Amritsar: Punjab BJP spokesperson and Sikh thinker Prof. Sarchand Singh Khiala has strongly condemned the alleged disrespect shown to the Indian Tricolour during a protest against RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat outside Madison Square Garden in New York. Addressing those who allegedly insulted the Tricolour in the name of Khalistan, Prof. Khiala said, “What are you trying to prove by trampling the national flag under your feet? No one has the right to bring disrepute to the entire Sikh community through such acts.”Prof. Khiala said that in a democracy, every individual has the right to express disagreement with any political or ideological viewpoint and to register a peaceful protest. However, tearing, trampling upon or disrespecting the national flag of any country cannot be justified in any democracy or civilised society.
“If anyone has objections to the ideology of Mohan Bhagwat or the RSS, they are fully entitled to register their protest through democratic and peaceful means. However, the reported conduct of some pro-Khalistan elements with the Tricolour has hurt the sentiments of Indians living in India and abroad. What service to Sikhism is being rendered by trampling the Tricolour underfoot?” he asked.
Prof. Khiala said, “I am a Sikh myself. I take pride in my Sikh identity and in the great sacrifices made throughout Sikh history. The Tricolour is not merely a piece of cloth; it symbolises the unity and integrity of the country and is associated with countless sacrifices. Seeing the same flag, for which members of our community have also made immense sacrifices, being trampled underfoot naturally causes deep pain.”
He said that when a Sikh soldier lays down his life while defending the country’s borders, his mortal remains are wrapped in the same Tricolour and taken to his family with full military honours. “Therefore, the national flag being disrespected by individuals claiming to act in the name of Sikhs is particularly painful and deeply concerning,” he said.
Prof. Khiala said that the core message of Sikhism is rooted in humanity, justice, equality, the welfare of all and standing against oppression. “No act that hurts human dignity or violates basic moral values can be justified in the name of Sikhism,” he said.
He said the Sikh community across the world has built a distinct identity through hard work, integrity, humanitarian service and sacrifice. “Provocative or disrespectful acts by a few individuals can damage the image of the entire Sikh community. The Sikh community should not be made the ‘brand ambassador’ of anyone’s extremist politics,” he said.
Prof. Khiala said that the world today needs dialogue, not hatred. “Differences over religion, ideology and politics will always exist, but human dignity must remain paramount. Raising anti-India slogans or disrespecting national symbols while living in the United States will neither provide a political solution nor enhance the dignity of any community,” he said.
He also cautioned against holding entire communities responsible for the actions of a few individuals. He said, “According to reports, people associated with different communities and organisations were present during the protest in New York. Therefore, it would not be appropriate to hold all members of any group responsible for the actions of a few individuals. Similarly, responsibility for the alleged disrespect to the Tricolour by pro-Khalistan elements should remain confined to the individuals involved.”
Prof. Khiala said that the unity and integrity of India, as well as the dignity and honour of the Sikh community, were equally important. “The Sikh community must also raise a clear and firm voice against such acts so that the wrongdoings of a few individuals do not become a burden on the entire community,” he said.