Narratives in Action: Modelling the Types and Drivers of Sikh Activism in Diaspora

Abstract

Using data gathered for an investigation of “Sikh radicalisation in Britain”, in this article I develop a typology of different types of activism among Sikhs in diaspora based on an analysis of historic and contemporary media sources (newspapers, radio, television, online), academic literature, ethnographic fieldwork and a series of semi-structured interviews with self-identifying Sikh activists. I assess the reasons behind a variety of different incidents involving Sikh activists, how Sikh activists view the drivers of their activism and to what extent this activism can be regarded as being “religiously motivated”. I critique existing typologies of “religious activism” by developing a typology of Sikh activism which challenges the distinction often made between “religious” and “political” action. I argue that “religiously motivated actions” must be understood in conjunction with narratives, incidents and issues specific to particular religious traditions and that generic motivations for these actions cannot be applied across all religious traditions.

Diasporic Identity of Sikh Youth Among Jakarta's Multicultural Society

“…As (Singh J. , 2020) explains, the biggest challenge for Sikhs is the growing attitude of radicalism in society, whether in India or elsewhere, and not just that which is specifically directed at the Sikh religion. Anti-Sikh radicalism emerged in Britain in early 1984, the year Sikh activists clashed with the local government over equal human rights and social justice in employment and housing.…”