ballistic helmet vs politics

Central government for Sikh soldiers since last one month It was not possible to say anything on this subject in the absence of any official announcement or implementation, despite the ballistic helmet scheme being discussed a lot, but now it is necessary to discuss this subject after the meeting called by the National Commission for Minorities of Sikh organizations on this issue. Is. It is an undeniable fact that the army is very sensitive about any religious issue. In view of the criticism being made by some quarters on the basis of Bhai Prahlad Singh’s writing in Rahatnama about the banning of headgear in Sikhism, apart from the argument that Sikh soldiers did not wear iron helmets in the world wars and subsequent wars It is necessary to consider whether this is the same cap, which is prohibited in the Sikh rahat maryada. Cap is an alternative to turban. Keshdhari Sikhs wear a turban, while Sahajdharis wear a cap on their heads. To prevent case murder, it was necessary to ban the cap. After World War II, there have been many changes and developments in the warfare, strategy, tactics and military equipment of the armies. Now a soldier goes into battle carrying the entire system and military equipment with him.

This is the first time that an Indian government has shown sensitivity to the long hair and dreadlocks of Sikhs and special ballistic helmets have been designed according to the head shape keeping in mind their protection. In which night vision infrared equipment, communication equipment i.e. headphones and artificial intelligence which is prominent in today’s war environment have been used as per the requirements of modern latest warfare technologies around the world. It is a military operation headgear made for Sikh soldiers, which would be wrong to call it cap or iron helmet. Ballistic combat headgear will be mandatory for all soldiers of the Indian Army. Without wearing which no one will be able to enter the field of battle. The specialty of the Special Combat Headgear is that it is capable of providing enhanced protection to the soldier in all types of combat environments and weather conditions. Through this, a soldier gets all the necessary information, which is essential for combat efficiency. It is an essential part of modern military equipment. It will be worn as an important part of modern warfare equipment during any operation or war. Not in normal routine. Sikh soldiers have three different uniforms for normal routine. Green plain uniform, parade uniform with red turban and combat uniform for war. Until now, tanks and fighter planes used headgear worn over a small turban to communicate with each other.

Of course, human beings and humanity are very precious in Sikhism. Human life is rare. Kabir Manas Janmu Dulambh Hai Hoi Na Baar Baar. Jiu ban fruit paake bhui girah bahur na lagah dar. Gurbani inspires to value human life and to preserve this body. The human body has got the status of ‘Is Dehi Kau Simrah Dev’. This body is a gift of God and Akal Purush has given it primacy in nature. The one who harms it is a great sinner, ‘The world is the butcher of self.’ Sacrifice of this body is meaningful only when there is an urgent need to sacrifice this body to save the lives of lakhs of people trapped in difficult situations.

Dastar and case etc. are the foundation of Sikh’s dignity, respect and being called Sikh, for whose protection Sikh can give every sacrifice. But if they are kept safe and alternate arrangements are made for the safety of oneself and others, then what is the harm in religion? In the Sikh tradition, there is a mention of allowing armor for protection during war, in the great work Shastranammala of Shri Guru Gobind Singh ji, apart from offensive weapons, there is also a mention of protective armor like Sanjo, Sannah and Khol. According to military historians, Sikh soldiers in medieval history used to wear helmets during Sikh Misls. Many old pictures are found, in which the war-loving Sikh Sardar is wearing an iron cap under the turban. Apart from Baba Banda Singh, Sardar Hari Singh Nalwa is also included in these pictures. Similarly, in the Company Collection, Smithsonian Museum, Washington, an iron helmet of Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s military uniform with attachment points is said to exist. If we go for historical evidences, the panth accepted Bhai Ratan Singh Bhangu describes Bhai Sukha Singh wearing an iron helmet to fight the Giljas (Afghans) in Sri Guru Panth Prakash. Sukha Singh also asked for Sanjoy. Dast dastane sir top tikayo. When Bhai Sukha Singh puts on his armor and helmet to fight the Giljaons, the Guru’s beloved Panj Singh also prays. ‘Layee sirohi doi kar namaskar. Gatre Pai shield handle. Prayers were done at Panj Singhan. Hoi Bhagauti Singhan Sahay. Bhai Ratan Singh Bhangu further writes that when Sarin Khatri Sikh Karam Singh of Jathedar Shyam Singh’s group prepares for war, ‘Sanjoi Dhar Sar Mukat (iron-helmet) was tied. Dal haath gal tego payo… Haraul (vanguard squad) when I saw the lion coming. Priya Singh Pai Hoi Surekha. Aai Talwar Singh brought the tin head. With the Mukut (iron helmet) the head fell. Bhai Ratan Singh Bhangu says that the courage of the Sikhs was high in front of the Afghans, but the Afghans had iron helmets, which were not available to the Sikhs. After killing an Afghan, Sikhs used to take off his iron cap and wear it. Is the Shiromani Committee ready to refute these cult approved texts?

As far as the traditional turban of the Nihang lions is concerned, one of the reasons behind keeping the Dumala high was to protect the head from injury. Nihang Singh keeps many iron things in the turban, decorates the chakra and iron garland in the turban so that the enemy’s sword cannot reach the head.

The Shiromani Committee has categorically rejected the Centre’s proposal for Jangju headgear for Sikh soldiers, terming it as an attack on Sikhism and religious identity and refusing any dialogue, ‘Jab lagu duniya rahiye Nanak kichhu suniye kichhu kahiye’ Why isn’t it contrary to the concept of. The history cited by the Shiromani Committee to justify its one-point agenda of denial of talks was incomplete. While doing this, we have also forgotten that the Guru of whom we are Sikhs, reached Mecca and Medina to discuss the thoughts of Gurumat, discussed with the leaders of the Islamic sect and also discussed with Siddha Yogis while climbing Mount Sumer. Critics who said that Sikh soldiers fight with emotions, the question to them is, how will wearing this headgear affect their emotions? Sikh leaders accuse the government of interfering in the religious affairs of Sikhs, citing tradition instead of demanding that Sikh soldiers wear a special device over the turban to protect their heads during war. We need to worry about the precious lives of Sikh soldiers. It is worth mentioning that instead of feeling the pain and sorrow of the families of the martyred soldiers, for these critics, the security and sensitivity of the lives of the Sikh soldiers of the Central Government is illogical. There is great greatness of cases in the Sikh Rahat Maryada, but look at the irony that here the arguments of making cases last breath are being given by those people, whose discussion has been common for the insult of Roman cases. The lesson of prioritizing martyrdom in battle and ‘our savior is the Akal Purakh’ is being taught here by the Akalis who carry dozens of bodyguards in front and behind them when they step out of their homes.

Religious leaders should interact with Sikh soldiers, war experts, historians and scholars instead of making their own judgments about Sikh soldiers. After the dialogue, a careful decision will have to be taken as to what is the perception of the Sikh soldiers or what security arrangements can be made. It is a matter of regret that today the reins of the Khalsa Akal Purakh’s army are in the hands of people with incomplete knowledge of modern warfare and military affairs. In this case, politically motivated propaganda as opposed to the military approach would be considered a manifestation of ill thought. If there is a BJP government at the center, it does not mean that every issue should be seen from the point of view of the opposition just for the sake of protest. The arrival of new members in Sikh families is decreasing. In such a situation, we should not ignore this prayer made to the Guru after the big Ghallughara that ‘If the cult remains, then your Granth will also remain Nath. If there is no cult, then who will follow your books?’

(Author Guru Nanak Dev University
Professor of
, Pro. Sarchand Singh Khayla