The DSS controversy
Its been a few days since the DSS (Dera Sacha Sauda) controversy occurred back home in Panjab/Haryana. The controversy started when the leader of this sect appeared in an advert dressed as Guru Gobind Singh Ji, and appeared to be preparing amrit in a similar fashion as Guru Ji did.
Alot of people are misunderstanding the situation of being Sikhs fighting amongst themselves. This sect is NOT an offshoot of Sikhism by a long shot. It takes inspiration from all the core religions, and has followers from all walks of life, but mainly the dalit community.
The leader of this sect Baba Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, is a controversial figure himself, who faces rape and murder charges.
Some analysts argue that this is a political move, as the DSS urged everyone to support congress, where as the Sikhs tend to support the Akali Dal.
The current situation is that the Sikh Clergy have demanded an apology - which has not been forthcoming. Thousands of protesters have turned to the streets armed on both sides of the dispute. So far there has been one death in this latest episode.
Throughout history many pakhandi's have pretended to be Guru's ( Just look at how many pakhandis flocked to Baba Bakala once Guru HarKrishan Ji had signalled that the next Guru would be found there). Even jealous siblings formed seperate sects once they were unworthy of being Gurus. More recently the Nirankaris under Lachmann Singh again tied to malign/dilute the Sikh faith. The Nirankari leader (who had been supported by the congress party) tried to mock the Guru and the Panj Pyare, by saying he would create 'Sat Sitaarey' (Seven Stars). That particular conflict led to bloodshed. I have an awfull feeling that the current situation is very similar to the Nirankari episode, and one cannot help but draw some parallels between the two.
The pacifists are beating the old "sikh Extremists" drum, other words recently being touted are over reaction, no freedom of speech etc..
My own feeling is that what this baba has done is totally out of order. He should apologise, but i doubt that will happen. There will be bloodshed once again in Panjab. I believe that the initial protests were peaceful, but later turned violent once the opposition turned up armed.
I personally don't believe in the peaceful protest, it doesn't achieve anything - as it needs both sides to be on the same level (understanding the issues). This guy has basically mocked the Guru, and the pacifists want Sikhs to sit back and let the mocking continue. If you let it go this once, then be assured next time the mocking will increase in level. When will it stop and at what point do you say enough is enough?
Its ok to say that this guy has a freedom speech, but at what cost, and with freedom of speech there should be some form of responsibility. Freedom of Speech doesn't mean that someone can go and imitate the prophets of a faith.
Guru Ji himself said "When all other means have been exhausted it is righteous to pick up the sword". I'm not suggesting that all the Sikhs should go around killing everyone in the DSS sect, but its leader needs to think about the consequences of his ridiculous act.
Alot of people are misunderstanding the situation of being Sikhs fighting amongst themselves. This sect is NOT an offshoot of Sikhism by a long shot. It takes inspiration from all the core religions, and has followers from all walks of life, but mainly the dalit community.
The leader of this sect Baba Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, is a controversial figure himself, who faces rape and murder charges.
Some analysts argue that this is a political move, as the DSS urged everyone to support congress, where as the Sikhs tend to support the Akali Dal.
The current situation is that the Sikh Clergy have demanded an apology - which has not been forthcoming. Thousands of protesters have turned to the streets armed on both sides of the dispute. So far there has been one death in this latest episode.
Throughout history many pakhandi's have pretended to be Guru's ( Just look at how many pakhandis flocked to Baba Bakala once Guru HarKrishan Ji had signalled that the next Guru would be found there). Even jealous siblings formed seperate sects once they were unworthy of being Gurus. More recently the Nirankaris under Lachmann Singh again tied to malign/dilute the Sikh faith. The Nirankari leader (who had been supported by the congress party) tried to mock the Guru and the Panj Pyare, by saying he would create 'Sat Sitaarey' (Seven Stars). That particular conflict led to bloodshed. I have an awfull feeling that the current situation is very similar to the Nirankari episode, and one cannot help but draw some parallels between the two.
The pacifists are beating the old "sikh Extremists" drum, other words recently being touted are over reaction, no freedom of speech etc..
My own feeling is that what this baba has done is totally out of order. He should apologise, but i doubt that will happen. There will be bloodshed once again in Panjab. I believe that the initial protests were peaceful, but later turned violent once the opposition turned up armed.
I personally don't believe in the peaceful protest, it doesn't achieve anything - as it needs both sides to be on the same level (understanding the issues). This guy has basically mocked the Guru, and the pacifists want Sikhs to sit back and let the mocking continue. If you let it go this once, then be assured next time the mocking will increase in level. When will it stop and at what point do you say enough is enough?
Its ok to say that this guy has a freedom speech, but at what cost, and with freedom of speech there should be some form of responsibility. Freedom of Speech doesn't mean that someone can go and imitate the prophets of a faith.
Guru Ji himself said "When all other means have been exhausted it is righteous to pick up the sword". I'm not suggesting that all the Sikhs should go around killing everyone in the DSS sect, but its leader needs to think about the consequences of his ridiculous act.
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