This refers to Brother Gurnam Singh’s article, “Dalit saints founded Sikhism” (DV March 1, 2004 p.13). No doubt Prof. Gurnam Singh is committed to the right cause of Dalits. But myself being a student of Sikh studies and teaching Sikh scriptures for the last 40 years could not find such references as claimed by Gurnam Singh. I have studied almost all the relevant books related to Sikhism but find it difficult to agree with his views which are only emotional and not text-based.
Sikhism was founded by only Guru Nanak and none else. But the Guru has given and shown full respect to the Dalits and has expressed his commitment for the upliftment practically by saying:
The lowest of the low caste, the lowliest of the lowly. I seek their kinship. Why emulate the higher one’s? Thy elevating grace is where the down-trodden are looked after.
Similarly the fifth guru, Guru Arjan Dev, has included the bani of Dalit Saints, Namdev, Kabir, Ravi Dass, Sadna and Saini, in the Guru Granth and given them equal status. Even Guru Gobind Singh has chosen his piaras out of five from the Dalits and declared
All men have the same form.
All men have the same spul.
Hence Sikhism is founded by Guru Nanak but he has given and shown full respect to the Dalits.
