldn’t eliminate deras, I think it would make them (somewhat) less attractive.
As far as action goes, I am not quite certain. I am in the boat of believers that awareness, education and an improved lifestyle will contribute in starting a plan of action.
I think that the followers that trail after these deras are doing so because they are finding something major lacking in their lives, lifestyles, and faith. The lack of faith, in my opinion, is because there is not a solid belief and understanding of gurbani, and possibly not an established relationship with gurbani and many of these followers. I believe that once our community actually addresses the social issues and turmoil that these families are going through we will see a decline in the rise of these deras. It seems very interesting to me that as the economy worsens and farmers/workers are continuously put in increasing amounts of debt this seems to be putting families and smaller Sikh communities in extreme hard times. It is often very comforting to take solace in the words of someone who seems to understand what you are going through, as I believe these dera leaders do very well in manipulating the situation to their advantage to gain power and control.
Yes we can sit here and argue the moral high ground that "No, as Sikhs we SOLELY follow the teachings in the granth.” I am not saying this is incorrect, however we need to step off our moral high ground and take a step into the shoes of these ppl that are dealing with banks/govt foreclosing their lands, lands that have been in their family for generations upon generations. These people that have no idea how they are supposed to feed their children, and what tomorrow will actually bring for them; these hard times make alcoholism and drug abuse prominent, and it all spirals down from there into domestic abuse, suicides, and most obviously a loss/confusion of faith.
We sit here and wonder things like, why do they not turn to gurbani and the teachings of the gurus. Again, I am not disagreeing with this statement, instead I am asking what ELSE can we do to help them regain, understand, and be committed to teachings of their gurus? In my opinion, it is the start to solve these economic and social issues that are perpetuated by a people that has been alienated and abused by ‘their’ govt. Action starts at education, action starts at economic assistance (REAL econ assistance, not high interest loans they will never be able to repay), action starts at paying attention to the suicides.
The first step is awareness but what is beyond this? In my opinion if we are able to implement counseling centers for the endless vicious cycle of debt and suicide, understand that mental health is often a factor for things like depression and much more. The treatment facilities and options for these things need to be created, implemented, and sustained; the largest problem we have as a community is sustainability and cohesiveness. Without this, it is like a needle in a haystack.
A possible physical, to possibly pull from JSD's train of thought, would be to offer the families protection from intimidation and corrupt politics, stand up for those that are unable to physically defend themselves or their families.
That’s my opinion of action, what else do you guys think?
As far as action goes, I am not quite certain. I am in the boat of believers that awareness, education and an improved lifestyle will contribute in starting a plan of action.
I think that the followers that trail after these deras are doing so because they are finding something major lacking in their lives, lifestyles, and faith. The lack of faith, in my opinion, is because there is not a solid belief and understanding of gurbani, and possibly not an established relationship with gurbani and many of these followers. I believe that once our community actually addresses the social issues and turmoil that these families are going through we will see a decline in the rise of these deras. It seems very interesting to me that as the economy worsens and farmers/workers are continuously put in increasing amounts of debt this seems to be putting families and smaller Sikh communities in extreme hard times. It is often very comforting to take solace in the words of someone who seems to understand what you are going through, as I believe these dera leaders do very well in manipulating the situation to their advantage to gain power and control.
Yes we can sit here and argue the moral high ground that “No, as Sikhs we SOLELY follow the teachings in the granth.” I am not saying this is incorrect, however we need to step off our moral high ground and take a step into the shoes of these ppl that are dealing with banks/govt foreclosing their lands, lands that have been in their family for generations upon generations. These people that have no idea how they are supposed to feed their children, and what tomorrow will actually bring for them; these hard times make alcoholism and drug abuse prominent, and it all spirals down from there into domestic abuse, suicides, and most obviously a loss/confusion of faith.
We sit here and wonder things like, why do they not turn to gurbani and the teachings of the gurus. Again, I am not disagreeing with this statement, instead I am asking what ELSE can we do to help them regain, understand, and be committed to teachings of their gurus? In my opinion, it is the start to solve these economic and social issues that are perpetuated by a people that has been alienated and abused by ‘their’ govt. Action starts at education, action starts at economic assistance (REAL econ assistance, not high interest loans they will never be able to repay), action starts at paying attention to the suicides.
The first step is awareness but what is beyond this? In my opinion if we are able to implement counseling centers for the endless vicious cycle of debt and suicide, understand that mental health is often a factor for things like depression and much more. The treatment facilities and options for these things need to be created, implemented, and sustained; the largest problem we have as a community is sustainability and cohesiveness. Without this, it is like a needle in a haystack.
A possible physical, to possibly pull from JSD’s train of thought, would be to offer the families protection from intimidation and corrupt politics, stand up for those that are unable to physically defend themselves or their families.
That’s my opinion of action, what else do you guys think?
"I personally think it would be fabulous if we all just did a better job being Gursikhs (i.e., doing sewa, being passionately comitted to equality and human rights, making sure our personal lives/actions are in line with our religious path). While it wouldn’t eliminate deras, I think it would make them (somewhat) less attractive.
"
um thats not going to do anything that helps you not them. Seriously since when did Sikhs become so scared…look at you guys sitting here talking about doing paath as people do things to us. Um….look at mentos' comments (people really do think like that) and mentos yes Sant Jarnail Singh was a Sant. And im not taking only a militaristic view to this, but you all seem to have only this sant view..wheres the sipahi..where the balance. The whole Langar Hall crew sounds like a group of liberal activists…you say ONE thing and a billion people attack you, its about time me and a bunch of people stop paying attention to this site as it does nothing but attack those with strong opinions, and aren't as liberal. Id rather not do that but I just might need to
“I personally think it would be fabulous if we all just did a better job being Gursikhs (i.e., doing sewa, being passionately comitted to equality and human rights, making sure our personal lives/actions are in line with our religious path). While it wouldn’t eliminate deras, I think it would make them (somewhat) less attractive.
”
um thats not going to do anything that helps you not them. Seriously since when did Sikhs become so scared…look at you guys sitting here talking about doing paath as people do things to us. Um….look at mentos’ comments (people really do think like that) and mentos yes Sant Jarnail Singh was a Sant. And im not taking only a militaristic view to this, but you all seem to have only this sant view..wheres the sipahi..where the balance. The whole Langar Hall crew sounds like a group of liberal activists…you say ONE thing and a billion people attack you, its about time me and a bunch of people stop paying attention to this site as it does nothing but attack those with strong opinions, and aren’t as liberal. Id rather not do that but I just might need to
im not saying to go war guys…im saying Toughen up.
im not saying to go war guys…im saying Toughen up.
JSD-
If you can't take the heat, get off the court…
Blogs like these are meant to facilitate healthy discussions, and possibly solutions to the problems we see on a daily basis. This means that others will both agree and disagree with you. If you can't handle disagreement or criticism than maybe you should not be on this forum. I'm not saying this in response to your opinions presented here, rather the manner in which they have been represented.
JSD-
If you can’t take the heat, get off the court…
Blogs like these are meant to facilitate healthy discussions, and possibly solutions to the problems we see on a daily basis. This means that others will both agree and disagree with you. If you can’t handle disagreement or criticism than maybe you should not be on this forum. I’m not saying this in response to your opinions presented here, rather the manner in which they have been represented.