Ishani Duttagupta
The escalating diplomatic tension between India and Canada will have a serious fallout for the Sikh community, not just in Canada, but in the US and in other countries around the world too, feels Satnam Singh Chahal, founder executive director, North American Punjabi Association (NAPA).
“Constructive dialogue between India and Canada is the pressing need to safeguard the rights and well-being of the Sikh community across both nations and globally,” Chahal, who lives in northern California, told the Times of India, speaking as a representative of NAPA, a global non-partisan and non-sectarian organisation, founded in 2011, dedicated to serving and empowering the Indian diaspora worldwide.
Chahal feels that the strong differences between India and Canada, that started with the murder of Khalistan activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey, Canada; have highlighted the existing challenges faced by the Sikh diaspora community in western countries regarding issues of identity, safety, and political representation. “We are deeply concerned about the potential ramifications of strained diplomatic relations between India and Canada on the Sikh diaspora, which has long been a bridge between vibrant cultures,” Chahal, who was a nominated commissioner of Santa Clara county in California, said.
Born and raised in Punjab, Chahal, who immigrated to the US with his family in 1997, feels that the growing animosity between India and Canada has been hitting the Sikh community hard in Canada as well as the US. “Globally, the Sikhs have been known for our philanthropic activities and service to the community wherever we are based. But now, the present acrimonious situation has created a deep rift even within some of our gurdwaras. The foundation of our religion is the concept of ‘sewa’ and we are a religious group that helps others always with service towards the larger community,” he said. But Chahal finds that the recent tensions, which have been highlighted by the falling out between the Indian and Canadian governments, have led to a changing perception about the Sikh community in North America.
The killing of Nijjar, and the following stand-off between India and Canada, has exacerbated an existing divide within the Sikh diaspora, Chahal feels. “Some community members view the Canadian government’s stance as a legitimate defence of human rights, while others see it as an affront to India’s sovereignty. This polarisation can create rifts within families and social circles, leading to heated discussions and estrangement,” he said.
He added that there was a lack of outreach to the Sikh community, in the US, on the part of the Indian government in the past several months. “All these factors have been hitting the American Sikh community hard with growing incidents of discrimination and racism being reported at schools, universities and workplaces by younger members of the community who wear turbans and have beards,” Chahal said.
He added that in North America, many Sikh families are having to navigate complex relationships with non-Sikh neighbours and friends. “Misunderstandings about the community’s political affiliations can lead to stigmatisation or social isolation, especially if there are perceptions that they support militant factions. Within the diaspora, there can be significant pressure to take sides in the political narrative. Activists may push for solidarity with Nijjar’s cause, while others may urge caution to maintain good relations with India, particularly for those with family ties back home. Further, social media has amplified voices within the community, creating echo chambers where certain narratives dominate,” Chahal said.
He feels that Sikhs in America and Canada are depending on the support of the US, Canadian and Indian governments to face such challenges and adds that many Sikhs in Canada, too, are feeling anxious about their safety and the possibility of backlash as tensions rise between India and Canada. “NAPA calls on both the Indian and Canadian governments to ensure the protection of all communities, particularly minorities. Our organisation also urges community members to engage actively in the political process, advocating for their rights and ensuring their voices are heard in discussions that impact their future,” Chahal added.