Some Thoughts on Maintaining Unity Amongst Gursikhs

Many Gursikhs are pretty down on the prospects of Panthic Ekta (Unity). It seems like an almost unachievable task. Like most issues that seem hard to achieve at a Panthic-wide level, it is a good idea to see if smaller victories towards unity can be achieved at a more local level or even at a Jathebandi level. If there is unity amongst the Panth's Jathebandis and other local sangats, unity becomes much more achievable on a Panthic level some day. 

So what are some possible steps that can be taken for unity?

1) Maintain Gurmat Principles of Governance. 

The number one principle for governance for any Sikh sangat (eg. a Jathebandi) is that it must be run by the Punj Pyareh (five divinely inspired Gursikhs) who are under the authority of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. These five Gursikhs must be nominated from amongst the Sangat in a transparent (non-rigged) manner. The Sangat is ultimately supreme and their will must be genuinely reflected in the selection of the Punj. The Punj can then make decisions on behalf of the sangat. At all times, the Punj are at the mercy of Guru Sahib and the sangat. The Punj may delegate authority to a Jathedar but the Punj must keep the Jathedar in check and make sure that the supremacy of the sangat remains. The Punj must also maintain the supremacy of Guru Sahib, eg. taking guidance from hukamnamas and reflecting on their message before making major decisions. 

Needless to say, most sangats likely do not reflect the above principles. For example, Harnaam Dhumma is currently the "Jathedar" of the Damdami Taksal at Mehta. I am not an expert on the Taksal but it seems as if ultimate authority is not lying where it should, eg. with Guru Sahib and with Taksali Gursikhs. According to Gurmat, the Taksal or any Sikh institution should have a Punj Pyareh of genuine non-corrupted Gursikhs to guide its affairs and to keep its Jathedar in check (and remove the Jathedar if they are not governing according to Gurmat). These Punj Pyareh would be selected at a regularly scheduled meeting of Taksali Gursikhs (diaspora Gursikhs could attend via teleconference). If this simple reform were instituted in the Taksal, Mr. Dhumma would likely be removed from his post and a non-compromised individual could be selected in his place. 

2) Implement best practices including learning from other Sangats

Many Jathebandis seem like they are stuck in the muck. They are just trudging along without giving much thoughtful consideration on how to create a sangat that is as inspiring as possible. I personally believe that it is important to see what is going on in other Jathebandis and Sangats in order to maximize parchaar and Chardi Kala in one's own Jathebandi. One's own Jathebandi may not be especially attractive or welcoming to outside sangat. One's own Jathebandi may not be successful in engaging youth in sevaa. One's own Jathebandi may have other issues as well. It is possible to learn from other Jathebandis in order to become successful in those areas. Once success is achieved then one's own Jathebandi can be an example and role-model sangat for others locally and globally. 

So what does this have to do with unity? If a Jathebandi is running successfully and is attracting sangat, there are less reasons for sangat to be divided. If there is enough Sevaa to keep everyone occupied, there is less ammunition for troublemakers to create problems. If a Sangat is running in Chardi Kala, Gursikhs will try to help maintain that Chardi Kala and will feel a pride in their sangat.

3) Seek out Unity from Gursikhs of other backgrounds

I really liked it, when a few years ago, Akhand Kirtani Jatha UK began seeking out unity with Gursikhs from other groups. Not only is this productive in setting the stage for Panthic-level unity at some point, it is also an inspiring act and any inspiring act is also helpful for unity at a more local level. If I was a member of the Akhand Kirtani Jatha in UK and I saw the people in charge seeking out unity with Taksali and Nihung Gursikhs, I would be more inspired towards working towards unity at all levels including within the Akhand Kirtani Jatha UK and also in my dealings with every type of Gursikh. The Gursikhs who run Jathebandis have the unique power to inspire in this way by seeking out these special opportunities to show us that most Sikhs are pretty much the same and that when we act in ways that harm unity, it is counterproductive and harmful to the Panth.