Special Report
Editorial
Op-Ed
Opinion
Columns

Politics
Literature
Music
Art & Culture
Sikh Religion
Rights
1984
Books
Education
Business

Entertainment
Lifestyle
Travel
Health
Heritage
Sports
Kids Corner

Panjab
India
Pakistan
South Asia
US of A
Canada
Asia-Pacific
UK
Europe
Middle East
Africa
World
 

Archives
Newsletter
Advertise

Obituaries

Feedback
Contact Us
About Us
Site Map

Sikhs at Large: Religion, Culture, and Politics in
Global Perspective

Verne A. Dusenbery in this collection of essays explores two related topics: Sikh "ethnosociology" and Sikh identity as minority far and near. His research is thorough, and his assessment objective. He illustrates how under globalization, the overseas Sikh community becomes a subject of deterritorialization and reterritorialization.

The volume is divided into two parts, each consisting of six essays. The first part, "Sikh Ethnosociology", opens with, "Punjabi Sikhs and Gora Sikhs: conflicting assertions of Sikh identity in North America", which examines how the relationship between Punjabi Sikhs and Gora Sikhs has evolved through heterogenous cultural creeds and belligerent interactions. "On the moral sensitivities of Sikhs in North America" comes as a sequel, as it depicts how the diasporan Jat Sikhs still uphold the value of izzat (honour) as a moral principle, while Gora Sikhs hardly bother about it. In "The word as Guru", Dusenbery discusses the controversy regarding the translation of the Adi Granth.

A couple of essays explore the concept of the 'diaspora' and analyse various issues related to Sikh identity and self-representation in a contemporary ethnosociological context. "Through wisdom, dispense charity " depicts how the Sikh religious teachings and practices help motivate diasporan Sikhs to show solidarity with Punjabi Sikhs.

In the second part, says Dusenbery, "I have brought together a series of articles that focus on the ways that Sikhs living outside India have experienced and dealt with modern nation-state ideologies, policies, and practices of religious and ethnic management in various countries of residence." Thus, the first three essays deal with the intersection of multiculturalism and transnationalism.

The final essay shows how collective representation has been achieved by Sikhs, especially in Singapore, Canada, Australia and in America. However, a serious book like this should not have so many instances of sloppy proof-reading and copyediting. Otherwise, this volume is an engaging read.

Irvine Karen Isaksen Leonard,Professor of Anthropology, University of California, termed the book as ‘well-theorized, relevant to contemporary social, religious and political issues, and beautifully written …. (the) incisive essays captures the ongoing transformation of Sikh identities, communities, and institutions as Sikhism goes global.’
Darshan S Tatla, Director, Punjab Centre for Migration Studies, Lyallpur Khalsa College, Jalandhar, said, "These essays should be essential reading for students of South Asian studies, religion, sociology and social anthropology."

13 February 2008
 

Bookmark with

Reddit    Yahoo     Furl    Delicious