PHAGWARA, Punjab—Bhai Gurbaksh Singh Khalsa visited Phagwara this week to give inspirational talks. Gurbaksh Singh is well known for holding a 44 day hunger strike on behalf of prisoners not been released on their parole dates. Bhai Sahib ji spoke about the role of Sikh women in raising awareness about Sikh values, and beliefs. He also appealed to the youth to maintain their Sikh identity with unshorn hair, and to remain steadfast in their beliefs.
“If you want to give birth to saints, and soldiers like martyrs Bhai Sukha Jinda, Bhai Taru Singh, and the Sahibzade (sons of the tenth guru), then shun the influence of television, and follow Guru Granth Sahib,” said Bhai Gurbaksh Singh Khalsa while speaking to the sangat gathered to hear him speak. He said that Sikhs should be selective about what they watch on TV as most of the media in India is propagating anti-Sikh views, and is making a mockery of Sikh identity.
Bhai Khalsa said that Sikh women have a special role to play in fostering, and passing Sikh values along to future generations. “If a mother observes amritvela, she can raise her children to become saints, however if she remains awake to watch TV, her kids may turn into sinners, and will eventually go away from Sikhi,” said Bhai Gurbkash Singh.
He also appealed to Sikh youth and asked everyone to keep their Sikh identity, maintain unshorn hair and beards, and follow the teachings of Guru Granth Sahib. Bhai Gurbaksh Singh stated that Sikhs need to realize that they, along with other minorities, are slaves in India. He stated that Sikhs need to unite and stand up for equal rights for all minorities in India.
Speaking about the release of Sikhs, Bhai Gurbaksh Singh said that he has appealed to the Jathedars requesting them not back out of promises made to the Sikh people, and to continue working for the release of the six Sikhs still incarcerated. He stated that if the Sikhs are not permanently released, he would start his movement up again with support of the community.
He said that the Jathedars are influenced too much by the Government and that the recent mandate asking Sikhs to refrain from forming new organizations was not in-line with Sikh traditions. He said that organizations are needed to raise awareness of Sikhi and that Jathedars should not outlaw them.
