Sikh-Americans have been on the forefront of some very important religious liberty cases in recent years. Rajdeep Singh, Director of Law and Policy at the Sikh Coalition, explains what the Sikh religion is, who are the Sikh-Americans, and how they have helped to shape and define our notions of religious liberty. This is a valuable discussion of a faith tradition that not many Americans are familiar with.
Our conversation begins with Mr. Singh providing a historical background to Sikhism. This history takes us back over 500 years to the Punjab region of what is now northern India. The religion developed over the course of two centuries and nine critical leaders known as “gurus.” Rajdeep carefully explains the various terms associated with his faith along the way, providing a clear understanding of terminology for those unfamiliar with the faith (such at your podcast host). He also notes that the history of Sikhism, a monotheistic religion that views all humans as equal, is replete with the promotion of religious tolerance and freedom. Gurus in the 6th through 9th centuries advocated not only for their adherents’ liberties, but for the freedoms of Hindus and others as well. Sikhs were also instrumental in India’s struggle for independence from Britain and often took the brunt of British retaliation. This history helps situate our modern understanding of Sikhs being strong proponents of religious freedom in America (and elsewhere). We also discuss the migration and demographics of Sikhs in the United States over the past half century or so.
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