蜜芽传媒

The last few days have seen the world鈥檚 economies being shaken, with many worried that globalisation is at grave risk and that the rules-based international order is all but over. But a country flexing its fiscal muscle isn鈥檛 a new phenomenon. Throughout history, strong economies have exerted their control and influence at the expense of others.

In the late 17th Century, the Mughal Empire was at its peak as the wealthiest power in the world. An exhibition at the Victoria and Albert Museum currently displays some of its incredible jewellery and art. This, however, came at a price. Some of its population were targeted with deeply unfair taxes, and Sikhs in particular came under direct attack. The 9th Sikh Guru was executed on the Emperor鈥檚 command in order to humiliate Sikhs and bring the faith to its knees.
The 10th Guru, Guru Gobind Rai, wanted his Sikhs to be brave enough to challenge the Mughal Empire with confidence.

In 1699, on the day of Vaisakhi, Sikhs from far and wide gathered at the Guru鈥檚 fortress in the Himalayan foothills. The Guru emerged from a tent and called for anyone prepared to sacrifice everything for their faith to step forward. Five people eventually came forward, and they established the Khalsa, the Pure Ones. It became the inner core of the faith. The five Khalsa Sikhs then initiated the Guru to their own ranks.

Men took the name Singh or 鈥榣ion鈥�, and women Kaur or 鈥榩rincess鈥�, to show they had joined a new family as people with agency and strength. The Guru also changed his name. Gobind Rai became Gobind Singh, to show he was no higher than the Khalsa, and that as a true leader he too would be bound by their rules.

As Sikhs mark the festival of Vaisakhi and the birth of the Khalsa, we are also celebrating what it means to be Sikh itself. That includes the idea that we must fight for everyone鈥檚 benefit, not just our own. The Sikh prayer of the Ardas concludes with the line 鈥淲ith Your blessings, may there be peace and prosperity for everyone鈥�. It鈥檚 not about protecting one group above all others. It鈥檚 about knowing the difference between right and wrong, and ensuring we all rise at the same time.

Guru Gobind Singh Ji stood up to the challenge of a strong economic and military power whilst remaining bound by the rules-based order of the Khalsa over three centuries ago. He remains an inspirational figure to many.

If we have the moral conviction to know what is just and right today, and focus on the global picture, there鈥檚 no reason why we can鈥檛 emerge from the current tumultuous period even stronger and more confident. That is my belief and my hope.

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