What is the real cause of Coronavirus types crisis ?.. Jathedar Akal Takhat Giani Harpreet Singh presents his Global Viewpoint

( This is the transcription  done by Harcharan Bains of the Video message conveyed by Jathedar Akal Takhat Giani Harpreet Singh to the whole world especially Sikhs on March 31,2020 ( in Punjabi ) to meet the challenge of Coronrvirus and after. We are grateful to Mr Bains who has done a wonderful transcribed the message keeping the spirit of the message intact. We are publishing this text version keeping in view its historical importance. The video link of the message also attached -Editor  )

--------

Dear and respected friends, adorned by the blessings of the Cosmic Glow, the Guru,
(Meditative invocation, meditating on that cosmic Energy )
The One Almighty
The pure at heart belong to the (Compassionate) Almighty
And Victory too belongs to the (Compassionate) Almighty
 (In Punjabi language, this is a crisp and sonorous traditional Sikh greeting, and a Sikh religious equivalent of Hellow”. Its pronunciation corresponds roughly to “ Waah-e-guru jeekaakhaalsa/ “ Waah-e-guru jeekiFateh )) 

Today, the entire humanity is passing through a deep crisis caused by
the Coronavirus. There are possibly many reasons behind this crisis.
Those are being actively debated and will probably  continue to be
debated for a long to come. But (the fact is) that we are face to face
with a crisis. 
The crisis will no doubt pass too.
But the steps (decisions) which humanity takes to solve this crisis will not only have deep and long ranging implications for the ways and methods
concerning healthcare but will also deeply influence ( affect)  and
fundamentally alter the very modes of thought processes of the entire mankind aw well as  its opinions and ideas, its approach to lifestyle,  its daily ways of
living, its modes of functioning and (approach to work), its economy
and the way it conducts politics etc. This indeed is a strong possibility.

   There is no doubt that the lockdowns being implemented by countries
all over the world are extremely necessary. But to fight this grave
calamity facing humanity, these lockdowns (and steps humanity takes to address the crisis) can no longer afford to remain confined to country-specific initiatives and ) and we will all have to join heads and hands to fight (the enemy)  as one world.
   (In view of the nature of the calamity) the rich countries and the rich people
will not be able to save themselves by ignoring the poor people and the poor nations.  As
long as there is even a single patient of Coronavirus in any country,
the clouds of danger will continue to hover over the entire world,
including the rich (people and nations.) 
   (This is because) national boundaries and borders are recognised
and  respected by human beings, not by viruses.  If nations with
resources have to save themselves, they will inevitably  have to (step
forward to) save the countries who lack resources. There must be many
(countries, zones and areas) in this world where people will not have access even to soap to
wash their hands with and there will be severe shortages of hospitals to
look after the patients, (and shortages ) of food to feed and nourish their children. Many among them will not have even the requisite knowledge and wisdom to look
after and save themselves.  In short, they would have no energy to
fight any disease,( much less this  calamity.) 
   If we have to escape the scourge of these diseases, then the rich people and the
rich nations will need to build  the strength to fight  diseases like
Coronavirus not in their respective areas and for  themselves alone but everywhere and for
the entire humanity.  Coronavirus and similar other viruses can never be
defeated and eradicated from the world as  long as there are people
(anywhere in the world) who lack the resources to fight such
calamities.  (Therefore) if the rich people or rich nations wish to
secure themselves ( against such dangerous calamities), they will have
to think and act beyond selfish approach and vested interests and
start thinking in terms of the welfare of the whole mankind. (Sarbat
da Bhala) 
    (The nature of this deadly pandemic of) Coronavirus and its consequent economic fall out has already  emerged as global crises. Therefore, only a global  mind-set will
be able to find solutions to these (crises.)  And this will be
possible only through mutual trust and cooperation among nations.
(Unfortunately) the human mind is such as thinks only of its own greatness. So every country – America, Russia, China, India – everyone believes that that country alone is great. Different people from different countries keep raising these slogans. And of course, each one of them is right. Yes, each one of them is great.  but Greater than all of them put together is HUMAN RACE – humanity, mankind (whichever word you wish to use.) 
  (But it must be fully realised that) the greatness of each one of these nations is safe only if the future of the entire human race is safe and secure.
   In this hour of crisis, while different identity ( and
the  greatness) of each one of the different nations may have a relevance and role in
stopping the spread of viruses like Corona,  but of far greater
relevance and significance for this purpose is the cooperation among them and a
shared approach of all nations.

    The fact unfortunately is that we, the human race, wake up only when a calamity hits us.
   
And precisely at this hour,   grave (calamities and dangers) are hovering above our heads–
dangers and calamities such as Atomic Warfare, Environmental Pollution, Poverty,
Inequality, Unemployment, Intolerance and Terrorism such, for example, as the one
which has gobbled up many innocent Sikh brethren, children and even helpless
ladies.  All these dangers and calamities can be fought and defeated only through
mutual cooperation among and a joint strategy by all nations acting as
one.
  My dear and devout friends, Coronavirus is only a warning and a wake
up call, telling us to think beyond our own vested national stakes  and to
think of the welfare of the whole human race,  and to create an environment
of shared and cooperative approach for shared and cooperative living.
All this underscores the need for creating the right  balance between the independence and identity of (nations and) countries on the one hand and the unity of all (nations) and countries on the other for constructive and inclusive development .
   If we have to put an end to diseases (like this pandemic) and similar other calamities
in future, then we will also have to put an end to the (unseemly) trade
wars too.(This is essential)  Constructive and healthy competition is one thing.
Healthy competition and cooperation go hand in hand. Just as we need a vision and a
rationale for independence and equality, similarly we need a vision
and a  rationale for competition and cooperation. ( We need to find a
rationale for competition in the context of cooperation.)
Instructions are being issued (by governments) for social
distancing not only between countries but also between states, cities
and even homes. This is deemed necessary too. But in this atmosphere
of maintaining distances, it is important to know and understand how
to build an atmosphere of human brotherhood, cooperation and human
equality.
  To understand this issue, it will suffice to understand that
social distancing does not mean distance of bonds.

In today’s world, online digital networking  has made it very easy to
translate  the distances between bodies, homes, cities and countries
into a new form of mutual give and take, social cooperation and human
brotherhood. With this new technology, the neo-liberal modes of thought  – or the brave new
and free thinking – have contributed  not only to the creation of New  Global Capital, but (with this technology and the consequent  new way of thinking)  the global
community as a fraternity is also beginning to wake up.
The credit for stringing together members of the Sikh community scattered in different countries and different parts of the world
into a single global community also goes to this new online digital networking
technology. Through this means,   the Sikhs living in different
states and countries are now realising their identity as a global
‘quom’ (  community or nationality). Just as  railways, post and
telegraph and print media had once built the modern Indian nation,
similarly airlines, global banking and online digital media networking are
contributing to the development of the global Sikh ‘quom.’
(community/nationality). (We know that the) multinational corporations have been working toward the growth of  global capital. Now, the responsibility for  performing the
same (intellectual and emotional) task of bringing the world community together
for its own progress (and prosperity) is now being
performed by quoms with global or worldwide presence. This is because, the  global quoms-like the Sikhs for example- are located (and rooted) not in any single
 country but are spread across different countries across the globe. 
   There is no need for us to |condemn or criticise  or run down the concept of ‘nationalism.’

However, at the same time,  it is absolutely true and correct  that nationalism is not the right (tool or) set-up to address the global problems facing mankind.
     We are now living amidst conditions of global economy, global
technology, global media and global statistics. But all this  is drowning  in
the marshy zones of nationalism.
  Under the circumstances, we have two options before us.  Either we
remove our scientific achievements, economy and science and technology
from global thinking.
  If, on the other hand, that is not possible, then we are left with
only One Option: that we provide  a global perspective to our approach to politics of and within nations (and countries.)
   If by global politics, we do not mean a “world government” or a
single government to run the world, then the big and vital question
facing our age now is : How should we to turn our national governments into
“global” ( governments with a global vision and approach) instead of
their (being a symbol of) dominance and hegemony of one , two or three
families or groups (or interests.)
  The world today is passing through the same crisis which the Sikh
community has been bogged down in for quite some time. If we (are
able to) find a solution to the Sikh crisis, then a solution to the
global crisis can also be found. In this way, the Sikh community can
become a laboratory for the solution of the global crisis.
  (For this) We can see or visualise the Sikh society in the context of the progressive and
dynamic networking of the humanitarian commonwealth symbolised by the
Sikh shrines (Gurdwaras.) But to do that, we will have to understand
(the importance of) a Gurdwara not as an institutional unit but as an
arrangement based on the imperatives of environment and time and space. The Sikh shrines
and the devout followers who visit them as well as their deeply meditative and
magnanimous traditions of “global sharing”  create (in the form of Gurdwaras) an “arrangement” as per the needs of the age.
(Thus) the networking of the Sikh shrines
across the globe can turn into an effective and capable tool for “rebuilding” the
Sikhs as a global community, thanks mainly to the vast cultural,
social and economic diversity of backgrounds spread into lanes , by-lanes, blocks, towns , cities and villages. All this is reflective of (the rich diversity of) the various strata of society - from the government right down to the family
unit.

Thus the  Sikh community  can  play – and is already  playing - a  role  as
facilitators for (the creation of a cooperative  global  society rather than acting on the pattern of merely of (bitter) global economic competitiveness.
 In view of this,  it is wrong to see global power
(or world government) and nation states as mutually hostile. Global
communities ( like the Sikhs)  must be seen as the next step (after
multinational corporations) in the journey towards globalisation.

I take pride in saying that the Sikhs were among the first, if
not the very first, to tread the path of globalisation.
   The sacred Sikh shrines ( Gurdwara Sahiban) are the fundamental and primary unit
of globalisation. The progressive networking of these shrines can help
towards the futuristic development and progress of the Sikh quom and
Sikh society.
  The US President has also acknowledged the need for Gurdwaras in every country.

      I wish to repeat and re-emphasize this: it is necessary to consider that  if international or global politics does not mean a global or a world government, then (ways must be found)  to ensure that national governments can be turned global instead of their remaining mere symbols of  dominance or hegemony of just a few vested interests (or families. )

 An answer to this issue can be found when we consider that the Sikh
shrines are promoting the process of globalisation and the Sikh
community is unhesitatingly and freely playing its active role as
a partner in the politics of their homeland and in other countries which have they adopted as  their fields of action -  (karambhoomi) .
  Similarly,  they ( the Sikhs) are playing their  primary role in clearing the path for
operationalizing politics aimed devoted to the promotion of world
peace, environmental causes, global economy and  to science and technology as a global
process.
   We can say that  sacred souls like BhagatPuran Singh
ji, and in the current era of Sri Akal Takhat Sahib, the former
Jathedar Sahib Professor Manjit Singh ji , started many tasks (aimed
at these global goals) and  Baba Balbir Singh Seechewal    , Baba Sewa
Singh jiKhadoor Sahib waale, Eco Sikh, Khalsa Aid, and many  other
Sikh institutions are also  performing important tasks for
environmental and humanitarian causes. 
 These may have been only
initial but significant) steps. Plus, we can say without any reservations that our traditions
of Langar (devotionally undertaken voluntary distribution of free food) and of spirit of sharing what we have with those who need it – these will take our global Sikh community
towards this wider goal.

(Translator’s Note: Devotionally undertaken voluntary distribution of free food is an elementary article of Sikh faith and every Sikh deems it his duty to keep contributing throughout his life to providing food to the poor and the needy. This is called Langar Seva – of Serving Food to the Hungry.)

The first thing we need to understand is that the Sikh shrines and the
devout followers who visit them do not constitute a communal group or crowd or a
“community”. They are in fact just (human and global) links in the long chain of global
networking of the diverse humanity  which is (strung  together at the Sikh
shrines.)
   The Sikh society has many forms (Saroops)   – there are Amritdharis,
Nanak Nam Leva Sikh Sangat, apart from many other Sikh
organsiations, Sikh society and the Punjabi fraternity, about whom
Professor Puran Singh said “Punjab jiondaGuraan da naamte- Punjab
lives by (its romance with and love for ) the name and ideals of   Guru Sahiban) – All of  Punjabis are  Sikhs. Beautiful
thoughts of such people (as Professor Puran Singh)  tell us that all
those who live by the humanitarian ideals of welfare of the entire mankind  are the
true followers of Guru Nanak.
  I wish to make it clear once again that Sri Akal Takhat Sahib does
not represent the aspirations merely  of the Punjab-loving Punjabi
Sikhs or the India-loving Indian Sikhs alone.
   Instead, Sri Akal Takhat Sahib  represents equally the America-loving American Sikhs, Canada loving Canadian Sikhs, and the Pakistani Sikhs and all those Punjabis and
non-Punjabis, cutting across communities,  living in different states and different countries from different cultures and communities. This   Takhat of the Founder of the
MiriPiri ideal also accepts  those from other communities and other
states or countries who practise and live by  the global and humanitarian  ideals of Guru Nanak Devji.
   Sri Akal Takhat Sahib  does not look at scholars,
artists, historians and litterateurs from communities other than Sikhs who have
promoted ( or worked on )  the Sikh faith, Sikh history, Sikh
politics, Sikh culture and Sikh thought  as “others or aliens”.( They are equally dear to us)
        In short, Shri Akal
Takhat Sahib represents all those who live by Guru Nanak  Devji’s
ideals of human brotherhood and the  welfare of all mankind.
  I take pride in and am grateful to all those who in individual or
institutional form and capacities are engaged in humanitarian work through various
deeds such as offering financial help to the needy ( rising above
religious divisions) or through Langar (offering or distributing free
food) or through any other way (anywhere in the world.)
   We have in  mind a proposal for several short-term and long-term  initiatives  under the aegis of Sri Akal Takhat Sahib  devoted to the welfare of
all mankind,   as per the sacred path shown to us by the Guru.
In  the coming days, we are going to start, with the blessings of the Guru,
something in institutional form, the detailed information of which we
will share with you in a few days time.
   I have been looking forward to  good wishes and cooperation of all  which is so needed (for any noble  initiatives)  

    Time waits for no one. We need to put our heads together for the
glory of the Khalsa ( the pure at heart) and for the welfare of the entire humanity. The Sikhs can  begin to talk about devoting themselves to the  welfare of the entire human race only once  they are strong and resourceful as a community.
   Only when our own house  is in order and our own economic well being is
secure and our social status  strong can   we think and wish for and talk about and devote ourselves to the welfare the human race with the requisite strength.

( Shabad  -Hymn-  highlighting the awakening of humanitarian love,
 understanding and cooperation)
   Let us forgive each other’s
shortcomings or failings and resolve our debates and   differences or
grievances in a spirit of togetherness, so that we can live in mutual
love and respect as the family bequeathed to us by the great Guru. May the
Guru continue to bless us to remain engaged in the welfare of the
whole human race.
   Wherever the Khalsa goes,  may it protect the people from the entire humanity.

(Translator’s Note: Khalsa: the pure of heart who are dedicated to the ideals of providing help,  protection, shelter or service to whoever is needy in the human race, rising above differences of religion, nations, countries, caste, class or creed.)

  I pray for the Guru’s blessings on all of you.

May you all remain in high
spirits, always engaged in the welfare of the entire human race .

Wahiguruji ka Khalsa
Wahiguruji ki Fateh

March 31, 2020

(Transcribed in English by Harcharan Bains )

Video Links : 

Babushahi Times -YouTube

https://youtu.be/S9JMkwm9EYM

Babushahi- Facebook Page 

http://blob:https://www.facebook.com/7097091e-29fb-4524-849d-742d517b1666