passing away Manmohan SinghHis daughter, the former Prime Minister of India and the architect of the country’s economic transformation, Upinder Singhperforming his last rites. This simple yet profound act was a departure from patriarchal traditions and a testament to the changing role of women in Indian society. It also brought greater attention to the egalitarian ideals mentioned in the Declaration. Sikhism More than five centuries ago.
Guru Nanak was a uniquely prescient champion of women’s emancipation as early as the 16th century. Within the egalitarian framework of Sikhism, women enjoy the freedom to receive education, participate in worship, study sacred texts, and work alongside men, whether in agriculture or other workplaces. Rather, their empowerment goes beyond mere participation—they are warriors, scholars, and contributors to sangats, congregations, and langars, community kitchens, alongside their male counterparts. Sikhism explicitly rejects the regressive notion that women are inferior or impure.
this Guru Granth SahibThe spiritual cornerstone of Sikhism is its commitment to human dignity and equality. Guru Nanak Dev’s Shabad celebrates the centrality of women with unmistakable clarity:
“Man is born from woman; man is conceived in woman; man is betrothed and married to woman.
Women become his friends; through women, offspring are born.
When his woman dies, he looks for another; to women he is bound.
So, why do you say she is bad? From her, the king was born.
From woman, woman is born; without woman, there is no man at all.
Oh Nanak! There is only Allah without women. SGGS,”
In Sikhism, women have equal opportunities, sikh guru Not only embrace these ideals, but translate them into action. The second Guru, Guru Angad Dev, ensured that girls got the same opportunities as boys. Historical records emphasize that his daughter Bibi Amro showed extraordinary talent, quickly mastered knowledge and demonstrated extraordinary proficiency. His wife, Mata Khivi Ji, ran Langar – a community kitchen that remains a symbol of equality and service.
The third Guru, Amar Dasguru, appointed women as preachers and leaders and gave them administrative powers, including taxation. Guru Gobind Singh also continued the sacred rituals in a transformative gesture Sikh Khalsa Baptism Be open to both men and women, thereby opening the door to inclusivity. The teachings and actions of all Sikh Gurus have always challenged deep-rooted patriarchal norms and promoted the dignity and rights of women in the spiritual and social spheres.
During Manmohan Singh’s last rites, his daughter stood steadfastly by his side; it was a reminder that Sikhism leads to equality.
Author:Stuti Malhotra
