LIFESTYLE

Wherever the Sikhs have settled, they have invested considerable effort in maintaining cultural, religious, and linguistic traditions including establishing gurdwaras as soon as they have gained the required numbers and means. There were, no doubt, problems in settling down at their destination countries and societies. Jacobsen beautifully describes that Sikhs have responded by adopting an approach of 'similarity-within difference' which has helped them successfully integrate. Most Sikhs soon after their arrival learn to communicate in local languages. The second generation is totally comfortable with local language. Sikh parents are aware of the importance of Punjabi as a medium to stay in touch with the home-land culture while living in the diasporas. They consider language -besides clothing and food-to be a visible token of Sikh identity. In some cases, their children's knowledge of Punjabi is better than that of Sikhs in India, where increasing numbers are communicating in English and Hindi with minimal use of Punjabi. In matter of education, Sikhs are eager to transmit their tradition to their children by encouraging them to attend Punjabi and 'Gurmat' classes held in many gurdwaras. At most of the gurdwaras in the new countries of settlement, such facilities are being provided-just as it was the common practice in Punjab villages in olden days. Problems do sometimes emerge when adolescent children start opposing the strictness of their parents in the field of religious traditions, looking for more freedom. Many males do not adhere to tradition by leaving their hair uncut and wearing a turban. Sometimes, Sikhs talk about their fear of wearing a turban because they might be mistaken or (even attacked) as Muslims resulting from growing Islamophobia. But one can also observe in many cases their renewed interest in religion and tradition once they are grown up and engaged in university studies or professional work. With regard to marriage, inter-religious marriages are still not the norm. One notices the community's openness in its contacts with other religions and cultures in general, as seen by the ease with which they mix with local counterparts. To be able to get residence permit, many immigrants seek to marry locals, either as long-term partners or just on contract basis-so to say. One interesting aspect as compared to India, is the high number of women who are working on a regular basis, thereby not only contributing to the family income but also serving (sometimes more than men) as mediators, building bridges between the locals and Sikh/Indian traditions.