The passing of
Manmohan Singh, India's former prime minister and the architect of the nation's economic transformation, was marked by a deeply symbolic act: his daughter, Upinder Singh, performing his last rites. This simple yet profound gesture was a stark departure from patriarchal traditions and a testament to the evolving role of women in Indian society. It also brought into sharp focus the egalitarian ideals mentioned in
Sikhism over five centuries ago.
Guru Nanak, with characteristic prescience, was a champion of women's emancipation as far back as the 16th century. In the egalitarian framework of Sikhism, women were given the freedom to pursue education, engage in worship, study sacred scriptures, and work alongside men, whether in the area of agriculture or other workplaces. Rather, their empowerment extends beyond mere participation - they are warriors, scholars, and contributors to the Sangat, congregation and langar, community kitchen, standing shoulder to shoulder with their male counterparts. Sikhism unequivocally rejects the regressive notion of women being inferior or impure.
The Sri Guru Granth Sahib, the spiritual cornerstone of Sikhism, offered a radical reimagining of human dignity and equality. The Shabad of Guru Nanak Dev celebrates the centrality of women with an unmistakable clarity:
"From woman, man is born; within woman, man is conceived; to woman he is engaged and married.
Woman becomes his friend; through woman, the future generations come.
When his woman dies, he seeks another woman; to the woman, he is bound.
So, why call her bad? From her, kings are born.
From woman, woman is born; without woman, there would be no one at all.
O Nanak! Only the True Lord is without a woman. SGGS, "
In Sikhism, women are accorded equal opportunities, and the Sikh gurus not only espoused these ideals but translated them into action. Guru Angad Dev, the second guru, ensured girls received the same opportunities as boys. Historical accounts highlight that his daughter, Bibi Amro, displayed remarkable aptitude, quickly mastering and demonstrating exceptional proficiency in her learning. Mata Khivi Ji, his wife, took charge of Langar - the community kitchen that continues to be a symbol of equality and service.
Guru Amar Das, the third guru, appointed women as preachers and leaders, granting them administrative authority, including revenue collection. Guru Gobind Singh also, in a transformative gesture, extended the sacred rite of Sikh Khalsa baptism to both men and women, thereby flinging wide open gates of inclusivity. Teachings and actions of all Sikh gurus consistently challenged entrenched patriarchal norms, promoting dignity and rights of women in both spiritual and societal spheres.
During final rites of Manmohan Singh, his daughter stood resolutely by his side; it was a reminder that Sikhism guides towards equality.
Authored by: Stuti Malhotra
