Kahaa bhayo jo doaoo lochan moond kai baitth rahio bak dhiaan lagaaeio” translates to “Of what use it is if one sits and meditates like a crane with his eyes closed.” These profound words are still relevant today centuries after they were uttered by the venerated Guru Gobind Singh, especially in the context of the beleaguered Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau who has allowed his beautiful country to become a hunting ground for home-grown terrorists. By turning a blind eye to the snakes in his own backyard, Trudeau is setting the stage for a disaster of epic proportions for his country, his people, and the world at large.
I made the same statement in my First Post article two weeks ago, and now it has been vindicated with the Canadian police busting a massive drug manufacturing facility operated by Gaganpreet Singh Randhawa in the Falkland Area of British Columbia.
Randhawa is one of those misguided Canadian youth who, under the misdirected philosophies, engage in anti-Sikh and anti-Punjab policies that go against the very tenets of Sikhism.The Sikh religion has always been associated with sewa, sacrifice, and selfless courage. But under Trudeau’s self-serving patronage, the Sikh youth of Canada are turning to anti-Sikh activities that bring shame to overseas Punjabis as well Sikhs living in India. The illicit Canadian ‘super-lab’ was producing methamphetamine and fentanyl that was being supplied in a transnational operation and was the largest drug bust on Canadian soil. Fentanyl is a main ingredient in many of the toxic illicit drugs that have killed nearly 48,000 people across Canada between January 2016 and March 2024, according to the Canadian government. The involvement of Canadian terrorists in the operation that yielded an illegal stash of weapons and ammunition is not in doubt at all and clearly points to liaisons with drugs, cartels and international terrorists as communicated by the RCMP.
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Sewa, sacrifice, service
Guru Nanak Dev promoted the values of selfless service, discipline, and courage embedded in Sikh teachings and practices, shaping a community dedicated to justice, compassion, and equality. Sikhs believe that serving humanity is equivalent to serving God, a philosophy emphasised by all 10 Gurus. Sewa is practised through various acts of kindness such as preparing and serving food in the community kitchen (langar) where people of all backgrounds are welcome. Langar, a unique tradition in gurdwaras, represents humility, unity, and the commitment to serve society without discrimination. Today, they are replacing soup kitchens to feed the hungry in cities like Paris and London. Sikhs also engage in other forms of sewa, like helping those in need, volunteering, and donating resources, seeing it as a way to overcome ego and connect with the divine.
“ਤਿਸ ਕਉ ਹੋਤ ਪਰਾਪਤਿ ਸੁਆਮੀ ॥ translates to “One who performs selfless service, without thought of reward, shall attain his Lord and Master.”Discipline in Sikhism is reflected in the daily practice of prayers, honest work, and adherence to a moral code. Sikhs are encouraged to meditate on God’s name (naam simran), perform honest labour (kirat karni), and share their earnings with those in need (vand chakna). These principles encourage a disciplined life rooted in spirituality and integrity. Sikhs also follow the Five Ks (kesh, kangha, kara, kachera, and kirpan) as symbols of their faith, which serve as constant reminders of their commitment to Sikh values. Courage is an integral part of the Sikh identity, especially emphasised by the 10th Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, who established the Khalsa, a community of dedicated Sikhs willing to defend the faith and protect the oppressed. Sikhs are encouraged to stand against injustice and oppression with bravery. This spirit of courage is symbolised by the kirpan, representing the duty to protect others and fight for righteousness.
A wake-up call
Why then, have some Sikhs in Canada lost the plot by embracing the path of criminality and maligning this venerable religion? They’re fooling around and legitimising themselves by indulging in anti-social activities. It appears to be a ploy by the wily Trudeau and vested interests who are shoring up his chances of re-election by setting the Canadian Sikh up as the fall guy to garner the Muslim votebank. The arrest of Gaganpreet Randhawa and his associates in British Columbia should serve as a wake-up call for everyone, especially the Sikhs and the Punjabis who are settled in Canada and are allowing holy places and names to be tainted. Punjabis and Sikhs must draw lessons from their history, which is as rich and ancient as human civilisation itself, originating from the land of the Saraswati-Indus Valley civilisation. That is where the religion took birth, even though it is just five centuries old.
They are the people who have shown resilience, courage, and culture in the past. Right now, they are challenged by the very people who do not respect their heritage or the rich history right from Guru Gobind Singh, who sacrificed his all to protect what was sacred to him, to Maharaja Ranjit Singh, who fought so many Anglo-Sikh wars. In the post-colonial era, we need to be aware that vested interests are threatened by the rise of the juggernaut that is the new India. Canada is wasting its time in diplomatic skirmishes with India. Rather, it should seek Indian assistance and work in cooperation to deal with not just toxic substances but toxic citizens as well. The prophecy of “snakes in your backyard will eventually bite those who keep them” appears to be coming true.
“ਕਲਿਜੁਗੁ ਹਰਿ ਕੀਆ ਪਗ ਤ੍ਰੈ ਖਿਸਕੀਆ ਪਗੁ ਚਉਥਾ ਟਿਕੈ ਟਿਕਾਇ ਜੀਉ ॥” means “The Lord ushered in the Dark Age, the Iron Age of Kali Yuga; three legs of religion were lost, and only the fourth leg remained intact.” In this Kali Yuga, let truth and righteousness be understood and alone should illuminate our path with love, humility and devotion. The spiritual guidance by the Guru saheb may lead to fulfilment beyond the illusion of this age.
Meenakshi Lekhi is a BJP leader, lawyer, and social activist. Her X handle is @M_Lekhi. Views are personal.
(Edited by Humra Laeeq)
As long as white Canadians are not violently targeted by the Khalistani terrorists, the Canadian political class will keep supporting Khalistani outfits.
It’s pointless to blame Trudeau for the current state of affairs. If anyone thinks that Pierre Pollievre would have handled the situation differently, then he/she must be living in a parallel world.
On the issue of Khalistani extremism, both Trudeau and Pollievre are on the same page.
India must not expect any change in Canadian policy if Trudeau were to be booted out of power.