Sikhs not part of Hindu religion: Vedanti

Asserting that Sikhs have a distinct identity, different culture and variant life style, Akal Takht Jathedar Gyani Joginder Singh Vedanti today said it was wrong to say that Sikhs were part of the Hindu religion.

During his recent visit to the UK, he was asked by "umpteen number" of Sikhs to clarify on the notion around the world that Sikhs are inseparable part of Hindus, Vedanti told reporters here.

"Sikhs have a distinct identity. By no means Sikh could be a Hindu. Sikhs sport turban on their head, professes different religion and customs. Even their marriages are solemnised in an entirely different way than that of the Hindus. So there is no question of Sikhs being part of Hindus," he said.

(PTI photo shows a Sikh devotee playing on the traditional instrument Bigul at the Golden Temple in Amritsar on Saturday on the eve of the martyrdom day of Sikh Guru, Teg Bahadur.)

The matter was also discussed with British Prime Minister Tony Blair, who agreed on the distinct identity of Sikhs, Vedanti said. "Blair holds Sikhs in high esteem," he said, adding the British Premier had told him that "Sikhs are hardworking and have played a significant role in the economic boost of the UK. Many Sikhs are holding top spots in the UK, even some of my personal bodyguards are Sikhs."

The British Government was even contemplating to allow Sikhs to sport turban and `kirpan' while on duty, Vedanti said.