The Netherlands and (Continental) Europe

Migration to Europe is a more recent phenomenon. The author would like to pay tribute to the work done by the 'Sikhs in Europe - Lund Group' over the last decade or so. He has chosen to write about The Netherlands because he noticed that not enough attention had been paid so far to the study of this country by this group. There were some other factors which attracted the author to choose to write about this country. The Suriname Indians settled in NL marrying the Sikh immigrants was worth writing about and there was a 'Kamagata Maru' like attempt to reach the Canadian shores. A group of young Sikh professionals is running an organisation and website www.SIKHS.NL, which is doing a commendable job of creating awareness about Sikhs amongst Dutch people and helping the community work together on various issues and challenges facing Sikhs. In their book "Sikhs in Europe", Jacobsen and Myrvold, state that "currently the European Sikhs are estimated at approximately half a million people, with the largest and oldest settlements in Britain and growing communities in many countries of continental Europe. In the beginning of the twenty-first century, a significant segment of the Sikh population has thus made Europe their new home abroad and they intend to stay as European Sikhs. Today the Sikhs reside in almost every country in Europe. Norway, Germany, Italy, and Spain have large Sikh immigrant populations". Historically there was an interesting interaction of the Sikhs with the Europeans when Maharaja Ranjit Singh was ruling Punjab (1799-1839). The Maharaja had inducted French, British, German, and Italian soldiers and officers into service to train his Khalsa army. In late 19th century, exiled Prince Dalip Singh spent some time in Europe mainly France. During the two World Wars Sikh soldiers were actively involved in Europe as a part of the British Indian Army in WW I ( France and Belgium) and WW II (Italy and Greece). The author had come across a war memorial in Esperenza, in Argentina which had the name of Arjan Singh, who evidently fought with the British in WWI from Argentina. There are graves and memorials of Sikh soldiers in Cypress, Malta, Greece, Italy, France, Germany, Belgium and Romania - details are appended. There are now annual thanksgiving and remembrance services all over Europe where 'keertan', 'ardaas', 'langar' and other Sikh religious ceremonies and celebrations have become a regular feature. The Dutch Sikhs are particularly enthusiastic participants at the annual event in Ypres in Belgium across from the Netherlands border. There is an interesting book: "How Europe is Indebted to Sikhs' by Bhupinder Singh Holland which gives quite a few details. Post Indian independence some Sikh students had gone for higher studies to European Universities especially in Germany - some of whom stayed back and even got married locally. There are now about a 1000 Gurdwaras in Europe which are well attended. As is unfortunately the case in many countries, there are problems in management of Gurdwaras resulting in some of these being locked out say in Denmark, Italy etc. A feature in most European Gurdwaras is that the 'Langar' Halls are displaying the photos of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale and other 'shahids' of 1980s vintage. Many immigrants of that era came to Europe seeking asylum - such an emphasis is therefore understandable but whether such prominent projection is desirable is a matter of debate. Some sections of the 'sangats' in many places are politically active vis-a-vie the Sikh problems back home. Overall, the Gurdwaras are doing a great job in bringing together the community and keeping linkage with Sikh religion and Punjabi culture. 'Langars' are a great event in all Gurdwaras almost 24x7. Even a stray visit at any time of the day is greeted with 'chai' followed by a Punjabi meal - the granthis in Gurdwaras are always keeping the pot boiling - food wise! There are in some instances problems in setting up Gurdwaras because permissions are needed, which at times are not easily granted. Raising of the 'Nishaan Sahib' prominently in Gurdwaras is not allowed or is restricted in many cases. On the other hand, in some countries of Scandinavia, the Government offers financial help for running of the Gurdwaras.Getting good Granthis is an issue especially because the remuneration can be low. However, in some cases an illegal immigrant can be helped with regularisation of his stay. 'Raagi Jathas' brought in say by a Gurdwara in Italy on Schengen visa can then tour other countries so that 'sangats' across the continent can enjoy high calibre 'keertan'. In many places, 'Nagar keertans' are organised but generally without the SGGS. Gurpurbs and Baisakhi are enthusiastically celebrated.