Are Sikhs Less Liberal and Secular? 

The present scenario is age of liberalism and logic based on tolerance for attaining peace and justice. The principle is already enshrined in ‘Sri Guru Granth Sahib’ i.e. Sarbat Da Bhala.  

The Hindu scholars started justifying the Manu discriminatory system under the garb of division of labour and distribution of work on permanent basis as required then nothing else. They claim now the situation is changed and gradually the Hindu society is taking turn for the best. To avoid their fundamentalist face, in present International scenario, they stepped further saying that Hindus have no religion but only have a system of working order. Now they can go to any extent to prove themselves as secular though that term of secularism is nowhere better explained except in ‘Sri Guru Granth Sahib’ that is meant for SARBAT DA BHALA ( well beings of humanity). 

The Hindu scholar, latest to my knowledge, Dr. Paras Dewan, a renowned legal figure and former Professor and Head of Department of Laws, Panjab University, Chandigarh used to explain that despite the discriminatory Hindu religious scriptures, Hinduism survived because of its liberalism. In his words, Hindu liberalism means that Hinduism does not disown on any ground of misconduct of immorality etc may be of any nature to any extent unless an individual converts permanently to Christianity or Islam. The scholar never offended the feelings of his students while teaching subject of family law in the context.  

Submission by:
Balbir Singh Sooch; Sikh Vichar Manch
December 19, 2008
www.sikhvicharmanch.com
For References: 

Sikh Definition and any Controversy Avoidable 

After Elevation of Adi Granth to Guru Granth Sahib:The Adi Granth was conferred the title of "Guru of the Sikhs" by the tenth Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, in October, 1708, and thereafter rest everything is secondary and optional for Sikhs. 

Guru  Gobind Singh Guru (1666-1708), the tenth Guru in Sikh tradition, affirmed the sacred text Adi Granth as his successor, terminating the line of human Gurus, and elevating the text to Guru Granth Sahib. From that point on, the text remained not only the holy scripture of the Sikhs, but is also regarded by them as the living embodiment of the Ten Gurus.  

The role of Guru Granth Sahib, as a source for all purposes including Sikh definition and Rehat Maryada or guide of prayer, is pivotal in worship in Sikhism.   Guru Gobind Singh ji officially ordained Guru Granth Sahib as the final and perpetual Guru of Sikhs. 

Sri Guru Granth Sahib is being accepted as the universal spiritual leader of Sikhs and also for its all followers keeping in mind the secular nature of Sikh faith.   

Sikh definition, Rehat Maryada etc has to be defined within and subject to the Sri Guru Granth Sahib only and any contradictory thoughts have to be and must be kept apart as being personal suiting to any individual or group or organisation who is free to adopt his own way of living i.e. secondary and optional so long it does not violate the secular nature of Sikh faith. But rest all is politics. 

Submission by:
Balbir Singh Sooch; Sikh Vichar Manch
December 18, 2008
www.sikhvicharmanch.com
For More Detail-Please click here to Read:

Who is and could be a 'Sikh'!
http://www.sikhvicharmanch.com/Religiou%20Politics-Who%20is%20and%20could%20be%20a%20Sikh.htm

The Sri Guru Granth Sahib, the followers, Sikhs and the definition of a Sikh
http://www.sikhvicharmanch.com/Religiou%20Politics-Sikh%20versus%20Voting%20Right%20to%20a%20Sikh%20within%20community.htm 
The definition of a 'Sikh'
http://www.sikhvicharmanch.com/Religiou%20Politics-Definition%20of%20Sikh.htm