During her afternoon walk, Guru Kaur observed that the woman walking ahead was being taunted by a group of young kids. As she approached the bench where the rowdy kids stood, they shouted with utmost disgust, “Paki, you f***ing Paki, what you got that thing on your head for?”
Guru was wearing a white turban on her head. While her appearance might be confused for someone from the Asian subcontinent, in reality, she was of English origin. She tried to ignore it at first, but then she decided not to let it go. She felt the distress in the eyes of the woman who was walking in front of her and thought why do women get scared of the sullen and immature pre-teens.
She stopped, looked them in the eye, and very firmly asked, “ Are you talking to me?”
Their "Paki, Paki" refrain slowed down as a result of being startled, and their bravery suddenly began to wane. When she approached them from across the footbridge, they were starting to appear more and more juvenile and far less macho. Standing in front of them, she recognised just how young they were, dressed in the uniform of the nearby school, with expressions of hostility, fear, and innocent wonder in their eyes.
She told them that she is wearing a turban and that she is a Sikh, and not a Paki. A long pause followed since neither party wanted to give in . The youngest of them, who was only knee-high to a grasshopper, then lent towards her in a mock-thug-like manner asking her to show the ‘knife’.
It was amazing to see the surprise on their young faces—far from innocent—when they realised that Guru did, in fact, carry a knife. She reached deep inside her garments and displayed the kirpan with its strap for their observation.
One of them said that he never thought a girl like her would carry a knife. Another kid replied, “'Course she does, look at her wrist, she's got one of them bracelets an'all.”
What started then was a long round of questions like what it is like carrying a knife, and what is its use,whether it is blunt and if they can hold it, among an array of other simplistic as well as curious queries.
Issue of knife crime in the UK
Knives and incidents of knife-related crimes have become a prominent subject of discussion in the media within the United Kingdom. There has been a concerning surge in stabbings, particularly among young individuals. Law enforcement authorities are urging parents to inquire whether their children are carrying knives. However, this line of questioning fails to address the root of the issue. The true problem lies not in the existence of knives themselves.
Assigning blame to knives is a mere excuse. The focus should instead be on the mindset of those who possess them. A knife in the skilled hands of a surgeon can be instrumental in saving lives, whereas a knife in the possession of a morally youngster with poor values may be drastic.
Kirpan; the knife in the Sikh faith
The kirpan, a small knife, holds significant importance as one of the five articles of faith for Sikhs. It is regarded with deep reverence and symbolizes the Sikh commitment to defending the rights of others to live without fear or oppression. It is essential to understand that the kirpan is not meant for offensive purposes but rather as a symbol of protection.
According to the teachings of the Sikh Gurus, it is highly unlikely that a Sikh would employ their sacred knife against anyone, even in self-defence. The kirpan serves as a reminder of the responsibility to safeguard others rather than resorting to violence.
Furthermore, the kirpan represents the potential destructive power of anger. When a Sikh unsheathes the kirpan, it is customary to touch the blade to their forehead. This action signifies an acknowledgement that wielding anger recklessly can be as harmful as a sharp blade. It serves as a reminder of the need for self-control and the potential consequences of yielding to anger.
Guru’s conversation with school children
Guru realized, after her conversation with those school children, that it was likely the first time they had engaged in a discussion about values, the significance of standing up for something or someone, and the concept of personal responsibility, not just out of fear of punishment, but with an understanding that our actions shape us throughout our lives. Moreover, Guru recognized the true cost of being angry.
However, the prevailing viewpoint in the media today tends to attribute the problem to parents alone. This attitude slightly misses the mark. Respect and reverence are qualities that are nurtured within a collective, within a sense of community, and by upholding the highest common values possible. It is through shared experiences and maintaining these values that we cultivate a society where these ideals can flourish.
The focus should not be on blaming parents or any specific individuals, but rather on the values that are shaped by the environments, we are exposed to. These values primarily originate from the home and are influenced by the level of respect and authority that women receive from their families.
Anti-social behaviour is eroding our society across all levels. Some commentators wrongly assert that it is solely a problem associated with the "underclass." While it is true that there is a higher prevalence of Anti-Social Behavior Orders (ASBOs) among individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds with lower educational achievements, this issue extends beyond any specific social group.
Glaring cultural differences
Guru recounted her experience of residing in rural Punjab for a duration of one year, approximately a decade ago, during a time when the influence of so-called Westernization had not yet permeated the region, as it eventually did in the new millennium. During her stay, she found herself engaged in teaching English to a class of seventeen-year-olds. To encourage their participation, she allowed them to pose any question of their choice, provided it was in English. The students delved into their textbooks for about fifteen minutes, diligently pondering their inquiries. Eventually, their spokesperson emerged from the group and rose to address the Guru.
Now, consider what the most pressing question would be for a group of adolescent seventeen-year-olds in rural Punjab. Astonishingly,he asked
"Is it true that in England people wear their shoes in church?"
That question speaks volumes about the cultural differences between the West and India. It also shows their deep respect for temples and spiritual places, as well as their curiosity and desire to understand and respect other cultures.
To tackle the widespread anti-social behaviour, including the recent increase in stabbings, we must address this issue on various levels: globally, nationally, locally, and within our homes.
Voice of the people
Guru Kaur wrote an article telling people about her experience, and people wrote back to tell their experiences and perspectives. Let’s dive deep:
Gurpal Singh, said, “What I found really interesting about this article, apart from Guru Kaur's guts, was the fact that these kids had some idea that a real Sikh would carry a "knife" and a "bracelet". We can thank RE (Religious Education) in British schools for teaching British school children about Sikhism, at least over a couple of weeks.”
In recent years, knowledge about Sikhism and the significance of the kirpan has been steadily spreading. This increased awareness is crucial in fostering understanding, respect, and acceptance of Sikh traditions and beliefs. As more people gain insights into Sikhism's values of equality, compassion, and justice, misconceptions are being dispelled, promoting a more inclusive and harmonious society.
*Based on an article by Guru Kaur, published on the Sikhchic website on 29th May 2008