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A Sikh (IPA: ['siːk] or ['sɪk]; Punjabi: ਿੱਸੱਖ, sikkh, IPA: ['sɪk.kʰ]) is an adherent to Sikhism. The term has its origin in the Sanskrit "shishya", which means disciple or learner. A Sikh can easily be recognized by his turban, beard, or by a steel bracelet on the wrist. Most Sikhs come from the Punjab region of Pakistan and India, although significant communities exist around the world.
DefinitionA Sikh is one who believes in:
Basic philosophyGuru Nanak, the founder of the faith, summed up the basis of Sikh lifestyle in three requirements: Naam Japo, Kirat Karni and Wand kay Shako,which means meditate on the holy name, Waheguru, work diligently and honestly and share ones fruits. Sikh religion has some salient features which make it distinct from the other major world religions. The Guru Granth Sahib, is revered as the living Guru, but is just a holy book. The Guru Granth Sahib, has been compiled entirely by the Sikh Guru's themselves, and is maintained in its original form. It can be truly described as the universal religion. In addition to the Guru's, it also includes the works of many saints of that period. The followers, with their turban and natural hair, are proud and definitely distinct, yet in their belief system are very humble, and include in their daily prayers the well being of the whole mankind. The concept of saint-soldier, introduced by the tenth Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, is another feature very unique to observers. Every Sikh is required to aspire to be a saint by his devotion to god, and service to mankind, but at the same time, according to the situation, adopt the role of the soldier. They aspire to be the best, but not get obsessed by the act. They want the best, but do not crave to accumulate. Seva (service) is an integral part of their worship. This is very easily observed in their Gurdwara (temple). Another interesting feature of their temple is that any visitor of any religious or socio-economic background is welcomed. Langar (food) is always served, and here again no distinction is made of the persons religious or socio-economic status. Five KsThe Five Ks, or panj kakaar/kakke, are five items of faith that some Sikhs wear at all times at the command of the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh who so ordered at the Baisakhi Amrit Sanchar in 1699. They are:-
They are mainly for identity and representation of the ideals of Sikhism, such as honesty, equality, fidelity, meditating on God and never bowing to tyranny. DistributionNumbering approximately 23 million worldwide; 90% live in India, and over 60 percent of Sikhs live in the Indian state of Punjab, where they form about two-thirds of the population. Large communities of Sikhs live in the neighbouring states of Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Uttaranchal, and Delhi. Migration beginning from the late nineteenth century have found significant communities in Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States, the Middle East, East Africa, Southeast Asia, Western Europe, Australia and New Zealand. In Canada, their numbers are significant and some are even MP's. RepresentationDespite their comparatively low percentage in India (2%), Sikhs are highly represented in Indian politics and other walks of life. The prime minister of India Manmohan Singh is a Sikh. They form a significant segment of India's military services and sports. They are especially well known for their world performance in field hockey, and cricket. They are outstanding engineers and doctors, such as Professor Piara Singh Gill famous Nuclear scientist who worked on the American Manhattan project. In USA politics, the first Asian American elected to the United States Congress was Dalip Singh Saund. In Malaysia, Tan Sri Dato' Seri Darshan Singh Gill is a renowned Sikh leader in Malaysia. He also been the President of the Asian Cycling Confederation and Management Board Member of International Cycling Union. Some Sikh intellectuals, sportsmen and artists include Khushwant Singh,writer, Monty Panesar,England cricketer, Jaspal Bhatti, Milkha Singh,world record holder(400m olympic games 1960), and Bishen Singh Bedi(cricketer), Sikh community also enjoys comparatively greater economic prosperity. In India and across the world, Sikhs are an important mercantile class, as well as employed in skilled professions (such as Taxi Drivers). They have close-knit community structure, and place emphasis on education. They are world class farmers, and the state of Punjab is known as the bread basket of India They have amicable relations with all communities. However, during the 1980s there was political and religious conflicts in India with the majority Hindu government. The Sikh community, is comprised of many diverse sets of peoples. These include different ethnic peoples, tribal and socio-economic groups. Main peoples and tribes include Jatt, Ramgharia, Kalal/Ahluwalia, Kamboj, Rajput and Labana. Urban mercantile Sikh communities include Khatri, Arora, Bhatia and Sood. There are also Sikhs of Brahmin (mostly Mohyal) and Dalit extraction/ancestry. The bulk of Sikhs are of Jatt origin. There has also emerged a specialized group of Sikhs calling themselves Akalis, which have existed since Maharaja Ranjit Singh's. Under their leader General Akali Phula Singh, in the early 1800s, they won many battles for the Sikh Empire. The Akali and Prasadis, have recently become more vocal.[citation needed] Sikhism in the Western WorldDue to the turbans Sikhs wear, people in Western countries have sometimes confused Sikhs with Middle Eastern men or Muslims. This has affected Sikhs in times of conflict with elements of the Middle East. For example, during the Iranian hostage crisis when the government of Iran held Americans hostages in its own country, some people in Western countries misunderstood the Sikh turban as a turban worn by some Middle Eastern men, they did not understand it is also worn in India. After the September 11, 2001 attacks, some people associated Sikhs with terrorists or members of the Taliban. A few days after the attack, Balbir Singh Sodhi, a Sikh man, was gunned down by a person who thought that the victim had ties to Al-Qaeda. CNN suggests that there has been an increase in hate-crimes against Sikh men in the United States and the UK.[1][2] Highly Distinguished Sikhs (modern era)Sikhs in the modern era which have made contribution at the international or world class level include:
Sikhs in World War I & II and other WarsSikhs fought in both World Wars, such as, fighting in disproportionately large numbers, approximately 10 fold,[4] in both World War One and World War Two for the allies in the liberation of Europe and displaying exceptional gallantry and heroism. This resulted in them winning one of the highest per capita number of Victoria crosses for bravery, heroism and gallantry.[5]Image:SikhsInFrancePostcard.jpg French postcard depicting the arrival of 15th Sikh Regiment in France during World War I. The post card reads, "Gentlemen of India marching to chasten German hooligans"
Battle of SaragarhiUNESCO has described the Battle of Saragarhi, and the Sikh officers and soldiers (British Empire Army) who fought in it (listed below), as one of eight all time stories of collective bravery in human history.[6] The contingent of the twenty one Sikhs was led by Havildar Ishar Singh, and all chose to fight to the death instead of surrendering. In recognition of their supreme sacrifice, the British Parliament rose to pay them respect, and each one of them was awarded the Indian Order of Merit. In the West, it has been compared to the Battle of Thermopylae. Sikh military personnel and Sikh non-military people commemorate the battle around the World every year on September 12th, it is referred to as "Saragarhi Day". Sikh Victoria Cross winners
Sikh Martyrs (modern era)
Sikh role in Indian National Army
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