By Sikh Parents of Canada
Am I a good Sikh?
Am I a good parent?
Am I a good citizen?
Am I a good leader?
Is a good leader is the one who serves society and his country honestly or the one who just enjoys his political power and influence? Ask these important questions to yourself. Are you satisfied with the answers?
The first and foremost duty of a Sikh is to accept the orders issued by Sri Akal Takht Sahib. As we all know that it is the duty of every citizen to follow country’s constitution. It is the duty of the Sikh to admit and live his life in accordance with the rules as stated in the Sikh Code of Conduct (Sikh Rehat Mariyaada) issued by Sri Akal Takht Sahib and Shiromani Gurudwara Parbandak Committee, Sri Amritsar Sahib. It clearly states (page-18) that a Sikh is required to wear a turban and a long pair of shorts/breeches. The one cannot be a good citizen if he or she does not obey laws of any country, similarly no one can be a good Sikh if he or she does not obey the Sikh Code of Conduct. All the countries across the world have Labour Laws which are to be abide by all the workers and the work places. To wear hard hat in the hard hat area is one of them. No one can modify the laws. But, we Sikhs remove the safety net (safety media) from the hard hat and so it can fit over a turban. Undoubtedly, it is a violation of the law and in the case if any mishappening occurs, no allowances or aid will be given to the victim by the WCB, due to this alteration. Many people enter hard hat area wearing turban only, which is again against the law. No one has the right to violate rules enforced by the country’s constitution. But we all know that, it is equally mandatory for a Sikh to wear turban as to obey the law of the land. So, need of the hour is to demand the permission from the worthy constitution to be allowed to work while wearing a turban.
A Sikh mother teaches the principles of Sikh religion to her child. She teaches the ethics and path shown by the Gurus, so that one day her child would become a good citizen of the country admitting country’s constitution and also following Sikh Code of Conduct. She makes her child a good human being, while it is the duty of the father to create a good atmosphere in the society so that a Sikh child can enjoy the liberty to wear a turban. So it’s the lawful duty of parents to demand respect for their religion. When we came to this country to work we did not have any rights but our children being born here have right to enjoy their life as an equivalent and without being discriminated for what they wear. They should have right to practice their religion fulfilling their norms.
Many countries across the world like America, England, European Union, Arab Countries and Asia. have allowed their Sikh citizens to follow their religion and to work wearing a turban. If so many developed nations can impart liberty to their citizens then why can’t Canadian Govt. do the same? We need to show unity and demand this right from the Government of Canada, not only for us but for the better and prosperous lives of our coming generations.
For this, all the Gurudwara Committees, Social and Civil rights organizations are requested to discuss their view point with the concerned M.L.A., M.P. or Minister, of the area. These ministers should be asked time and again about the progress of our demand. We all have to be the one and have to raise our voice for our children so that they can spend their life respectfully and practice their religion freely without being at odds either to the constitution or religion.
