Hence the philosophy and Hymns of Guru Granth are quite clear about the equality of Humans in general and in genders specifically. Guru Amardas had carried out social reforms eliminating atrocious rituals, superstitions and useless rites, which had diseased the society to such an extent that women were forced to commit SATI (to burn herself on the pyre of her husband’s dead body) All women were asked by the Guru not to cover their faces while coming to congregations held by the Guru. Even women were preferred to head the centers for preaching the philosophy of Gurus. MANJIS (cots on which the head preacher used to sit to preach) were established by women to preach teachings of Gurus to men and women together. The women who were ill-treated were brought up to get due respect by the Gurus to work together along with men.

Mata Sahib Deva helped and participated when Guru Gobind singh had created Khalsa at Anandpur Sahib during 1699 by putting sugar bubbles in the nectar being prepared by the Guru. This an outstanding example of equality for women.

While partaking Amrit the women can join, as described in Amrit Sanskar page 24. Once a women has partaken Amrit she is in no way less than any man. The rules of Sikh Rehat Maryada are same for men and women. Both become khalsa.
The times have changed unfortunately not in favor for women, so far as their equal status is concerned. The women have become better educated and devoted on one side but are being held back from contributing in Sikh religion and religious services on the other. Rather women are more devoted lot than men. Even during the times of a women president of SGPC, the equal status for women to participate in religious services like performing Kirtan and carrying palanquins of Guru Granth etc. was debarred. Certainly there must be some reasons as to why women are on losing end?

Many examples can be quoted from Sikh history where women stood side by side with warriors even fighting wars, like Mai Bago who dared to challenge the forty Sikhs who returned from battlefield leaving Guru Gobind singh in the midst of war surrounded by the Moghul forces. Mai Bhago not only survived the war but followed the Guru right up to south India at Nanded (Hazur Sahib) to support him, replacing men as well. Children were snatched from the laps of women, their infants were cut in pieces and garlands of their limbs were put around their necks. They were the brave mothers who created history as well as men and warriors could do. Hundreds of such examples can be quoted.

Recently an American woman Nancy botsiman from Virginia who got converted to Sikhism as Harsimrat Kaur wished to perform Kirtan in Harmandir sahib but was not allowed as President of SGPC refused without assigning any logical reason. Even very famous women performing kirtan around the world in various Gurdwaras, were not allowed to perform in Harmandir sahib. What to talk of this the descendants of Bhai Mardana who had been traveling thousands of miles with Guru Nanak associating with him singing Gurbani and playing on his Rabab, were not allowed to perform at Harmandir Sahib Amritsar due to the best known reasons to the organizers.

Actually the common sense prevails that certain scandals were rife that sevadars in Harmandir sahib complex were found indulging in unsocial acts of mistreating women. Many instances can be quoted. No wonder such incidents happens in other religious places of various religions in the world and certainly is looked down upon as undesirable. In case the authorities allow women to participate in seva and Kirtan, then there are chances that as and when the men and women come closer there can be sensitive moments when some untoward incident might happen for which authorities will have no answer. Obviously religious authorities are shy of allowing women to participate in religious services due to similar reasons. Although they give no convincing answers as to why this is not possible. This clearly shows lack of control and will, which is prevalent in other areas as well, like the devotees who come with all the devotion from far away places and other countries of the world, they do not get rooms for overnight stay in Harmandir Sahib complex, and are asked to wait. After endless wait they are forced to arrange their stay in nearby hotels at their asking price in odd hours. Whereas on the other hand if some one has approach and is related to some of the SGPC members they get the A/C rooms instantly. There are many other issues too which were in the news.

Such controversies are not healthy for any religion, especially the one that claims that the Sikh religion is not only for Sikhs but the whole humanity of the world. Not only this, there are many more issues, which are hanging fire before the religious authorities since decades. The problems keep getting piled up and increasing. Even the common man is forced to think as to why those who matter are not able to solve these issues? It has been observed that political interference is affecting the pious values of Sikh religion. The Jathedars of Akal Takhat, who are said to be answerable only to Akal purakh and no one else, get removed in odd hours in a jiffy through political interference. Actually religion is man’s personal faith to follow as one likes. Even people change over to other religions with their sweet will and are free to chose whatever religion they so like, whereas politics effects all the people of society whether one belongs to any religion. Mixing politics with religion jeopard ize both the independent systems. Due to such effects the religion is made to suffer because when common man does not find satisfactory answers to his questions he loses faith in that religion. Thus instead of Sikh religion should develop, the younger generation is forced to rebel, as they do not get the answers to their simple questions from the religious Heads. Need of the hour is to think and bring changes to match modern times like Gurus had been doing as the times changed, rather than following orthodox and pressured approach to keep forcing the Sikhs (sehajdharis included) to follow very strict DIKTATS. Even the Hukamnamas are losing their effect when those Jathedars who had signed are backing out and rejecting them publicly

Then, where lies the solution, is the pertinent question? It is as simple as it seems difficult. The teachings of Guru Granth need to spread so that not only Sikhs but nonsikhs as well change within to make this world a better place.

Through the TruE Word of the Shabad, one practices Truth
He sings the Glorious Praises of the Lord, through the True Word of His Bani.
In this world, the practice of the Shabad is the most excellent occupation.
Without the Shabad, everything else is the darkness of emotional attachment.
Through the Shabad, the Naam is enshrined within the heart.
Through the Shabad, one obtains clear understanding and the door of salvation.

Back...