The Source Book On Sikhism

Chapter Fifty-One

Sikhs Today and Academic Challenges of the 21st Century

(A Community Perspective)

by

Dr. Jasbir Singh Mann, M.D., F.A.A.D.S., F.I.C.S.

Sri Guru Granth Sahib Foundation

Anaheim, California

www.sikhcenter.org

[phone]

For any nation to survive, it must protect its scripture and identity. Sikhs moved to the west a century ago and their religion by now has been established as one of the world’s major religions. In order to continue presenting the authenticity of Sikh religion, Sikh scholars must deal with the Academic Challenges of the 21st century. If they are not dealt with: 1) It will produce a tremendous socio-psychological change in the understanding of the Sikh religion by future generations, especially those born outside of India; 2) The Western world will have a lop-sided view of Sikhism; 3) It will erode the doctrinal base of Sikhism as enshrined in Aad Sri Guru Granth Sahib; 4) It will downplay with the economical and political problems with Sikhs in Punjab; 5) and will reflect a failure of Sikh custodians and academicians to fulfil their moral duties.

Sikh Identity

Essential doctrine of religion determines its identity. Sikh identity can be found only in its primary source, Aad Sri Guru Granth Sahib and the history of the Guru period (1469-1708). No identity of the Sikh religion can be based on secondary sources. Political ups and downs entered Sikh history after 1708 when attempts were made to diffuse the Sikh identity. But, as Aad Sri Guru Granth Sahib is the base of Sikhism, so during such confusion, revivalists restored the true identity. Phenomenal studies cannot determine the identity of the Sikh religion as it is Numinous-based. Until now, many politically oriented/intentional writers are still attacking the independent Sikh identity. It is a challenge for the Sikh scholars of the next century to continue propagating the Sikh religious identity in reference to spiritual experience of the prophets, their concept of one God, and their goal to achieve socio-political justice.