Woes of the modern times and the shrinking world – we spend so much time on discussing trivial issues that we overlook the underpinning principles of Sikh tenets. Even when discussing trivialities, like the dress code in a school, we lose sight of reality and decent values. The subject of the dress code can be resolved and concluded quite sensibly if people do not see things with blinkered vision and personal bias.
When an individual joins an institution, he or she undertakes to adhere to a certain code of conduct, which includes the dress code. Reservations of any kind must be made at this stage and once the terms are agreed and accepted the subject must adhere to the rules and regulations of that institution unless these are very unjust, impractical, cruel or downright impossible to comply with. In the case of the dress code, in general terms, any form of dress can look vulgar if the intention behind it is vulgar. A person can dress with great grace and dignity in western clothes and look obscene in a salwar-kameez outfit where it is deliberately designed to exhibit seductiveness. It is the thought, the concept and the intention behind the act that is important. It is possible, for example, for girls to wear jeans and tops to show off their figures, which I agree can also be done with a seductively designed sari. Taking the analogy of music, there is nothing wrong with the seven notes, but it is the words that will make a poem/song vulgar or blissful.
Today we get embroiled in debates about women shaving armpits and plucking hair from their chins, and equally about whether or not men should tie and groom their beards with fixture, threads or nets. Are we not digressing from the issues of ’Real Sikhism’? Should we not devote more time to debating real issues, e.g. how we can project Sikhism as the faith of the 21st century and the centuries to come? What legacy are we going to leave our children etc? If Guru Gobind Singh Ji was to return in human form today would he be pleased at the manner in which we are conducting ourselves?
I am not a fan of the SGPC – in fact, it is their weak leadership that is causing many of the problems that we face – but judging from the spectrum of opinion on matters such as the ‘dress code’, I cannot see how they can please every one on every issue.
Let us not be obsessed with our ‘bana’ and move forward with the real task of nation building – let us talk about soul lifting issues with our spirit and minds tuned to the teachings of the Eternal Guru – Guru Granth Sahib.
September 2016