Sikh Diaspora Studies: Global Sikh Identity

The course "Sikh Diaspora Studies: Global Sikh Identity" explores the migration, settlement, and identity formation of Sikh communities outside of Punjab and India. Here's the general outline of what this course includes:


📘 Course Title: Sikh Diaspora Studies: Global Sikh Identity


Course Description:

This course examines the global Sikh diaspora, exploring how Sikh identity has evolved in diverse cultural, political, and socio-economic contexts. Students will investigate the historical patterns of Sikh migration, the establishment of Sikh institutions abroad, and the negotiation of religious and cultural identity in multicultural societies.

Key Themes:

  1. Historical Background of Sikh Migration
    • Colonial labor migration (e.g., to Canada, UK, East Africa)
    • Post-partition and post-1984 migration waves
    • Political asylum and economic migration patterns
  2. Formation of Sikh Communities
    • Establishment of gurdwaras
    • Community networks and associations
    • Intergenerational dynamics and acculturation
  3. Identity and Representation
    • The role of language, dress, and religious practices
    • Gender roles within diasporic contexts
    • Media and cultural representation of Sikhs abroad
  4. Transnationalism and Global Networks
    • Sikh diasporic political activism (e.g., Khalistan movement)
    • Remittances and ties with Punjab
    • Pilgrimage and the global gurdwara network
  5. Challenges and Adaptations
    • Racism, xenophobia, and hate crimes
    • Legal struggles over the kirpan, turban, and religious rights
    • Education, employment, and identity negotiation
  6. Case Studies
    • Sikhs in the United Kingdom
    • Sikhs in North America (Canada & USA)
    • Sikhs in Australia, Malaysia, Kenya, etc.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

  • Analyze the historical and contemporary experiences of Sikh communities globally.
  • Critically engage with theories of diaspora, identity, and multiculturalism.
  • Evaluate the influence of local and global politics on Sikh identity.
  • Conduct research on Sikh diasporic communities using interdisciplinary approaches.

Suggested Readings:

  • Gurharpal Singh & Darshan Singh Tatla, Sikhs in Britain: The Making of a Community
  • Verne A. Dusenbery, A Sikh Diaspora? Contested Identities and Constructed Realities
  • N. Gerald Barrier, The Sikh Diaspora: Migration and the Experience Beyond Punjab