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Bana & Saroop

Challenging Patriarchy in the Sikh Community

You may remember the spoken word poet, Sukhjit Kaur Khalsa from Australia’s Got Talent where she defended the Sikh identity, stood up for Sikh women’s rights, and embraced her fiercely Kaur lifestyle. In this piece, she shares her journey of new-found fame and reveals the double-standards, inequality, criticism, and bigotry she faced from the Sikh community. Warning: this article contains explicit language.

As I write this, it’s the last day of 2016 and I think this is an appropriate time for me to finally reflect on how this year was probably the biggest year of my life. I feel like after I went on Australia’s Got Talent (AGT), I experienced what 1% of Beyoncé’s life might be. If Beyoncé was Indian. A Kaur. Living in Australia. With no coordination. It’s about time you gain an insight into my D-grade celebrity life.

Before you keyboard warriors freak out and think I’m attacking Sikhi, believe me, I’m not. I’m just going to be giving you an insight to what it’s like being a Sikh girl in 2016 because last time I checked, no one in the community tries to step into our shoes.

Most people assume that a brown, hairy girl going on Aussie television would be prone to getting some hate mail from white misogynistic men but, the reality is I get hate from the very men I write my poetry for. I get hate mail from Sikh men. I write about and fight for the the Sikh identity. I fight for the kesh, the beard, and the dastar, which are predominately (but not exclusively) masculine features of Sikhi. I fight for this identity when I travel all over the nation and world performing/speaking at music festivals, schools, conferences, workshops, universities, and even on the street challenging my audiences to look beyond the external; To check ourselves when we judge others based on fear led messages in the media. The irony is, those whom I’m defending are the very ones who harshly berate me.

Let’s start at the beginning. What’s the real reason I felt the need to start doing spoken word poetry? What inspired me? I had just started wearing a dastaar because I felt as a Kaur, I wasn’t sure what my identity was meant to be. I however didn’t dramatically change my wardrobe. I still wore my regular gettup in summer and one day I went to the beach wearing this:

At the time I didn’t really think anything of it. I was feeling the heat of summer. It was a practical outfit and I felt good wearing it. I uploaded the photo to Instagram with a #leghairdontcare.

The same night I was performing as an extra in A Midsummer Night’s Dream for the Perth International Arts Festival. I was backstage about to go on stage when I received a surprising message from a fellow Kaur. She and her husband were concerned that I wasn’t dressed like a “Singhni.” (Personally I don’t really care for that word. I find it to be derogatory, but that’s for another article). “What would Guru Gobind Singh Ji say if he saw me in this attire?” they asked. I thought, “If our Gurus and Waheguru are everywhere and within us all, don’t they ‘see’ me when I’m in the shower and naked like every day?” They continued, “I think you’re spreading the wrong message for young Kaurs.” I thought, “A message that you can embrace your body hair in Aussie heat on a beach?”

 My mind was blown. I had no idea that there was such a difference between a Kaur wearing a dastaar and a Singh wearing a dastaar. Had I been living in a bubble believing that Kaurs and Singhs had the same rights?

  • Singhs can go to the beach with whatever clothes they want. Sukhjit posts a picture up with mid-thigh shorts and BOOM the world ends.
  • Singhs can be topless with nothing but a kachera on in their front gardens. Kaurs get shamed if they even dare to show some cleavage or wear a tight top.
  • Singhs can wear chollas with no pants at the Gurdwara. Kaurs get judged if they wear anything but a sleeved suit at the Gurdwara.
  • Singhs can express themselves. Kaurs should behave themselves and face shame for questioning or expressing opinions.
  • Singhs can have personalities and be their own person. Kaurs with a dastaar are categorized as “Singhnis” and thus, must not talk to boys, must wear white and be peaceful and pure. Whatever that means.

Don’t give me that crap, “The standards for Sikh men and women are different because we have different bodies and lust etc…” If you truly believe that, then may I suggest you learn more about sociology of gender roles, psychology of attraction, anthropology of culture, human sexuality, and the history of clothing. You also may want to read the Guru Granth Sahib and Sikh Rehat Marayda where I don’t believe shorts are outlawed. Stop perpetuating baseless, sexist arguments to control and dominate women.

Don’t give me that crap about my body poisoning the mind of a man. Learn how to control your lust, mate. That’s not my problem. And, what about a woman’s desires? Do you think we don’t get hot and bothered when we see a fit Singh topless…should we start demanding they all cover up in front of us?

I was upset by this conversation I was having on my Whatsapp, backstage at His Majesty’s Theatre. Partly because I didn’t know how to explain to my Aussie mates that all this time I was preaching, “As Sikhs, we practice equality between man and woman,” was actually bullshit. Me and the Kaur went back and forth on Whatsapp and this was the first time I started to find my voice. The advocate in me. The passion. The fire.

The next day I copied and pasted our Whatsapp conversation in a Word document and starting writing a poem, “A Dress/Adress.”  You can watch it on Youtube.

I thanked that Kaur for bringing it to my attention that we haven’t sorted out this whole equality thing yet and we need to start treating our Kaurs with more compassion, more understanding, and more damn respect!

Fast-forward two years on to an online AGT application. My friend told me it would be a great opportunity to talk about Kaur issues on a mainstream platform but all I could think about was the backlash I would receive from my community about anything and everything that I do in a public forum. As a spoken word artist it’s more satisfying when I have an actively engaged audience and I can create conversations about political and social issues. When you put yourself out there on stage, you’re pretty much asking people to judge your art but if your art is you then it can get challenging to face that much judgement – no wonder celebrities go crazy!

I appreciate constructive criticism on my art and poetry, such critiques help me get better. But, not a single person who sent me messages gave me such constructive criticism. Rather, they criticized everything else about me. Considering the Guru taught us to be loving, accepting, and to see Waheguru in all, I was shocked to see how judgmental our community is.

My housemate in Melbourne forbid me to read the negative comments during the show saying they would derail my performance. I waited three months until after the show to start reading what the internet had to say about me. Most of it was funny; at times I was scrolling through 100+ comments of people arguing about whether my hair was naturally or artificially curly or how dare I wear make up and call myself a feminist!? Mate, if I knew #NoMakeup was an option for TV filming, I would have gladly chosen it!

The Facebook fan page I created was intended to inspire young girls to be themselves and to embrace their differences. However, I was disappointed to find that majority of the followers were mostly Punjabi men aged between the ages of 25-35. Not quite the target audience I was hoping for because these men (#NotAllMen) tended to post things ranging from derogatory messages to confessions of their love to marriage proposals.

For example, one man wrote on Facebook wrote, “You are a cancer to South Asians. Maybe you wouldn’t be judged if you fucking shaved your armpits like any normal hygienic girl. Good job lowering the view of Indians you disguising, hair fuck.” Which was quickly followed by a comment from Rajput Sidhu Sadar, “Fucking ugly desi bitch. Chamaari salli. Blooy blacky bitch. Sali chuddi.”

Talk about cyber bulling and the degradation of mental health!

Other notes were like this: “Will you marry me m truly in love now sorry if u feel anything bad for what I said. Jus proposing u to be my life partner.” (Spelling and grammar is verbatim from messages.)

Some got pretty carried away and wrote be long, inappropriately lusty poems. But I’m sure many girls (unfortunately) are used to this online. Didn’t Jusreign’s “Skype” song teach them anything?

You might be thinking, “Awww that’s so sweet! Why is she complaining about these messages?” I’m complaining because these men do not understand that what they are doing is stalking and sexual harassment. It makes me feel objectified and threatened. These guys get pretty angry when I decline them probably because Bollywood taught them that “No” doesn’t really mean “No,” and that they should keep persisting. #facepalm

I also got message from Sikhs competing in the “religious olympics” who questioned how much simran, paath, and kirtan I did. Maybe I should get some tattoos with those answers on my forehead.

Over the past several months, I have gotten hate mail, stalker mail, marriage proposals, strange requests,  fetish inquiries, backhanded compliments, and a lot more odd things. Though, I should say that I have gotten a few (though, not a lot) of beautiful messages of support, solidarity, and love.

There were a few women and men (#NotAllMen) who expressed to me that they felt empowered by my words and that my body positive message inspired them.

For example Michael Corcker (Twitter: @mmCrocker), a white man who is the Player Relations manager for the Rugby League Players Association in Sydney sent me a very nice message of equality and acceptance.

Judy Cole wrote, “You are amazing. I saw your poem “Hair” on tv tonight. I am an Aboriginal, a Ngarrindjeri woman…We are very hairy people….Thank you for your inspiration in your poem for us all to be accepting and proud of our bodies the way they are. I will definitely be sharing your work with my girls.  Very nicely done – I’m hoping you keep up your good work.”

These messages were kind and warmed my heart and made me feel like I was on the right path.

When it came to my family, I never thought my dad would understand what I stood for and what I was advocating for.  But after seeing him in the studio audience at AGT applauding with pride, I was truly content and I feel like AGT gave me the greatest gift of all: a solid relationship with my Papabear.

So when people started attacking my family, that’s when I started getting really pissed. Especially when they were uncles that I grew up with in Perth. Maybe because they’ve never had to be a lioness, they didn’t really get my message. Rather, they focused on what I was wearing and the alleged “shame” I would bring to my family.

Other uncles wrote to my parents and me asking:

  • How can you allow your daughter to parade the Sikh image as a joke?!
  • Is Sukhjit amritdhari?
  • Why is Sukhjit’s last name Khalsa?
  • Who is a better Sikh of your children?
  • Why do you allow her to make jokes as a Sikh?
  • Your daughter is creating a problem for all amritdhari and dastar wearing women.
  • You shouldn’t allow Sukhjit to expose her arms or legs – it’s against Sikhi. She should cover them up.
  • How can you [Sukhjit] call herself a Sikh and still wear dresses with her hair down? It’s inappropriate.
  • You [Sukhjit] do not have the sense of manners to cover up your leg hair. If Guru Ji sees her hairy legs wearing shorts, how would he and you feel?
  • Guru Ji did not forbid shaving. If you’re [Sukhjit] going to wear shorts, then you had better shave. You are disgusting. You have no right to insult all Sikhs to the whole world. Shame!

I then noticed that the debate on whether or not my last name should be Khalsa was a common theme. “Why is your name Khalsa?” I was asked constantly. “You should not have your name Khalsa,” I was told constantly. “You cannot be a Kaur if you do not have all 5 Ks. You cannot be a Khalsa and dress like that! So vulgar!” I was reminded constantly.

Thanks for clarifying this, of leaders of the Khalsa. What would I do without you?

It’s funny how if a Singh wears a dastar and shaves his beard, he is still allowed to call himself a Sikh. It’s funny that a Singh is allowed to don the 5Ks without having accepted Amrit. It’s funny how Singhs can choose when and where to wear their dastars without criticism.  It’s funny how Singhs can wear shorts and their faith is not questioned. It’s funny how when I strive to become closer to the Divine and follow the Sikh path in my own way, I’m called ‘vulgar’.

With all of this “Khalsa” talk,  I decided to address this the debate over my name with a blanket message on Facebook.


What’s in a name? 🙂

In India, last names were/are a common way to determine a person’s caste or lineage so, to demolish these caste based markers of inherited status, Kaur (meaning Lioness) and Singh (Lion) are used by Sikhs worldwide as their middle or last name.

My surname, Khalsa, comes from an Arabic word Khalsah whose derivatives Khaalas and Khalis translate to mean pure and free or “that which belongs to the king”. Free from the fear of others who try to take you off your chosen path.

Because of this meaning, Khalsa is also the special name given to those who choose to be initiated (baptised) into Sikhi. The name for those who take on the journey, both inside and outside, to get closer Vaheguruji.

To become who you’re meant to be without anyone diverting you.

For me, being part of the Khalsa is like being part of a worldwide loving Sikh family. As Sikhs we don’t believe that any other person can tell us who we should be. No one comes between us and our spiritual connection.

Sikhi has taught me that people of all ages and genders and races are accepted as the Khalsa. It’s all about your own internal commitment because being a Sikh means being a seeker of truth. None of us have arrived and so none of us can pass a judgement over the commitment of others.

A lot of people say to me, “You’re so young, why are you so religious?”
I feel everyone has there own way of grounding their identity and discovering themselves. I have Indigenous Australian friends who ground themselves in learning about their heritage and that inspires me to ground myself in my faith.

I believe the core of Sikhi, like many religions, is equality, love and compassion. To stand up to injustices in society and fight for human rights.
I believe we need to break this cycle of judgement and exclusivity
So each soul can go on its spiritual journey
Towards being the best human they can be.
It is possible to be an everyday Sikh.
Work hard to earn your keep.
To meditate before you sleep.
Share your wealth with the homeless on the street.
Treating all with respect and equality.
To harness a progressive society.
And contribute to a global community.

I’m Sukhjit and this is my identity
I’m not afraid to express myself as I continuously grow.
As a Sikh.
As a woman.
As a human being.

Who knows how I will choose to express myself in 10 or 20 years time?

xxx


The defensiveness of Sikh men (#NotAllMen) astounds me. When I walk into a room at a Gurdwara about to do a speech about my journey, how to empower our Kaurs, being in saroop, and questioning equality, at least five men get up and leave. It’s interesting that the young pre-teen Singhs ask for autographs and hugs and ask questions beaming with excitement whereas majority of the guys who are teens and older tend to feel super confronted and either make a weak joke out of me or put a wall up. Sometimes uncles have repeated exactly what I’ve said and suddenly the guys’ ears perk up and they actually listen. Has our community made it clear that only a Singh can be a leader? Only a Singh is worth listening to?

Once a man in the sangat got so defensive of his gender (#NotAllMen) that he started questioning why I wasn’t talking about domestic violence cases towards men: rape cases where the man was the victim. To which I wish I responded with a firm, “This Gurdwara has given me 45 minutes to talk about what I wish to address. They’ve given me, a Kaur, the microphone to talk about issues that have been swept under the rug for far too long. I am aware that they are confronting and ‘taboo’ and ugly and scary BUT let’s use our courage to combat them.” Inside, I was actually fuming. Any time a woman has something to say about equality, a man swoops in and brings the attention back to them. But what they don’t understand is that Singhs have 23 hours and 15 minutes in the day to live in a man’s world and to voice their concerns about men’s rights. But I had 45 minutes and I was bloody well going to use every minute to slay the patriarchy.

What I believe is very much aligned with our Sikh values. I’ve had some interesting experiences at Sikh camps in the US, Canada, UK, Malaysia, Singapore and Australia as guest facilitator. I’ve felt hurt, humiliated, alone, confused, frustrated, and scared in this journey. But every so often I got gentle reminders guiding me with the reasons why I was doing what I was doing from my ideal target audience, like this one.

Hey Sukhjit,

It’s not my place to say this, I’m a nobody from nowhere and you’re becoming a somebody, but because I think you’re a legend. I just wanted to say “Thank You” for being you. Unapologetically, proudly, and loudly you. Your audition went viral and there are so many people heralding you for putting Sikhi on the map. But I reckon you were just being you. There are gianis and Punjabi uncles and aunties who are proud and sharing your video in their Whatsapp groups with their non-Indian friends. And you’re probably rubbing shoulders with entertainment industry greats (which is why I’m not really anyone to make any comments) but I just want to say that you’re loud and you’re proud and you’re probably already got it down. Even after people forget the words to your poem, they’ll probably remember the image, when they forget that, they’ll remember the feeling they got. And most immortally the feeling was great. But for me, the image of an Aussie wearing whatever clothes she’s comfortable in clicks and sticks…and normally those clothes are too “Western” for Sikh kids to wear. Kids are either seen as too white or too brown. Thanks for being an Aussie Sikh gal. I hope you can continue being just that. There are tonnes of confused kids who don’t know that even though it’s seemingly impossible, a golden mean does exist between the two paradigms. Please don’t change….Please don’t let me or anyone’s ideas crush you, cuz you’re pretty great mate.

~Anonymous Kaur

The Singh I mentioned above led me to question my identity as a Kaur. That day I typed in the word “Sikh” in Google Images and I found 90% of the photos were of Sikh men and a couple of Sikh women with dastars. I realized that Sikh women’s rights and Kaur identity would be a constant battle, along with Indian misogynistic culture vs. Sikh empowering values.

The inequality makes my blood boil.

I think my short shorts and leg hair on national television made a lot of Sikhs/males uncomfortable which was my artistic intention. There’s no point of doing a poem about body image and loving myself and hairy legs if my fellow Australians can’t even see it! Maybe these men didn’t understand what being a Lioness means to me, Sukhjit Kaur Khalsa, aged 22 in Australia.

2016 has led me to understand that it doesn’t matter what you do as a woman, you will always be judged based on your appearance so you might as well embrace what you’ve been given or embrace your choices and OWN IT. Haters gonna hate.

My calls to action!

Kaurs! Let’s normalize our human bodies! Speak up if you see or hear injustice! Let’s show the world we can be who we want to be (in dress, language, art, and hair) and be Sikh too! In low times, remember this gurbani line revealed to Guru Arjan Sahib in raag asa on ang 399: “Night and day, meditate on the Naam of the Divine, and ignore the criticisms of others.”

Singhs! Support your sisters! Don’t be a bully! You go through so much crap for your dastars and beards, so you know the feeling of being “othered”. Now it’s your turn to be our allies! Speak out against double standards!

Parents! Ask yourself are you raising your daughters to be Sikhs or to marry Sikhs? Are you treating your sons differently than your daughters? Support your daughters and promote body-positivity!

Community! Next time you wonder why the youth is drifting away from Sikhi, think about the role you’ve played in it with your criticism, aggression, blame, and vilification…it’s not an attractive community to be a part of. Remember, to inspire people to embrace Sikhi, love is more powerful than hate. Remember, our mission as Sikhs is to cultivate the qualities of the Gurus, of love, patience, understanding and hope.

 

By: Sukhjit Kaur Khalsa


The title “Challenging Patriarchy in the Sikh Community” is not to mean that there is patriarchy inherent to Sikhi, but rather, there are Sikhs who practice and perpetuate patriarchy (which, undermines the equality within Sikhi).

42 Comments

  • Yoram
    01/24/2017 at 10:43 pm

    Stunning piece!

  • S.Kaur
    01/24/2017 at 11:34 pm

    Sukhjit you are a superstar! May Vaheguru continue to bless you with the strength, courage, fearlessness and humility. Lots of love.

  • Kaur
    01/25/2017 at 12:13 am

    Sukhjit i feel so proud that you are a Kaur – i feel i have found a fierce, most eligible representative in ‘YOU’ to honour the name ‘Kaur’ . I know how hard it is to become a person you have become already at such a young age. you re sitting at a very high intellectual level – i am not sure if most people in your audience can even understand you to see the good you are doing , but that ‘s not your fault. You are an asset to Sikh community – Love and best wishes for you .

  • Parminder Singh
    01/25/2017 at 1:25 am

    Just don’t give a F….do what ever pleases you.. you are the best.. we are with you even though you’ve forgotten us…;-)

  • Amanjot Singh
    01/25/2017 at 1:52 am

    after reading all this -THIS IS TASIHE {TORTURE} – ND UR LIKE IT MARG PAIR TARIJE SIR DEEJE KAAN NA KEEJAE ???? KAMALEYA DI KAMI NHI HAI??……………………..paradigm shift in our culture is effecting , whether it is +ve or -ve , it will be cleared in future ,THIS GENERATION (our) has lots of dilemma(s) in their mind , BECAUSE OF OUR PAST GENERATIONS FAILURE TOWARDS UNDERSTANDING GURU GRANTH SAHIB ND GURU’S WAY OF LIFE , LACK OF ACTUAL ORGANISATION IS ALWAYS NOTICED IN OUR LIVES …. THIS GIRL’S COURAGE IS SOMETHING THAT ALWAYS INSPIRE ME , MY PERSONAL MSG TO HER (WALK ON THE PATH OF GURU GRANTH SAHIB – U WILL FIND WHAT IS RITE OR WRONG {as a matter of fact – one always know what is rite or wrong}) SACHE MARAG CHALDEYA USTAT KARE JAHAN…….GOD BLESS U / LV U sister / SAT KARTAR

  • Guri Singh
    01/25/2017 at 2:03 am

    I am proud of who you are.

    As it was said in Star Wars “stay on target”

    My best
    Guri Singh
    Gosikh.com

  • Fio
    01/25/2017 at 2:29 am

    You, Sukhjit Kaur Khalsa, you keep on rocking and being you. I admire you for standing up and talking about all this where everyone else is still pushing it under the rug. Despite it being a huge elephant that is making people trip on the rug and kill themselves. ? I really hope to someday meet you. If you come to Surrey, BC… ?

    Lots of love from a gori non-Sikh Wiccan who nevertheless “practices” Sikhi more than many Sikhs around me (ie lots of hours of sewa).

  • Jiwanjot
    01/25/2017 at 2:33 am

    This is incredible and so on point

  • Gurpreet Singh
    01/25/2017 at 5:05 am

    Thank u ਭੈਣ ਜੀ

  • Jasleen Kaur
    01/25/2017 at 5:12 am

    Sukhjit Kaur Khalsa, just chanced upon your article through Facebook. You keep at it, girl! The truth is that the people who comment/send hate mails are the more verbose ones. I do believe that most people (including most Sikhs) admire your courage, but lack the courage/passion to publicly support you.

    Those who are judgmental and sharp in their backlash will continue to get to your psyche, but knowing you, you will rise back up shortly like a lioness. Guruji is truly with you. Hang on to this knowledge like a 6th K.

  • Angad
    01/25/2017 at 10:46 am

    Sukhjit,

    I am greatful to god that you are who you are. I pray every day you remain who you are.

    Guru Rakaha

  • Hartinder Singh
    01/25/2017 at 8:24 pm

    This article is very well written, Miss Kaur… I have not seen any of your video and also have not read any of your article or poem besides the AGT audition. After reading this article, I got the projection of your life. You have successfully put your emotions into the words. The path you have chosen is not an easy one for sure.

    We live in the world with predetermined false goals and fake society. If I speak, especially, about Indian or so proudly called Punjabi community, these lines will be perfect, “sabase bhara rog, Kya kahenge log”. Sikhs, who wrote about putting false image of Sikhs on live TV, are worried about the world (society for them). They are thinking based on the false image they have in their mind. Likewise your uncles are worried about their society( friends and family).

    Those, who talk about how much Gurbani you read, should ask to themselves first that how much Gurbani they understand. How hard this is to understand that Gurbani is not a Mantra. Chanting it again and again does not makes a difference. Gurbani is teaching of our Gurus. We need to implement that in our life.

    At last, please keep doing whatever you’re doing. You are an inspiration. we, our generation, have a big responsibility on our shoulders, “to pass on the legacy”, which, to some extend our parent’s generation have failed to pass on. I do not blame them fully. Punjab has gone through the rough time. In result we have to fight more to learn that legacy first.

    May Waheguru bless you and always be on your side..
    Whaeguru ji da khalsa and Waheguru ji di fateh

  • Aunty
    01/26/2017 at 4:14 am

    So well said
    Your generation is clearing the mess of our generation
    Amount of fights which I have seen in well educated sikhs about being a Sikh has been heart breaking
    How we have driven our children away from sikhi
    It is such a difference between what we say what we believe we do and actually what we do
    Well Done Sukhjit saying and living it beautifully

  • Sarjeet Kaur
    01/26/2017 at 4:21 pm

    You are an inspiration and a role model for our young Kaurs! Keep on speaking up, Sukhjit!

  • Canadian (non-dastaar) Sikh
    01/26/2017 at 5:39 pm

    Stay resolute. What you believe, do, say, think and are mean more than what they wear. It’s what’s ‘inside’ that counts.

  • Another anonymous kaur
    01/26/2017 at 5:41 pm

    Sukhbir, I have always felt very passionately about this inequality in our culture. However, over the last few years, I have been much less vocal about it…to the point where I sometimes don’t feel like myself anymore when I turn the other way whenever I see such inequality. I silently question the sanity of the perpetrators. The gurdwara near our house in Vancouver is a pretty good one when it comes to preaching to the youth and creating goodwill in the community however till date I have not seen them ever talk about equality. A head giani at a surrey gurdwara beat his wife to death a couple years ago. To date, that gurdwara has posters on the wall about covering your head, practise Sikhism etc but not one saying we are all equal. How hard is it to include this in the preaching that respects your women? But they won’t do it…I remember at Darbar Sahib Amritsar parkarma, my dupatta slipped from my head for like a second. While I was fixing it, a nihaang (official at parkarma) already pointed it out to me very rudely. Meanwhile, a guy with torn jeans (almost threadbare at the wrong places) went past …no questions asked?? I am just venting now.

    Keep up the good work. We need more people like you for sure!

  • A
    01/26/2017 at 5:41 pm

    I meant Sukhjit. Autocorrect!!

  • Charanpreet kaur
    01/29/2017 at 2:32 pm

    Sat sri akaal
    I’m a middle age Indian sikh woman …….. reading this article bought back some long lost memories / queries of my own youth …. I’m an amritdhari SINGHNI …….. i have often tried to convince my fellows that our guru’s have always preached us to do the right thing for the right reason …… and not to be judgemental……. ours is ( i presume) the only religion which has given us an enlightenment on humanity and equality……. but ( i fail to understand) unfortunately….. for no good reasons we are consistently dividing ourselves……even on the petty reasons like ……. colours of our dress / dastars …..

    You yourself would have heard or experienced some …..

    Latest was a Singhni should not be wearing coloured /matched dumallas ?….. it should either be white , blue or black

    You on the earth is making these rules ?????

    And why are all these rules for women ?

    My question ( often) is why ?
    A Sikh can match his turban but a kaur can’t……. our guru’s cant actually be this petty ……. if my attire ….. our my Saroop can’t make me feel confident….. on the scale of looks as well as comfort ….. than why would i adorn it ? ….. i would more happily not accept it or in indian terms follow it…… i had insanely been blaming my lack of making MY point on the Indian society and its functionings , so far ….. but i truely feel that it has got nothing to do with India……. it’s actually the lack of understanding of this precious and lovely ….. and most acceptable religion called SIKHISM

    Our guru’s have made us or i must say united us as humans …… they have never once divided anybody on any ground – whether be it caste , gender , wealth , looks , state , or (?) dress …… our guru’s have taught us to see beyond / beneath the skin …… and visualize every soul as WAHEGURU himself ……

    Unfortunately most of us have missed the basic teachings and have lost the true meaning of the whole purpose / idea .

    I truely wish i had more strength and more power in my words and actions (at the age) to have made my point …… but i was more convenient at accepting than fighting , because of my weaknesses but now as a mother of a Singh and twin Kaurs …… i implement what i believe and what i have learnt…… i teach them( my kids) to respect every soul and give them every thing thet the guru’s and the gurbani has taught me so far …..
    I wish that I’m able to learn and teach my kids the true meaning and value of a true , Khalas …..guru ka sikh

    All my wishes and my regards to you Sukhjit kaur ji that guru be at your side and helps you win your identity with glory and grace …… your words are very inspiring……. I’m glad that guru sahib has enlightened you and has given you enough strength to fight for your rights …… guru rakha …… chardikala…..

  • Sonia Kaur Dhillon Marty
    02/04/2017 at 7:50 pm

    Gurbani is not a mantra for chanting, but a philosophy of life; to live and uphold equality and justice with determination. All the best to you. Bole So Nihal, Sat Siri Akal

  • Sukhjit
    02/22/2017 at 12:00 am

    Thank you Sonia Kaur <3

  • Sukhjit
    02/22/2017 at 12:02 am

    Lots of strength and power to you and your children Charanpreet Kaur. It’s never too late to create positive changes, to speak up, to fight for our rights. <3

  • Sukhjit
    02/22/2017 at 12:03 am

    Rant anytime my fellow sister! I feel you. I hear you. Hope to meet you too! <3

  • Sukhjit
    02/22/2017 at 12:05 am

    Amen Canadian Sikh! (Awoman?)

  • Sukhjit
    02/22/2017 at 12:08 am

    Thank you Sarjeet Kaur!

  • Sukhjit
    02/22/2017 at 12:09 am

    Auntyji, Thank you so much for your warm word of support. Lots of love.

  • Sukhjit
    02/22/2017 at 12:15 am

    Hartinder Singh, thank you so much for sharing your valuable thoughts and message of encouragement with me!

  • Sukhjit
    02/22/2017 at 12:15 am

    Angad Singh. Thank you for your message.

  • Sukhjit
    02/22/2017 at 12:16 am

    Jasleen Kaur, my fellow Lioness. Thank you so much for message. 6th K, dude that is AWESOME!

  • Sukhjit
    02/22/2017 at 12:18 am

    Thanks Jiwanjot <3

  • Sukhjit
    02/22/2017 at 12:19 am

    Fio, thank you so much for your sewa and gori or non-gori, still love you and value you! Shall have to catch you in Surrey! xxx

  • Sukhjit
    02/22/2017 at 12:20 am

    Thanks Guri Singh!

  • Sukhjit
    02/22/2017 at 12:23 am

    Thank you Parminder Singh ji 🙂 Never have forgotten you!

  • Sukhjit
    02/22/2017 at 12:24 am

    Thank you so much for this beautiful message sisterKaur. It’s motivated me and made me smile for the rest of the day! 🙂

  • Sukhjit
    02/22/2017 at 12:25 am

    Lots of love to you S.Kaur! <3 Thank you!

  • Sukhjit
    02/22/2017 at 12:25 am

    Thank you Yoram <3

  • Jessica Kaur
    03/22/2017 at 10:08 am

    This is why Sikhi will become an irrelevant joke unless REAL Sikh sisters push for a pro-sikh agenda rather than feminist agenda. As feminists (non-sikh ideology) are trying to brainwash and enforce their anti-gurmat views on Sikhs especially young impressionable Sikh girls thinking Total equality is what Sikhi preaches when it doesnt.

    Let me ask these feminists who pose as Sikh women but we all know they are atheist punjabis.

    Why did Guru Ji created Singhs (lions) and Kaurs (Princesses) and not singhnis (lionesses)?

    Why does Guru Ji in SGGS Ji tell women to dress modestly and not men ? To me its obvious because womens bodies are different and have different privates. Feminists will say they got equal parts as men and so can show off their boobs to lift their tops just as men lift their tops when working out. This is the madness of feminism.

  • Lakhpreet Kaur
    03/22/2017 at 12:40 pm

    Gur Fateh,
    Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Could you point out which shabads (ang reference) address women’s modesty? We’re curious to learn more.
    Thanks,
    Kaur Life Team

  • Tejinder
    04/09/2017 at 12:44 pm

    Double standard sikhni. Clean shaven legs and arms. Goes to parlour and ask others about being sikhs

  • Bangalaan is what they call me
    10/17/2017 at 2:19 am

    Hi Sukhjit,

    I must admit I pretty much stumbled on this piece as a part of my research on patriarchy and its prevalence in Sikhism. To begin with, i congratulate you for trying to break through in this community that thrives on male supremacy (not judging, nor am I a Sikhni, but i have been a close observant and a silent spectator to this faith for over 2 years now). I have been extremely disturbed lately because of certain episodes of absolute misogyny as shown by a dear friend towards the women of his family, and this is not a one off incident, i have been seeing the pattern that runs in the family and it is extremely disturbing to hear about it or spectate it on a daily level. A small example to explain – How not keeping a help at home is such a mark of honour for the family, because the woman of the house is used to making food/fending and it is but a shame to employ people at home, also looking down upon men and women who take charge of their lives and dont want to subscribe to false preaching or visiting the Gurudwara Sahibji. Is this how it works in this religion? I am a Bengali by birth, my family and close people have never practiced patriarchy. We believe in equality and equity in its true meaning and I am fairly educated and lead an independent lifestyle because this is what and who we are. So, when I see the most talked about and generous race (Sikhis) treating their women how cavemen would and also the fact that how women are okay being treated like this, it angers and saddens me both. I cannot begin to tell you how much hope your article has given me this afternoon, it gives me hope because I finally know not everyone of you are similar and somewhere, somebody is doing something right!! All the best and God bless you!

    Rabb Rakha!

  • Kaur Life
    10/17/2017 at 9:05 pm

    Thank you for your comment. We are glad you enjoyed the article. To answer your question “Is this how it works in this religion?”: the Guru Granth Sahib (Sikh holy scriptures) empowers women and the Sikh Gurus preached complete equality between everyone. Unfortunately, sexist culture often time trumps the equality enshrined within Sikhi. You can read more about the foundations of gender and sex equality in Sikhi our article Women’s Empowerment in Sikhi.

  • Raj
    02/12/2021 at 6:05 am

    Very well put.

    As usual there is undertone of “Sikh women are supressed, double standards blah blah blah”.

    Living in Australia – a hot bed of toxic feminism, this disease (which is a white womens project) has infected the minds of our Bibia and created this nonsense narrative of them having been surpressed.

    Here in the UK, I see so many Sikh families where the men are Keshadhari while the women cut their hair, pluck their eyebrow and go to hair salons – but have the nerver to say “Sikh men are spolit and privelaged”.

    Sikhs are among the most successful minorities across the globe, if our sisters and daughters weren’t valued, if their parents didn’t pushed to do well – they wouldn’t be so successful.

    When Sikh women use the term Patriarchy, I find it laughable – its the male dominated Sikh society that uplifted women at a time the western culture (which so many westernised sikhs women worship) was burning them for witchcraft.

    Did Mai Bhago need feminism to step up and fight for Sikhi, did Sada Kaur – a major Architect of the Sikh Empire – need feminism.

    Before out Bibia harp on about “double standards”, take a look across the globe, not just your anecdotal experiance in OZ. See how our Bibia don’t respect family values, look down upon Sikh men who look after their parents, yet wouldn’t tolerate their own brothers walking out

  • Singhni kirandeep kaur khalsa
    06/19/2022 at 3:34 am

    good work didi i do the same work through FB and insta and so far because of my work over 100 girls have taken amrit and became singhni’s lots of girls r just affraid of becoming singhni’s because of false restrictions put on singhni’s by men

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