A rift in Hindu-Sikh unity can prove to be dangerous for the country. We’ve seen this before in the 1980s when, under the influence of foreign agencies, some mischievous elements tried to create fear of terrorism in Punjab and divide Hindu-Sikh unity. If the government at that time had contained it at the beginning, thousands of innocent lives could have been saved. However, the then-rulers allowed that spark to become a fire, pushing Punjab toward destruction. This impact was not limited to Punjab but affected the entire nation.
But as they say, a nail cannot be separated from flesh. Similarly, no matter how many attempts are made, Hindu-Sikh brotherhood cannot be destroyed. A recent example of this unity was witnessed when a Hindu temple in Canada was attacked by Khalistani supporters. In protest, not only Hindus but also Sikhs across the country stood together to condemn this act. Last Sunday, Hindu-Sikh Global Forum workers jointly protested outside the Canadian Embassy in Delhi, warning the Canadian government to take strict action against those spreading hatred. If people of all religions maintain love and brotherhood like this, then no matter how much those who spread hatred try, they will never succeed in creating division.
Today, once again, some extremist people sitting abroad, who have even abandoned Sikh principles and are acting completely against the ideals of the Sikh Gurus, are working to instill hatred in the hearts of Sikhs of Indian origin against their Hindu brothers with the aim of breaking India into pieces to create a Khalistan. Indian students who go abroad for education or those who go out of compulsion to seek jobs are sometimes enticed and misled, filling their hearts with hatred against India. However, their numbers are very few because every citizen of India, especially people from the Sikh community, is always ready to sacrifice for their country. Thus, they can never betray the nation because every Indian considers the land of India as a mother.
Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, appeared on this earth as an incarnation in the age of Kalyug. During his lifetime, he traveled thousands of miles on foot to guide people away from social evils propagated in the name of religion, teaching them the right path. He spread the message, “Avval Allah Noor Upaya, Kudrat ke Sab Bande; Ek Noor Te Sab Jag Upjaya Kaun Bhale Kaun Mande,” meaning that though people may follow different religions, everyone is created by the same Supreme Power, and all are equal. The tenth Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, created a Sikh army that could be recognized from afar. He shared the message, “Recognize all of humankind as one race.”