International Sikh Confederation
ਇੰਟਰਨੈਸ਼ਨਲ ਸਿੱਖ ਕਨਫੈਡਰੇਸ਼ਨ
CONSTITUTION
The Institute of Sikh Studies (IOSS) at the end of its Annual Seminar on Nov 16, 2003, passed a resolution which inter alia reads as follows :
This gathering of Sikhs has noted with great concern that the Panth is passing through a crisis marked by disunity, challenges to Sikh identity and established institutions like the Akal Takht Sahib and SGPC, spate of apostasy, existence of schisms old and new, and unnecessary controversies created to divide and weaken the Panth
.
“In order to deal with these problems, to carry the divine message of the Gurus worldwide and to lead the Panth to its destined glory in the service of mankind, it is imperative to invoke the Gurus’ doctrine of Guru Granth – Guru Panth, which gives this responsibility to take decisions in the light of teachings of the Gurus with complete faith in sabad as Guru.
“This gathering feels that in the situation that prevails today, it is necessary to have a central body of the Sikhs with global representation whose deliberations will guide and assist the entire Sikh community.”
The resolution also called upon the SGPC ‘to take the required initiative for creating an apex body, which includes representatives of all major panthic organizations and Sikhs from across the world, with itself as nucleus under the patronage of Akal Takht Sahib.” Sardar Gurcharan Singh Tohra, the then SGPC President, addressed this seminar, blessed the idea and assured that the SGPC would welcome the move, provided it does not hurt the existing Panthic institutions.
In order to initiate action on the resolution, the IOSS convened a meeting on the 21st February, 2004 at Chandigarh, which was attended by representatives of a large number of Sikh organizations including the following, besides the IOSS and a number of Sikh intellectuals :
– Sikh Education Society, Chandigarh
– Guru Gobind Singh Study Circle, Ludhiana
– The Sikh Missionary College, Ludhiana
– Sikh Core Group, Chandigarh,
– Guru Nanak Trust, Washington, DC,
– Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Managing Committee, New Delhi
– Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, Amritsar
– Academy of Sikh Religion and Culture, Patiala,
– Gurdwaras Coordination Committee, Mohali
– Gurdwaras Coordination Committee, Chandigarh
– Vanjara Trust, Chandigarh
– Gurmat Parsar Sewa Society, Chandigarh
– Sikh Nari Manch, Chandigarh
This meeting unanimously endorsed the resolution and set up the following action committee:
2. Dr.Gurcharan Singh Kalkat, Padma Bhushan
3. Lt. Gen Kartar Singh Gill, PVSM(Retd)
4. Giani Harinder Singh, Former Kendri Singh Sabha
5. Dr.Rajinder Singh Bajwa, Guru Nanak Trust, Washington
6. Principal Ram Singh, Guru Gobind Singh Study Circle, Ludhiana
7. Brig. Gurdeep Singh(Retd), Former Convener, Sikh Care Group, Chd
8. S.Amrinder Singh Member, SGPC
9. Col Rajinder Singh(Retd), President, Gurudwara Sector 34, Chd
10. S.Angrej Singh, President, Pind Bachao Committee, Chd
– Lt Gen Kartar Singh Gill, PVSM,(Retd)
– Dr G S Kalkat, Padma Bhushan
– Dr Kharak Singh
This Committee held a number of sittings and with valuable assistance from S Gurdev Singh, President, IOSS, Gen Jaswant Singh, Brig.Gurdip Singh,(Retd) prepared a draft which was discussed in a meeting of the representatives of the organisations listed above on the 13th June, 2004. In addition, Principals of some Sikh educational institutions like Dr Inderjit Singh from Phagwara and senior retired army officers, Gen S S Randhawa and Gen M S Kandal also attended. The draft as adopted in this meeting is reproduced below, in order to elicit opinion, comments, or suggestions for improvement:
“The name of the Sikh Apex Body proposed in the draft is International Sikh Confederation (ISC). The aims and objectives proposed are fairly comprehensive. Care has been taken in the Constitution that no existing panthic organization is supplanted or its authority diluted. The SGPC, the Akali Dals and other organizations will continue to function as heretofore. The ISC will reflect the collective thinking of the Panth, and all existing or future organizations of the Panth are expected to move together in the direction pointed out by the ISC and work for achievement of the common goals in a coordinated manner.
It is hoped that all Sikhs, the world over, individually as well as through gurdwara management committees or other organizations, will lend fullest support to this proposal so that the ISC starts functioning at the earliest. The Sikh diaspora is expected to play a very active role in this effort, since it is the only way, their concerns can be voiced.
The IOSS will continue to coordinate the effort. This task is priority no. 1 on its agenda. After the successful conclusion of the campaign of Nanakshahi Calendar, the Institute is concentrating on this item. Let us ensure that a solid beginning is made during the current year when we observe centenaries of three major events in Sikh history, and that in the next couple of years, the ISC becomes an established fact. This is the only way to give practical shape to the doctrine of Guru Granth – Guru Panth, the Guru gave us in his limitless benevolence”.
THE NEED FOR APEX BODY
The doctrine of ‘Guru Granth – Guru Panth’ proclaimed by Guru Gobind Singh demands the setting up of such a body without which the Panth cannot discharge its responsibilities or exercise its authority. This was elaborated in the keynote address delivered in the Institute of Sikh Studies (IOSS) seminar referred to earlier, which is, therefore being partly reproduced as an Appendix (page 14).
ੴ ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂ ਜੀ ਕੀ ਫਤਹਿ
INTERNATIONAL SIKH CONFEDERATION
Constitution
1 This Body shall be known as the International Sikh Confederation (ISC).
REGISTERED OFFICE
2 Its Registered Office shall be located at Chandigarh. This may be shifted to Amritsar in due course. There will be various regional, zonal and local offices in India and abroad as the Organization expand.
AIM
3 To provide guidance and direction in the Sikh community’s march towards its ordained mission to spread the effulgent message of the Gurus and to ensure a rightful place for the community, nationally as well as internationally.
Objectives
a) To share the ideology of the Guru Granth Sahib with all humanity for evolving a harmonious social order. b) To articulate short- and long-term goals of the Panth.
c) To promote the cause of the Sikh community in national and international forums.
d) To articulate and express the views on behalf of the Sikh community in the above forums, and thus to represent the Panth in all domestic and international spheres.
e) To co-ordinate activities of various Sikh organizations.
f) To help resolve and work towards settlement of all philosophical and other issues affecting the Panth as a whole.
g) To apply for and obtain membership for the Confederation in world organization such as UNESCO, UNHRC etc.
h) To promote education & economic development of the Sikh Community.
i) To promote research and publication of literature on Sikh identity, religion, history, culture and tradition.
j) Establish and manage Institute of Higher Learning and research in various disciplines including religion, Social Studies, Medicines, Engineering, Information Technology, and other disciplined as required.
k) Establish trust endowment, chairs in universities and Institute of learning’s, also establish schools, colleges and coaching centers with particular stress on uplift of children in Rural Areas. l) To rebut academic and other attacks on Sikh religion, culture, tradition and history.
m) To take vigorous and sustained measures to promote Punjabi language.
n) To initiate and help promote national and international effort, for humanitarian causes in pursuance of the basic Sikh tenet of Sarbat da Bhala (well being for all).
ACCOMPLISHMENT OF AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
a) Establish and manage institutions of higher learning and research in various disciplines including Sikh religion, social studies, medicine, engineering, information technology and other disciplines, as required.
b) Establish trusts, endowments, chairs in universities and institutions of learning. Stress will be laid on primary and secondary education and the uplift of women.
c) Set up and manage Press with a view to publishing books, pamphlets, periodicals, newspapers / magazines / journals in Indian /International languages.
d) Appeal for, solicit, accept, receive and / or collect, acquire, or dispose of movable and immovable property / assets.
e) Accept money, special subscriptions, donations, grants, endowment funds, gifts, bequests and / or services from any legitimate source.
f) Make rules, bye-laws, and lay down procedures and conventions to facilitate smooth functioning of the Organization,
g) Take any other steps considered necessary for achieving the objectives of the Federation.
ELIGIBILITY FOR MEMBERSHIP
a) A Sikh Gurdwara notified under any lawful statute.
b) Any Other Sikh Gurdwara registered and managed by Sikh sangat.
c) A Sikh institution / trust / society / association or other body (registered / incorporated / notified) engaged in the protection and promotion of Sikh interests.
d) Eminent Sikh individual with known contribution to the cause of Sikhism.
7 The membership shall be by invitation / application. The decision of the ad hoc committee initially and later the Executive Committee (EC) in the matter of approval or non-approval in this respect shall be final.
8 The gurdwara / institution / trust / society / association and any other body on becoming member, shall be represented in the ISC by duly authorized representative of the concerned entity.
QUALIFICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP
a) Has full faith in the Ten Gurus, Sri Guru Granth Sahib and Sikh rahit maryada, and does not believe in any other religion;
b) is not less than 21 years of age;
c) Believes in the aims and objectives of the ISC and agrees to fulfill the same.
d) Pays the prescribed subscription in time.
10 Members of the EC shall be Amritdhari Sikhs, with education equivalent to a degree from a recognized university.
DISQUALIFICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP
a) Has been convicted of any offence involving moral turpitude;
b) Has been declared by a competent authority to be insane or insolvent;
c) Has committed any of the four ‘Bajar Kurehats’ listed in the Sikh Rehat Maryada.
d) Is considered by the EC not a fit person to become, or continue to be a member of the ISC for any reason whatsoever;
e) Fails to pay the prescribed membership fee.
MEMBERSHIP
12 Will be of the following categories:
a) Patron
b) Primary membership
c) Associate membership (without voting rights)
d) Life membership
13 Members shall pay bi-annual membership fee at the following rates:
Category Indian Sub Continent Others Institutions Bi- annual Bi-annual
Registered/incorporated/notified Sikh
Institution/trust/society/association, etc. Rs. 5, 000/- $300
All Sikh Gurdwara Rs. 5000/- $ 300
Individuals
– Primary membership Rs. 500/- $40
– Associate membership Rs. 250/- $20
– Life membership Rs 25,000/- $1500
– Patron Rs 5, 00,000/- $25,000
14 Membership period will be from 1st January to 31st December of the following year i.e. two years. For initial enrolment the subscription will be valid up to 31st December but not less than two years. Member’s fee may be reviewed from time to time by the EC.
15 A Register of all members containing names, permanent address will be maintained and updated regularly. Names of GC and EC members along with office staff will be maintained separately.
GENERAL BODY (GB)
16 All members of the ISC will constitute the General Body. This is the highest body of the confederation and, except for Associate Members; all others have full voting rights. Voting right will, however, accrue on completion of six months of membership.
17 The General Body will meet as and when necessary, but not less than once in four years.
18 The quorum for the General Body meetings will be 20 per cent of the total member strength (less Associate Members) or 100, whichever is less.
19 The General Body will be the Supreme Body of the Confederation. The General Body members of a particular constituency / region will elect the members of the G.C to represent that constituency / region.As far as possible elections to the GC shall be by consensus. However if this is not achieved, elections will be held by secret ballot.
20 The General Body will give direction to the GC for the achievement of the objectives of the Confederation and will have the power of amendments to the Constitution, if necessary.
GOVERNING COUNCIL (GC)
21 The GC of the ISC shall consist of 200 members to be drawn from various constituencies as shown in the Appendix ‘A’ and shall meet at least once yearly. However, an extraordinary meeting of the GC may be called earlier if required. Governing Council members will be selected by consensus. However, if consensus is not achieve elections to the GC will be held.
22 Election to the GC will be held every four years. These will be conducted by the EC who shall appoint an Election Commissioner three months before the due date. Comprehensive orders for the preparation and conduct of elections will be issued by the EC through the CEO. The members of the GC representing a particular constituency / region will be elected by the General Body members of that constituency / region.
23 Takht Jathedar Sahiban will be Permanent Invitees to the GC. In deference to their exalted status in the Panth, they will not be involved in the voting process.
FUNCTIONS OF GOVERNING COUNCIL
24 Formulation and implementation of policy matters and approval of various programs of the ISC under the overall directions of the General Body.
25 It will delegate powers to the EC for implementation of the policies and programs of the ISC and day to day functions.
MANAGEMENT OF THE ISC
26 The affairs of the ISC shall be managed by the EC duly aided by five or more Advisory Councils comprised of professionals from various disciplines as indicated in the Appendix ‘A’.
27 Each Advisory Council will consist of five to ten working members and will be headed by a nominee of the EC. The advisory council may co-opt additional experts for advice, if required, with the approval of the EC.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE (EC)
28 Will consist of 25 members. Constitution of this committee will initially be as follows:
a) Institutional Representatives 11
b) Individuals 08
c) Heads of Advisory Councils 06
Total 25
(all of the members of EC should be amritdhari Sikhs)
29 A Presidium of Five EC members elected / nominated by the GC will chair the meetings of the GC and EC collectively. It will also supervise the day to day functioning of the CEO / Secretariat. Chairmanship within the Presidium will be rotated monthly.
PRESIDIUM
30 The Presidium will consist of five (5) members duly selected/elected from within the EC each year. One of them will be designated as the Secretary General. He will be authorized to sign correspondence and ensure proper functioning of the ISC, and sign documents authorized by the Presidium. After one year a new Presidium will be selected/elected from within the EC. No member is eligible for a second tenure within a two year term of the EC.
31 A Secretariat headed by a CEO will function under the direct control of the Presidium. It is desirable that the CEO be a highly experienced and an outstanding administrator, who is well versed in Sikh religion and its affairs. He should preferably be based permanently at ISC Headquarters to devote full time to his duties. His tenure may be for four years with a maximum of one extension of four years.
32 The CEO will function directly under the Presidium that may delegate special powers to him from time to time.
33 Remuneration to be paid to employees of the ISC Secretariat including the CEO will be decided by the EC with final approval of the GC at its bi-annual meeting or special meeting. Until a GC is in place the decision will be taken by the Ad hoc Committee along with sustainable budget.
ELECTION TO THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
34 Election to the EC will be as follows:
a) By consensus / election in the GC meeting held every 2 years in India.
b) For continuity, only 10 members (six from institutions and four individuals) will be newly elected every 2 years.
c) Heads of Advisory Councils will be nominated by the EC. Suitable Bye-laws in this regard will be framed by the Presidium in consultation with the Advisory Council concerned.
35 All institutional representatives will serve full tenure at the discretion of their Parent Body which will be at liberty to withdraw/ replace their nominees after one year.
36 No mid-term election to the EC will be held by the ISC for vacancies created by resignation or withdrawal due to any reason whatsoever. Vacancies may be filled by the EC for the remaining term.
Functions of the Executive Committee
37 The EC shall exercise all powers and perform all such functions, as authorized by the GC. Bye-laws in this regard will be formulated by the EC and got approved by the GC. Any further revision/addition to bye-laws will need the express approval of the GC by two thirds majority of the members present and voting, in a meeting called with a notice of three months or more and with agenda duly notified.
OFFICE BEARERS
38 The EC will be solely responsible for running the affairs of the ISC. As already stated, a Presidium of five members will perform these functions collectively. The Presidium will preside over the meetings of the EC.
39 The EC shall organize a Secretariat. They shall frame bye-laws in this regard and appoint a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to assist them. This organization is expected to be evolved over time with the required office staff to assist them and to implement decisions of the Presidium / EC.
TENURE OF MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
40 As already stated in Para 34 (b), the tenure of the EC members will be four years. However, 10 elected members of the first GC will perforce have two-year tenure. Decision in this regard will be taken by the EC by consensus or by drawing lots.
41 Advisory Council Heads will have a fixed tenure of four years. Anyone nominated in place of a member between elections will have a truncated tenure, i.e., remaining period. All members will of necessity be primary members of the ISC.
Limit on tenures in GC and EC
42 A member may serve in the GC and EC of the ISC for not more than two (2) tenures.
ADVISORY COUNCILS
43 The main aim of an AC forming part of the ISC constitution is to aid decision making. Each Council will consist of a Head, and up to ten members (total 11). As already stated in Para 34 (c) Heads of ACs will be nominated by the EC. They will be highly qualified and experienced individuals Remaining members of the AC will be selected by the Presidium in consultation with the Head who is already nominated.
44 The GC in its bi-annual meeting will decide upon the number of AC to be formed. Initially these will be five in number; one each for Religious Affairs; Education and Social Affairs; Economic Affairs; Press, Publication and IT; and lastly International and Legal Affairs. Members will be experts in their respective disciplines and eligible to be members of the ISC.
45 Heads of Councils may employ professionals as and when required, for specific projects and for sanctioned durations, with the express permission of the EC. These professionals may not necessarily be members of the ISC.
46 Bye-laws for these Councils will be framed by the Secretary General in consultation with the AC Chairman concerned and approved by the EC.
47 While acceptance of the advice rendered by ACs is not obligatory, all major decisions of the ISC will ordinarily be based on the advice rendered by the AC(s) concerned.
QUORUM
48 The quorum for the GC will be 25% of the total membership, and for the EC meetings, it will be 9 members of the Committee.
NOTICE FOR MEETINGS
49 For GC meetings not less than three months notice shall be given from the time of dispatch of the last letter.
50 For EC meetings not less than 15 days notice shall be given from the time of dispatch of the last letter. Emergency meeting, may, however, be called at short notice by the Presidium.
51 All such notices will be issued by the CEO under direction of the Presidium.
OFFICIAL LANGUAGE
52 Punjabi in Gurmukhi Script and English in Roman Script shall be the official languages of the ISC.
DISPUTES AND DIFFERENCES
53 Any controversial issues referred to the EC or taken up suo moto shall be discussed by the EC, which may obtain the advice of the concerned AC(s) and resolve the issue(s). However all sensitive issues will be placed before the GC for ratification.
AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION
54 Any amendment to the Constitution which is proposed under signatures of at least twenty one primary / life members of ISC may be circulated to members of the EC. While discussing the proposal for amendment to the Constitution in the EC, full opportunity will be granted formally to the members submitting the proposal to put forth their views.
55 The EC will thereafter submit its own recommendations independently to the General Body for a final decision. It may then be passed by 2/3 majority of the members present.
56 All accounts of the ISC will be audited quarterly by registered auditors. The Executive Committee will propose and obtain approval of the Governing Council (GC) to appoint auditors every 2 years. Annual Balance Sheet and Profit and Loss Statement will be approved by the GC.
REGIONAL ORGANISATION
57 The ISC will set up Regional Committees in each major region of the world, consisting of one or more countries indicated in the Appendix, where sizable Sikh population resides.
58 The ISC may set up a network of zonal committees in each region based on population and convenience of communication.
59 In addition to the above, Regional Offices of the ISC will be opened in various states of the Indian Union keeping in view the membership of the region. Decision in this regard will be taken by the EC and subsequently approved/modified in the Bi-Annual meeting of the GC. Organization with in Regions:
60 Each region will enjoy decentralized powers so as to function efficiently within the overall constitution of the ISC. Each region will have a Regional Committee with required number of Zonal Committees and even Local Committees. Ten or more primary members in a defined area may constitute a Local Committee with the approval of the Zonal Committee concerned, and elect a Convener / Chairman every two years. Each Regional Committee will have a working committee with a Chairman to be elected (by consensus if possible) by the Chairman of the Zonal Committee, who, in term, may be elected by the Conveners of the Local Committees in the respective zones. 61 These elected Chairman may further nominate two or three members on their respective committee for carrying out the functions of their committees effectively.
Periodicity of Meetings
62 It is expected that all these committees will keep in close touch with members by organizing frequent meetings at various levels. The minimum suggested frequency would be:- (a) Regional Committee — Once a year (b) Zonal Committee — Twice a year (c) Local Committee — Quarterly
Enrolment of Members:
63 While the ISC will continue to enroll members directly, the above committee in various regions and zones will organize special drives to ensure that all Sikh Organizations/ Societies/ Gurdwaras, eligible for membership, are enrolled. They will include members on their roster even if enrolled directly by the ISC after which total responsibility for renewal of membership and administration will rest with them. Subscription will be shared in the ratio of 25% each Regional, Zonal and Local Committees and 25% to be sent to HQ ISC for central expenditure. Priority for enrolment should be given to Organizations/ Associations/ Gurdwaras. These will be represented by nominated but qualified individuals as decided by their parent Organizations. Elections to Governing Council and Executive Committee:
64 Elections to the GC and EC will be organized and announced centrally by the Election Commission. However voting for elections to the GC will take place in respective regions / zones and locations as per the directions of the Election Commission and its representatives in various locations. Number of seats allotted to each region has been laid down in the Constitution.
65 Elections to the EC will however be held centrally during the meeting of the GC every two years. Members of the GC who cannot attend due to exigencies may be allowed to vote by postal ballot with the advance permission granted by the Central
Election Commission. Decision Making: 66 All policy decisions will be approved by the Central GC/ Central EC as laid down in the Constitution. Zones / Regions may recommend changes where warranted to the HQ ISC for consideration in meetings of the GC and EC. Constant communication will be maintained by all regions with HQ ISC through the CEO.
Administration:
67 Regions are totally responsible for the maintenance and audit of accounts and raising finances for projects sanctioned by HQ ISC. Day to day decisions in this regard will be made autonomously and HQ informed where required. Quarterly audit reports will be promptly forwarded to HQ ISC within 15 days of completion by e-mail. 68 Brief summary of meetings when held and decisions taken will be communicated to HQ ISC. Each region is expected to raise a Secretariat for its efficient functioning with proper bye-laws which spell out functions and responsibilities in detail. This will be evolved to suit indigenous needs within the ambit of the Constitution. In larger countries like the USA, Canada and Australia, all zones of these regions need to be suitably represented on the Governing Council.
Functions
69 All these Committees will perform all tasks expected of them as per decisions taken centrally by ISC and forwarded to regional, zonal and local committee. In particular these functions include:- (a) Enrolment of new members.
(b) To promote the objectives of the ISC and to carry out its programs in their respective jurisdiction.
(c) To provide the required feedback to the ISC.
(d) To organize elections.
APPENDIX
THE NEED FOR AN APEX BODY*
THE PRESENT CHAOTIC SITUATION
The Panth is passing through a critical period, and faces numerous problems. Although the SHIROMANI AKALI DAL (B) was a partner in the NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC ALLIANCE government at the Centre, the glow of freedom the Sikhs have struggled for, is nowhere visible. The infamous Blue Star Operation and the repression that followed continue to cast their painful shadows on the Sikh psyche. The Panth is divided into several political parties as well as religious sects.
There is no unanimity on the long-term political goals of the Sikhs. While some sections demand a sovereign independent state, others prefer autonomy within the Indian Union. The SAD has favored the Anandpur Sahib Resolution of 1973 subsequently modified in 1978. The Hindu majority, however, considers it secessionist, and is in no mood to concede the demand.
There are challenges to Sikh identity, and concerted efforts are afoot to treat the Sikhs as a sect of Hindus. The Rashtriya Sikh Sangat wing of the BJP is busily engaged in confusing the Sikhs on this issue.
Then there is the problem of apostasy, particularly among the Sikh youth. Under the influence of the West and the TV culture, alarmingly large numbers of Sikhs have dropped the most visible and essential requirement of Sikhism – the unshorn hair.
The Sikhs outside Punjab as well as Sikh diaspora outside India have their own peculiar problems. Besides, there are millions of tribal Sikhs like Vanjaras, Sikligars, Lobanas, Tharus, etc., known as Nanak Panthis, who are living in utter neglect and abject poverty in several states of India, notably Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, etc. They have received no attention from the Panth, and are vulnerable to influence of missionaries of other faiths.
To the list of problems must be added the recent controversies over Dasam Granth, All India Sikh Gurdwaras Act, Sikh Personal Law, seating arrangements in langar, the authority of the Takht jathedars, etc.
Little organized effort has been made by the Sikh leadership to carry the message of the Gurus in its pristine form. Clever individuals taking advantage of this situation have established their deras where they preach their own cult in the garb of Sikh religion among the credulous Sikh masses not only in India but also abroad. This leads to erosion of Sikh values and weakens the Panth. Each dera is a potential Schism and a challenge to mainstream Sikhism.
Schisms
This problem needs special mention; to quote Prof Teja Singh:
“The belief of the Sikhs that ‘there shall be one Guru, one Word and only one Interpretation’* does not allow them — at least theoretically — to have any sects among them. Sects arise in those religions where no arrangement is made to secure the permanency of Guruship. When the founder dies leaving nothing behind but his Word, he begins to be interpreted differently by his followers, and in the course of time sects arise as a result of these differences. In Sikhism, however, a peculiar arrangement was made by which no differences were to be allowed in doctrine or its interpretation. The Guru was always one, and always alive. This was not possible physically. So it was designed that with the change of the Guru the spirit should not change. ‘The spirit was the same, and so was the method, the Master merely changed his body’** (Var Satta). As long as the Gurus were personally present they did not allow any change in the doctrine, nor did they allow any new Centres to be formed within the pale of Sikhism. Whenever anybody tried to found a schism, he and his followers were thrown out. That was the fate of the Minas, Dhirmalias, Ramraiyas, etc. After the death of Guru Gobind Singh the whole Sikh community, as a collective unit, was invested with the authority of the Guru, and was to guide itself in the light of the Word incorporated in the Holy Granth. It meant that the Word for the guidance of the community was the same as before, only its interpreter had changed his body. Instead of being one person he had assumed the shape of a corporate body, called the Panth.
“Owing to certain historical causes this principle of Panthic Guruship has had no chance of working effectively, with the result that many sects have arisen in Sikhism, and the Sikhs do not know what to do with them. If after Guru Gobind Singh the Sikhs had instituted a central assembly to exercise the right of personal guidance in the name of the Guru, there would have been no differences in interpretation, and no sects would have been formed round those interpretations. But there being no central authority to check, control, unite or coordinate, there have arisen certain orders of preachers or missionaries who in the course of time have assumed the form of sects. Such are the Udasis, Nirmalas, Sewapanthis, Namdharis, Nirankaris, etc.”*
THE SOLUTION: INTERNATIONAL SIKH CONFEDERATION
Let us see if any of the existing Sikh institutions fulfills these requirements. There are some basic institutions which have played an extremely important role in the growth and development of the Panth, and are indispensable. Their relevance, for the present purpose of dealing with current problems, however, is limited. Here we can consider only the Sikh institutions in the sense of an organization.
In times of crisis we frequently turn to Sri Akal Takht. It is regarded, as indeed it is, a panacea for all ills. It, however, lacks the organizational structure and technical support to perform its functions. Also, while the authority of Akal Takht is accepted by all without question, there is no such unanimity on the absolute authority of its Jathedar.
The SGPC (Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee) is the second alternative. This is often called the Parliament of the Sikhs, and is no doubt the most representative body of the Panth. This, too, however, has its limitations. Sikhs abroad and even the Indian Sikhs outside Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and Himachal Pradesh, are not represented on it. Its mode of election does not attract men of the required religious calibre among Sikhs. Further, the fact that SGPC elections are fought by political parties, the goal becomes political authority or hegemony of a group, and not efficient management of Gurdwaras or serving the Pathetic interests. In view of this and also because of the existence of other bodies like the DSGMC (Delhi Sikh Gurdwaras Management Committee), the claim of SGPC as the sole representative of the Sikhs gets considerably diluted.
With regard to the ‘council of high priests’ as the central decision-making body of the Panth, nobody is clear as to who are the members of this council. Is it the Jathedars of the five takhts ? History does not support this tradition. In fact, until a few years back, there used to be only four takhts. And the two takhts (Patna Sahib and Hazoor Sahib) had no jathedars. They had their high priests who were not under the control of the SGPC and seldom attended the meetings of the council. According to tradition, high priests of these two takhts are not supposed to leave their headquarters, and the best they can do is to depute their nominees with the approval of their respective managements. While we consider this alternative, we should also not forget that there are no qualifications prescribed for the high priests, nor are there any satisfactory procedures for their appointment.
The other existing organizations also do not offer much hope. The Chief Khalsa Diwan appears to have virtually withdrawn from activity. The Sikh Education Conference is practically defunct. The World Sikh Council envisaged in the Vishav Sikh Sammelan of 1995 has been struggling unsuccessfully to make a start.
It will be seen that at the moment there is no agency to represent the Sikh Panth and to take decisions in its behalf, which is acceptable to all. During the Gurus’ times, the Sikhs looked to the Guru for guidance, direction and decisions. When the Guruship was vested in Guru Granth Sahib, it was stipulated that the Guru Panth or a representative body of Sikhs would take decisions in its behalf. According to the contemporary Gursobha, Guru Gobind Singh said, “I have bestowed the physical (or secular) Guruship on the Khalsa” … …and “The True Guru is the infinite Word, whose contemplation enables one to bear the unbearable.” This was the intention of Guru Gobind Singh when he nominated five pyaras to go with Banda Singh Bahadur on his expedition to the Punjab. However, in the post-Banda Singh period when Sikhs had to face repression and exile, this institution could not be formalized. The concept was revived during the misl period when the heads of various misls used to meet at Akal Takht on Vaisakhi and Diwali to discuss their problems and a common agenda for the Panth. Their unanimous decisions used to be called gurmattas and were accepted by all as decisions of the Guru. This practice was discontinued by Maharaja Ranjit Singh for his own reasons, and has remained redundant ever since.
This vacuum is responsible for the prevailing confusion and uncertainty, and for a solution of the present as well as future problems, we have to fill it. An agency has to be created that can represent and speak in behalf of the Panth. The Akal Takht and the SGPC are the greatest assets of the Sikh community. The former was bestowed by Guru Hargobind, while the latter was won after a prolonged struggle and tremendous sacrifices, and is also the biggest and the most representative body of the Sikhs. These two institutions can provide the answer. The SGPC should take the initiative and convene a meeting of the representatives of the major Sikh organizations like the DSGMC, The Chief Khalsa Diwan, Kendri Singh Sabha, Damdami Taksal, etc., besides accredited fore of Sikh intelligentsia like the Institute of Sikh Studies (IOSS), Chandigarh, Sikh Missionary College, Ludhiana and the Sri Guru Gobind Singh Study Circle, Ludhiana to discuss the situation. With an earnest effort, an Apex Body can be created with SGPC as nucleus. All Sikh interests including the Sikh diaspora will have to be represented on it through formal or informal nominations.
AUTHORITY
The proposed Apex Body will derive its authority from Sri Akal Takht Sahib. All decisions will be implemented through it.
ROLE OF EXISTING ORGANIZATIONS
Before I conclude I must say that it was neither my intention, nor is it possible in this brief address to provide a blueprint for the proposed Apex Body of the Panth. That has been left to the learned scholars who will present their papers in this seminar. I have only stressed the urgent need for it. There is no other way we can survive as Panth and make our contribution towards advancement of mankind. The Guru beckons us. Let us respond to his call and carry out the task assigned to us under the doctrine of Guru Granth-Guru Panth.