Dera controversy : Is it all Politics ?

[Punjab]

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Faith unleashed

"Politics alone cannot be blamed squarely for the recent conflict. Somewhere there also lies a sense of deep disenchantment among the Sikhs who find political dilution creeping into the sacrosanct identity of Sikhism.

The Shiromani Gurdwara Prabhantak Committee (SGPC) had wrested complete control of the places of worship in Punjab following an agitation against individual religious teachers called Mahants.

It since became a seat of immense power, enjoying political, religious and financial clout.

But the constant interference of politicians in religious affairs eroded the moral authority of the SGPC to guide the Sikh youth. Coupled with this was a rise in caste tendencies among Sikhs.

The Dera culture flourished as the SGPC became highly politicized and from an institution, which was supposed to give spiritual guidance to the Sikhs, took on the role of an administrative body.

The disillusion made way for religious and spiritual leaders who were more in sync with their followers. While appealing to the disenchantment of their followers, these ‘gurus’ also played an important role in electoral politics.

The Akali Dal and the SGPC saw the emerging phenomenon as a direct threat to their 'domain'.

The Dera culture goes against organized religion and the present clash has its origin in exactly this understanding.

The philosophy revolves around its disagreement with all established religions. It places humanity before other identities and thus its adherents drop their surnames. It also asks followers to give up liquor and meat and steer clear of obscenities in magazines and TV.

The sect claims to have atleast two and half crore volunteers worldwide.

Distinct identity

Caste identities have several times dominated Indian politics. These equations are neither pure nor perennial, instead they are the handiwork of politicians who constantly mould and manipulate them for vested interests.

Religion is the opium of the masses and all attempts at fanning religious sentiments are bound to invite a passionate, often aggressive, reaction.

As Sikhism searches for its true identity, its preachers must at all costs breakaway from the shadow of politics to bring to its followers the message of peace and tolerance.

It is about time that the government takes serious note of religious 'leaders' who threaten 'dire consequences' each time they cry hoarse over sacrilege."

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