The Sikh Community in Canada: A Complex Journey After 1947

After India split into two countries in 1947, many Sikhs went to Canada in search of new opportunities and a better life. They often had support from their relatives and friends. But it wasn’t until the troubled events surrounding the Indian government’s military operation at the Golden Temple in Amritsar in 1984, aimed at Sikh rebels led by Sant Bhindranwale, and the subsequent assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi by her Sikh bodyguards, that Sikh migration to Canada became more significant. These events had serious consequences for the Sikh community in Delhi, leading to more migration and the growth of the Sikh community in Canada.

A Unique Community: From Hindu Origins to Independence Spirit

The Sikh community originally came from the Hindu community of India almost five hundred years ago. They had a unique purpose: to protect the Hindu community from the harm done by foreign rulers. They were taught martial skills, and their great gurus made significant sacrifices for India.

Sikhs have a reputation for being one of the most adventurous and hardworking groups among Indian communities. Whether they settled in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, European countries, or Australia, they always showed self-reliance and a strong work ethic. There’s a saying, “Teach a Sikh how to take apart a nuclear bomb, and he will put it back together by himself.” Their contributions to various industries, such as transportation and agriculture in places like California, played a big role in the economies of their adopted countries.

Additionally, Sikhs have made a mark in the Indian military, holding top positions in all three branches of the Indian armed forces and paramilitary forces. Their bravery and unwavering love for their country earned them respect not only in India but also in countries where they settled.

Looking Back in History: From Unity to Disconnection

Historically, Sikhs were not known to be diehard separatists. Although some of their leaders briefly talked about a separate Sikh homeland during discussions of India’s religious division, the All India Congress Committee assured British rulers that Sikhs in independent India would get all the privileges and rights like any other minority community.

In practice, Sikhs were not really a minority because they were the majority in the Indian part of Punjab, which they considered their homeland. In the early years of independent India, Sikhs excelled in various fields, from politics and the military to business and education.

The Bhindranwale Episode: A Turning Point

However, the divide between the Indian government and the Sikh community, especially some parts of the Union government and Sikhs, started with the Bhindranwale episode. Mishandling of the Golden Temple issue and later political motivations made tensions worse.

The Sikh community felt deeply hurt by the disrespect shown to the Golden Temple, which they saw as an attack on their religious identity. Using this as an excuse, the idea of Khalistan, which means “Sikh Land,” gained popularity. This became a significant difference between India and the Sikh community.

The Rise of the Khalistan Movement

The pro-Khalistan propaganda became so intense that even sensible thinkers within the Sikh community began to think about a separate Sikh homeland. This meant splitting India based on religion and ethnicity, something no Indian government could accept.

Pakistan’s Role in the Khalistan Movement

Today’s Punjab province in Pakistan is significant for the Sikh community, with Lahore being the capital during Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s rule. Many important Sikh places of worship, known as gurudwaras, are in Pakistan, and some Sikhs chose to stay in Pakistan after the 1947 partition to preserve their religion and culture.

As tensions between India and Pakistan increased over the decades, especially in the 1980s with the Golden Temple incident, Pakistan’s intelligence agencies saw an opportunity to support the Khalistan movement. They provided support to Sikh extremists with the aim of causing trouble in eastern Punjab, India.

The Canadian Connection

Historically, internal disputes and intrigues at the Sikh Durbar often led to defeats rather than military incompetence. However, in Canada, the Sikh diaspora played a different role. They began influencing Canadian political parties, realizing the political power they had as a united voting group.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, understanding the importance of this voting bloc, embraced their desires, even when they conflicted with the broader national interest. This shift raised concerns about his leadership and vision.

Conclusion: Balancing Diaspora Influence

In conclusion, an elected Prime Minister is expected to prioritize the national interest over the desires of a diaspora, especially when that diaspora has been associated with violent activities in the past. Trudeau’s accommodation of anti-India activities and his failure to address acts of terrorism have raised questions about his leadership and commitment to international law.

The Sikh diaspora’s support for the fragmentation of their homeland brings potential disaster to the Sikh and Hindu communities in Punjab. As they continue to exert influence on Canadian politics, the balance between respecting their rights and safeguarding the broader national interest remains a complex challenge.