Dear Editor:
Re : The recent piece of mine on Gurduara Troubles in Glen Cove, New York that you kindly published in the Indian Panorama just days ago.
True that it was not the first of my opinions on our dysfunctional gurduara management, but very deliberately and carefully in the past I NEVER identified by name any of the persons involved in any altercations. Why? Because shaming people was never my intent NOR is it now.
The note that you published under my name identified some of the responsible people and that created unforeseen problems. This note was NEVER intended for publication and general distribution. It was intended for only a limited audience to spur them to use discretion and good sense in an effort towards working for an amicable resolution for the greater good.
For this reason I had NOT submitted this note to you for publication. Apparently, someone from one side or the other, sent it to you perhaps hoping to shame people into better sense. Unfortunately shaming did what it usually does – it makes them aggressively self-defensive.
I witnessed firsthand the unfortunate result today. At an unrelated function loyalist of both sides accosted me. They were offended for having been named in print. In the melee, the intent of my piece was lost. My theme was that the gurduara is not meant to divide our community into “Friends and Foes” but to create an ambience where we transform a divided people into collaborators and allies that work towards the common good of the community despite our differences.
The public shaming from seeing their names in print very likely kills any incentive for peace and for that I offer regrets — a sincere Mea Culpa.
I.J. Singh
(ijsingh99@gmail.com)
North Bellmore, New York
February 18, 2019