Kids Corner

                            Ruby Kaur Dhalla





























Ruby
Kaur
Dhalla

Photos Below: 1st from bottom - In a media scrum. 2nd from bottom: In parliament. 3rd from bottom: With India's PM, Canada's then PM Paul Martin (top left), Cdn MP Gurbax Singh Malhi (top right), and Cdn MP (and former Premier) Ujjal Singh Dosanjh.

People

Sikh-Canadian Politician Wows India

by SATINDER BAINS

 

Perhaps the most dazzling delegate from the Sikh and Punjabi diaspora attending the Punjabi Non-Resident Sammelan in Chandigarh, Punjab on Saturday, January 5, 2008, Dr. Ruby Kaur Dhalla, Liberal Member of Parliament for Brampton-Springdale (Ontario, Canada) was the main focus of attraction.

Attired in blood red pants and top, Ruby Dhalla acknowledged gestures and greetings of her admirers and posed for photographs alongside her mother.

At first glance, she looked like a hollywood cut-to-style model, but people around her soon realize she is a beauty with brains and a role model for her generation.

She didn't want to talk on the issue of gay marriage in Canada (which, not too long ago, passed a law allowing such marriages), though many journalists here tried to question her on her decision to vote in support of the bill.

"This is an issue two years old and has no relevance talking over it now", she told this reporter. She threw a big smile on embarrassing questions and smiled at comfortable ones, as well. She deserved to be applauded for her sense of presentation in the crowd.

When she arrived in Amritsar on Friday, she received the "red carpet treatment" in her ancestral state of  Punjab. Declared an official guest by the government of Punjab, Ruby was given a warm welcome, upon her arrival, from the Punjab Government and well-wishers who graciously bestowed her with garlands and flowers.

She is visiting India as part of a two-week delegation to the country. While in India, she intends to address the concerns of her constituents in the riding of Brampton-Springdale, which boasts the second largest population of Sikh-Canadians and other South Asians in Canada. Her delegation is composed of fifteen persons, which include constituents and stakeholders from her riding.

"It is an honour to be an official guest of the state of Punjab. I commend the Punjab government for organizing this initiative, which will help to solidify and enhance the relations between the people of Punjab and Canada. During this visit, I hope to address the concerns that have been brought forward from my constituents in regards to fraudulent marriages, property issues, immigration and enhancing the trade-relationship between India and Canada".

Over the next few days, Ruby will be meeting with government officials and will participate as a guest in the Non-Resident Punjab Conference in Chandigarh and the Pravasi Bharatiya Conference in New Delhi.

In 2004, Ruby made history as the first Sikh woman to be elected to a national parliament in the western world. [There are several other Sikh-Canadians now in the forefront of Canadian politics, including those that have held ministerial positions in provincial parliaments.]  

Currently the youngest woman in the Canadian Parliament, Ruby Dhalla serves as the Official Opposition Critic for Social Development, as well as the Vice-Chair for the Standing Committee for Human Resources and Social Development.

She is the person to watch in the coming months and years.

 

January 6, 2008

[Courtesy: Punjab Newsline]

Conversation about this article

1: Raj (Canada), January 06, 2008, 2:13 PM.

She has to be careful in India. The politicians in India, includng Punjab, are notorious for being corrupt to the highest level and spreading their wings all over the world. I'd hate to see a brilliant politician getting involved with any mafia-type activities. She should keep away from that regime and stick to core Canadian values.

2: Manjit (Canada), January 06, 2008, 8:00 PM.

Of the Canadian MPs of Sikh and Punjabi background, only two, S. Navdeep Singh Bains and Ms. Ruby Kaur Dhalla, are born in Canada and they grew up in Canada. Rest of them have lived in India for some part of their lives. They know how corrupt and opportunistic the Indian politicians can be. I am sure they (those who are born in India) are perhaps very much aware where the minefields of Indian politics are. But these two Canadian born and bred MPs would not know how to handle themselves in some of the situations in dealing with Indian politicians on their turf. So I also feel (as Raj said) that Ms Dhalla (and Mr. Bains) should avoid being patronized by the Indian politicians as much as they can. Just stick to the Canadian core values. They can serve their country, Canada, as well as humanity, as much as they want without being involved in the affairs of India, including Punjab, these days.

3: Jagdeep Singh (London, England), January 06, 2008, 8:52 PM.

Raj, your cautionary words are important. But something tells me that Ruby is sensitive to these things. Saying that she wants to put the issue of fraudulent marriages on the agenda is a sign that she is aware of the need to address some of the dark undertones in the links between Punjab and the diaspora, as well as the many positive things that are to be pursued. I commend the sangat in Canada for having female Sikh politicians in such high profile positions. On a wider level, I do think we should do more to investigate, and confront any abuses that corrupt politicians or "mafia" organisations originating in India make of the links between Punjab and the Punjabi diaspora.

4: Manjit Singh Kwatra (Chandigarh, india), January 08, 2008, 12:56 AM.

I want to draw the attention of one and all towards the poor working of the filtration plant in the Darbar Sahib Sarovar at Amritsar. Every one knows that a transportation millionaire from California donated a filtration plant for the holy Sarovar. He has disappointed thousands of persons who took part in the kar seva. It will be a great service if anybody can help in improving the filtration of Darbar Sahib Sarovar. A crystal clear sarovar will enhance the beauty of the complex.

5: Jagjit Singh Sandhu (Hong Kong), January 08, 2008, 11:09 AM.

I am very happy to see Sikhs are doing well around the diaspora. If only these same Sikhs could help our brothers and sisters in Punjab and other parts of India. I'm sure our Punjab can be far better than it is now. It would help if we all followed the teachings of our Gurus.

6: PCJS (U.S.A.), January 08, 2008, 11:17 AM.

She seems to appear to be a movie actress, rather than a politician.

7: Hari Singh Khalsa (Española, New Mexico), January 08, 2008, 3:15 PM.

How do we know that she is Sikh? This article and accompanying pictures are more about her appearance and mannerisms than her credentials and beliefs. It mentions that she is intelligent and a pioneer for women, but if this is so, why does it focus more on her appearance? I would think that if an article would focus so much on the appearance of someone that they claim to be a Sikh, it would be because they have the appearance of Khalsa. Unfortunately, Ruby does not have this appearance, thus how do we even know she is Sikh? [Editor: Three things. First - "Sikh" and "Khalsa" are not interchangeable; true, all Khalsas are Sikhs, but all Sikhs are not Khalsa. Second - Ruby does not claim to be a Sikh; she IS a Sikh. Third - There ARE other aspects to a Sikh's life, other than religion, that is. We don't know of her religious preoccupations and don't need to for the purpose of this article. The article is about how the Indians were dazzled by her! They were wowed by her appearance and her intelligence vis-a-vis her politics.]

8: Jagraj Singh (U.S.A.), January 08, 2008, 3:30 PM.

Where is her dastaar or chunni? Look at how she dressed. I guess showing skin is a way to get ahead or make progress.

9: Rehmat Kaur (Maner, India), January 08, 2008, 3:41 PM.

I do not wear a dastaar, ever. I only wear a chunni when what I'm wearing demands it. The same goes with all the women in my family, as well as all of my Sikh friends. And, imperfect though we all are, I can assure you that not one of us is less a Sikh - by any measurement - than any one of you. Reading these last two comments, all I can say is: you've got on the wrong bus, buddy!

10: Manjeev Singh (Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.A.), January 08, 2008, 6:18 PM.

I have no problem with the way she dresses. But, is she doing anything for the Sikh community?

11: Ajit Singh (Norwalk), January 08, 2008, 8:03 PM.

With a role model like Ruby Dhalla, who needs enemies. No wonder the press in India loves her.

12: Sukhbir Singh (New York City, U.S.A.), January 08, 2008, 8:51 PM.

There is nothing dazzling about a woman who has stepped out of Rehat Maryada.

13: Gagan (Canada), January 08, 2008, 9:25 PM.

I know she is a Sikh and she is from Canada. She is from a nearby town, Brampton. She ran in an area heavily populated by Sikh-Canadians; a number of Sikh candidates usually run in each riding in the area. She was elected a few years ago when the Liberals won. I have seen her in public gatherings and functions giving speeches. As for how she dresses up ... you may have a heart attack if I tell you that almost all Indian girls, Sikhs or otherwise, dress like that here in functions and formal gatherings. Sometimes even worse. I said almost, NOT all. There are many girls who do have a sense of dressing up decently.

14: Ruby Kaur (Oxford, England), January 08, 2008, 10:16 PM.

Thanks for a wonderful article on my Canadian namesake who is very inspiring for what she has achieved. I also like reading articles on successful Sikh women on this website because they always succeed in smoking out the misogyny, double standards, and superficial understanding of an individual's worth, bound up in the feudal, conservative, judgmental and violent honour and "izzat" culture and mentality that afflicts some minds in the community. A Sikh woman's worst enemy today is their hatred of her when she dares to be different, assert herself, and live up to modern liberal values and challenge endemic misogyny and intolerance.

15: Manjit Kwatra (Chandigarh, India), January 09, 2008, 1:00 AM.

Talking about Ruby Kaur Dhalla. All I can say is she is charming and she attracts people with her charming personality. The world is achanging. You cannot expect a Canada born and brought-up person to dress up in chunni and salwar kameez. Those who have not done any thing for any body sit and criticize. Think positive about what she has achieved.

16: Bhupinder Singh Ghai (New Delhi, India), January 09, 2008, 1:09 AM.

Its very commendable that she has succeed in politics. Hope she does something on the issues she has highlighted.

17: Jetfighter (London, England), January 09, 2008, 5:25 AM.

Dr Dhalla: You look great. There is nothing wrong the way you dress; you look very elegant and suave. There are always people who have problems with the freedoms of others. Carry on ... I think you are doing great.

18: Narinder Kaur (Singapore), January 09, 2008, 11:40 AM.

I think that it is indeed commendable that our fellow Sikhs have risen this high in the world. However, being a prominent figure in society, she undeniably has the greater responsibility to present herself with dignity and respect. People would turn towards her as a representative of Sikhs and even as a role model. We cannot comment on whether she dresses decently as that decision is solely hers to make. Hope she can help her fellow Sikhs, especially since Canada has a large population of citizens wo are Sikh. Rock on, my fellow Sikhs!

19: Tejwant (U.S.A.), January 09, 2008, 11:41 AM.

I am appalled at some responses by my fellow Sikhs regarding Ruby Kaur Dhalla. Hari Singh Khalsa asks in a macho prejudgemental way, "How do we know she is a Sikh?" and the judgmental rhetoric continues further in his post. Jagraj Singh in his manly gallant asks, "Where is her dastaar or chunni?" Which purdah dogmatic religion do we belong to? We all forget that the Sikhi way of life is the journey of the individual and each of us carry our own Gurmat torch. Only Ik Ong Kaar knows which milestone each of us is at. Neither Hari Singh, nor Jagraj Singh nor anyone else can find that out. It is sad to see that we forget what Gurbani tells us, "Hum nahin changay, buraah nahin koi" - "I am not worthy; but I know no one who is bad!" And I am sure these guys will not be caught dead on the beaches of St. Tropez in their Speedo Kacheras.

20: Hari Singh Khalsa (Española, New Mexico, U.S.A.), January 09, 2008, 12:15 PM.

I find it surprising that the editor made a comment after mine. I appreciate it in terms of understanding the mindset of this article. I never said "Ruby" claims to be a Sikh. I said this article's author claims her to be a Sikh. But how do we know someone is really Sikh? The editor said "True, all Khalsas are Sikhs", thus my point was made by the editor. When someone is shown as Khalsa, we don't have to question whether they are Sikh. But if someone has the name Kaur or Singh, we still have to question that person (assuming we're curious or we would like to write an article on that person in which we claim that they are Sikh). Perhaps there is another way to know that someone is Sikh, without asking and that is to be familiar with their "religious preoccupations" (such as seva, simran, bana and bani). If someone's parents claim to be Sikh, does that make them Sikh? If someone is Punjabi, does that make them Sikh? I believe the answers to these questions are "no". Thus, how do we know that "Ruby" is Sikh? Based on the comments seen hereinabove, I worry that many Sikh women are being raised seeing only two paths, neither one very desirable (from my perspective). You can either be very traditional, which many have been equated with conforming and empowering misogynists (a viewpoint I don't share), or you can set your own blazing path which displays your empowerment through conforming to or pushing the limits of western dress and appearance. I believe every Sikh woman should set her own blazing path. Sikhs, especially women, should be the leaders of this world, assuming they do it in line with Sikh philosophy, by seeking to elevate others and not just themselves. In setting themselves apart and displaying their empowerment, I believe Sikh women's appearance could have a very positive effect in this regard. Thus Sikh women, who claim to represent Sikhs, should not be judged or condemned for their appearance. On the other hand, if they claim to represent Sikhs, they should be open to questions and inquiry. If I met Ruby, I'd probably be very proud of her achievements and would likely enjoy her company. If she told me that she is a Sikh and represents "Sikhs", then I would like to ask her if she believes her appearance is an element in her service to Sikhs. I would also like to ask her the significance of the gown in which she is shown in the first photograph. In the western world, you are taught to call people like myself a misogynist if I dare question the significance or dress or a woman, even if it is in honest inquiry. The reason this societal element exists is because it was planted by misogynists who prefer woman to follow a path in which sexually suggestive clothing and salacious or objectifying behavior are shown as the routes to empowerment for a woman. No woman should fear a man because of the way she dresses, nor should she fear honest inquiry about her appearance. Khalsa = no fear. Raj Karega Khalsa. If the purpose of this article or site is to highlight "Sikh achievement", then it certainly helps us Sikhs to be proud or share in the sense of accomplishment when we are given some kind of textual content explaining the subject's relationship to Sikhi. That is, assuming we can't infer their relationship to Sikhi through the photographs.

21: Bharat V. (Canada), January 09, 2008, 12:32 PM.

I do not think there's anything wrong. Grow up, guys. You will see her soon in a prominent portfolio.

22: Kuri (U.S.A.), January 09, 2008, 3:54 PM.

It's great that the Sikhs are gaining such positions, but it would mean so much more and set a better example if they followed the maryada.

23: Ruby Kaur (Oxford, England), January 09, 2008, 7:11 PM.

Hari Singh Khalsa, really, I think your posts exemplify perfectly a misogynistic neurosis towards women like Ruby, common amongst some Sikh men. It's also because of these attitudes, in which a qualified doctor and Member of the Canadian Parliament can be chastised, as if she is an errant schoolgirl, by any self-righteous Sikh male on the internet as though he was her father, brother and giani combined, simply because he arrogantly "disaproves" of a dress she wears; it is because of this very feudal medieval (and un-Sikh-like)"honour"-based value system that many Sikh women in the diaspora live under fear, oppression and violence in the modern world. Dr Dhalla is an elected politician representing the highest values of Canadian civilisation and is thus safe from the strictures, slights and petty minded misogynistic sniping of small-minded people. Tragically, many Sikh women (and women of all communities) are not so protected from this dysfunctional morality and misogyny, and suffer immensely because of it, both culturally and psychologically, and most horrifically, they often suffer physically because of it too.

24: Hari Singh Khalsa (Española, New Mexico, USA), January 09, 2008, 7:31 PM.

Anyway, I find it amazing that Tejwant said I was macho; if they knew me personally they would never say such a thing. Tejwant makes a valid point that we should not judge Ruby, or anyone else for that matter, but proceeds to judge me. I've just recently been on the tropical beaches of Cancun, fyi. My whole point was not that Ruby has sinned or is disgraceful, I would never say such a thing. My point is that there is only one way to know that someone is Sikh through appearance and she doesn't have that appearance. The article doesn't describe her relationship with Sikhi, so we are still left to wonder if she is Sikh or on what basis the author believes she is Sikh. One thing that I couldn't appreciate when I was younger but I quite appreciate now, is that person who makes statements that have a narrow-minded or judgmental appearance but are now so in substance. Why do I appreciate this? Because it really smokes out those people who claim to be open-minded but really just have a different bias and an ego to think their bias is so great they can judge others. Modern western society has taught people to not be critical and use their brain but rather judge on appearance, so if someone's comment appears narrow-minded, you can attack them all you want and sit in the comfort of the "open-minded" majority, never mind if the substance of their comments was not judgmental. Some of us believe we have the best path and are not ashamed to say it, especially when we're following a path not laid by our own ego but by an enlightened being of God (Guru Gobind Singh). This does not mean that we have ever said that this is the best path for everyone or that we are better than others. We're just happy and appreciative to have found the best path for ourselves and feel that we should enjoy the freedom to follow it and believe it to be the best.

25: Hari Singh Khalsa (Española, New Mexico, U.S.A.), January 09, 2008, 7:44 PM.

Ruby Kaur, since you're addressing me directly this post is addressed to you. I am shocked that I have been twice called a misogynist on this site. You can ask my wife, mother, sister and sangat and you will not find one of them who would share this viewpoint. Ruby, I ask you to please describe in what way my comments are misogynistic. I am fully aware of the plight of women, including Sikh women, all over the world and find it just as appalling as you. I am also equally appalled by the so-called pseudo-"honour" concept being imported into some segments of our community. I believe you are calling me arrogant in your post, but you proceed to assume I'm ignorant of the plight of Sikh women. I feel that this is arrogant on your part. Not that you're overall arrogant, but that this was an arrogant assessment from you. Please re-read my comments and address them specifically, if you feel so inclined.

26: Ruby Kaur (Oxford, England), January 09, 2008, 8:59 PM.

Hari Singh: I apologise if you are offended by my words. But there is not a single Sikh woman I know who will not recognise the experience of being psychologically bullied and chastised by men for supposedly (in the eyes of those men) deviating from their personal opinions of how things should be or should not be done. Bullied for their appearence. Bullied for their opinions. Bullied for not being X enough for that man's satisfaction, bullied for not being Y enough for this man's satisfaction. And a qualified doctor who sits in the Canadian House of Parliament, represents her nation, is a member of Her Majesty's Government of Canada, can have an article written in her favour on a website, and even she cannot escape this attitude, and a trail of bullying, petty, small-minded, judgmental comments appear underneath her profile, chastising her like a schoolgirl being bullied for misbehaving by some patriarchal overlord. The only thing that some people have to say about Dr Dhalla. M.P., is not based around a discussion of her achievments, her intellect, her politics, or her principles. No, not any of this. All that some people can speak about this remarkable, successful and inspiring woman is how shameful she is because they don't like the way she dresses, and berating and criticizing her very being and identity and undermining her because she does not accord with their standards of religious observance. How dare she call herself a Sikh and not follow maryada, how can she claim to be this when she doesn't do that, why must she do this or that, etc., etc., etc., ad nauseum. The psychological bullying and judgmentalism even extends to and runs over an elected politician in one of the greatest secular democracies in the world. Amazing isn't it? Well, Hari Singh, once again I apologise for offending you if that is what I did. I accept your reassurance that you are not a misogynist. But maybe, just maybe, you can see the world for a moment through the eyes of a Sikh woman from the diaspora, and see what kinds of pressure and what echoes of psychological and even physical and cultural bullying are implied by the superficial and petty and bullying commentary that even the most successful Sikh woman in Canada has to be subject to. Not a word for her achievement or politics. Just a neurosis over a dress she wears. As an indication of the closed minds that are asphyxiating so much life and intellect and endeavour amongst Sikhs in the diaspora, that are diverting so much energy from the problems we face, it says so much. As a Sikh woman who sees lives and minds being crushed by this attitude, and large parts of entire generations, both male and female, running away from Sikhi to escape this cultural dysfunction, it is so sad and depressing.

27: Manjit Singh (U.S.A.), January 09, 2008, 9:45 PM.

If she is expected to wear Indian clothes, why do Indians speak English and wear Western Clothes in Canada, the U.S., England, India, and other places?

28: peace (U.S.A.), January 09, 2008, 11:54 PM.

I agree with Hari Singh. How do you define a Sikh? For God's sake, please do not "corrupt" my religion. I am a Sikh female too, born and raised in western society.

29: Satinder (Toronto, Canada), January 10, 2008, 12:09 AM.

I believe Ruby is a prime example of a sophisticated young Punjabi professional.

30: Hari Singh Khalsa (Española, New Mexico, USA), January 10, 2008, 1:35 AM.

Ruby, thank you for your apology, this has really haunted me today. The last thing that I want is to be associated with either those men who have succeeded in suppressing women or those who have never recognized or put themselves in the shoes of the subjugated woman. Sadly, I feel, that you still associate me with men in the latter column. I believe you're still associating my viewpoints and statements with those made by others on this site. I don't wish Ruby to conform to any one of ideas, I just wish her to follow the lifestyle that will serve her the best (whatever that might be). Just as you are dissatisfied with the comments being made about her appearance, so was I dissatisfied with this article being mostly about her appearance and movie-star treatment while in Punjab. I would have preferred that this article described her credentials and her relationship with Sikhi. I feel that these subjects would be more inspirational to the panth. Let me conclude by saying that I do have a personal opinion that the picture of Ruby in the gown is not as becoming of a woman of her stature as the other pictures. This opinion is not born from macho tendencies but experiences with women who have worn these types of gowns. This is why I said that if I knew her, I would ask her the significance of it. If she told me that she feels it has significance as a symbol of empowerment of Sikh woman, then I would be quite happy to hear this, but I would still disagree and like to further engage in dialogue. If she said it had no significance, then I would also like to engage her in dialogue. None of this is to say that I would have to convince her that she is inappropriately dressed, or that I would even need to dialogue with her. If she felt like we were entering territory that she has been before with macho overbearing males, then I would certainly not pursue the matter further. See, there is a difference between men who have concern about a woman's dress because of how it reflects on them (the man) and men who express concern about a woman's appearance because of concern for that woman and those who see her as a role model (especially if the latter is open to the response that no concern is needed).

31: Harpreet Singh Buttar (Jagraon, India), January 10, 2008, 6:08 AM.

I have read some of the comments. My question is: who has been given the right to point a finger at another? Are we thus doing justice to our religion? If we want to criticize others, we must be perfect ourselves. (I'm not saying she is right or wrong; but that it is not for me to judge.) Just having amritpaan and wearing a dastaar is not sufficient; we also need to follow the path of the Gurus. Before we jump into this dialogue, let's each one of us work on ourselves! Please.

32: Ujjal Goraya (Los Angeles, U.S.A.), January 10, 2008, 6:14 AM.

In the war of words between Ruby and Hari Singh, I have to side with the latter. (Though it doesn't really matter if she walks about in hot pants, for all I care.)

33: Manjeet K. Shergill (Singapore), January 10, 2008, 6:21 AM.

Ruby - you go girl! You look great and good luck with your job. I hope Sikhs around the world can think well enough to leave you alone in your own confidence and to let you shine the way you can. Love your movie star outfit! Life is too short - don't let jealous women bug you or men (in turban or no turban) focus too much on your cleavage. There's much self and community work to be done - but you know that already.

34: H. (Sydney, Australia), January 10, 2008, 7:39 AM.

Woah, she is one fine, pretty lady! I'd marry her!

35: Onkar (Brampton, Ontario, Canada), January 10, 2008, 8:39 AM.

I agree 100% with Hari Singh. Women are not show-pieces. The Sikhi saroop is modern. If Sikhs could retain their identity intact through the time of Mughal attrocities and holocausts, why not through the trial and tribulations of these days?

36: Kaur (Calgary), January 10, 2008, 11:45 AM.

Let's use Benazir Bhutto as an example: very smart, successful and good looks. Did she dress up like that in Pakistan? The answer is "no". I think Ruby would be much more respected if she would have dressed according to Sikh/Punjabi/Indian values. Many people could use her as an example: smart, successful and knows her culture and religion. If you have a sharp brain, you don't need to attract people with your looks.

37: Harwinder Singh (United Kingdom), January 10, 2008, 11:58 AM.

Well done to Ruby for being an educated woman whom a Canadian community decided to elect as their representative. I extend my best wishes to you and the countless other women who are blazing a trail in their chosen career paths, whilst remaining true to your ancestry. A Sikh is any student that takes Guru Nanak as their teacher. We are all students of life. We may be disparate in terms of our attendance at the gurdwara, or our knowledge or comprehension, as evidenced here in these comments. But we are all Sikhs, nonetheless. Well done, young lady for achieveing the position you have. I hope that those you serve (the electorate) are satisfied with your work for many years to come. Peace.

38: Prabhu Singh Khalsa (Española, New Mexico, U.S.A.), January 10, 2008, 12:07 PM.

I agree with my brother, Hari Singh. He is a lot more enlightened then people here are aware. He is the farthest from a misogynist a man can be. Our mataji is a super strong woman and a total feminist. People are levelling charges against him because he stands for the roop of Khalsa in the face of their fear and their failure. The spirit of Guru Gobind Singh lives in the roop of the Khalsa. Women who dress questionably are not empowered at all, they are objectified. Just look at this article for the evidence. Why the great emphasis on her "dazzling" appearance and a description of what she's wearing? Why is she a "beauty with brains?" As if somehow, beautiful women can't have brains? I have no double standard. I expect Sikh men to observe the maryada as well. Can we agree that, for a Sikh, there is no appearance more chic than the bana of Guru Gobind Singh? Ruby Kaur Ji, I have utmost compassion for you and feel a great deal of empathy for what you have described. It is sick that women have to go through what you describe. I would also like to encourage you to come visit our little village (our little slice of heaven) in a beautiful valley of the Rocky Mountains. This is a great place to escape all that you describe and truly live as a radiant Khalsa woman! Believe me, there are so many amazing Khalsa women here, and every bit of them, including their appearance, exudes their divine grace. I think you have perfectly articulated the plight of many women in this world. Let me assure you, my brother is nothing like those people you describe. Like myself he is simply looking for meaning in relation to and or relevance to Sikhi in this article.

39: Harbinder Singh (U.K.), January 10, 2008, 2:05 PM.

Given the minefield of perceived ( and actual) "sexism", "chauvinism" and "bigotry", this is a highly volatile discussion. Whilst I make no judgment on how Ruby presents herself, it is difficult to supress symapthy for some of the views expressed by Hari Singh and others. In my humble opinion, what inevitably pains concerned observers is that whilst successful, what Ruby also reflects is the relentless and inexorable erosion of the Sikh identity. As a minority, this is something we can ill afford. America, Canada and the U.K. no longer demand that we discard our Sikh appearance in order to integrate or succeed. Invariably, it is our own desire to be "trendy", which dictates these violations of the Sikh form. I suspect even her detractors will have every respect for her acheivements, but, like me, they would be even more ecstatic if they had been attained whilst retaining the values and heritage of her faith. The words "lost opportunity" come to mind.

40: Sandeep (Toronto, Canada), January 10, 2008, 6:11 PM.

I have a lot more respect for the Sikh-Canadian politician, S. Navdeep Singh Bains, for the courageous stance he took in standing up to the Akal Takht Jathedar, Joginder Singh, on the gay marriage legislation, based on his understanding of human rights and Sikh values. On the other hand, Ruby, who was at the same meeting with the Jathedar, remained publicly non-committal on the issue and still does, to this day. It's a lot easier to be a politician of convenience than it is to be a politician of conviction, especially when it comes to difficult issues.

41: Mandeep Singh (Dallas, Texas, U.S.A...), January 10, 2008, 7:56 PM.

I second S. Hari Singh.

42: B.P.S. Chandi (New Delhi, India), January 10, 2008, 10:52 PM.

I really commend her for her performance in the political arena, which in itself is a difficult terrain. It is impossible to please every one, all the time, in public life. She seems to be doing what her convictions dictate her. I may add here that it is very easy to pass judgement on others. A person is to be viewed in totality, as a complete personality, and not in fragments. Also, one should focus on the half filled glass rather than the empty half. I would like to request all of you, if I may, that we try to appreciate what she is doing instead of passing remarks on her attire. It is always one's individual choice as long as one remains with society norms. May the Allmighty bless her for her courage to pursue the destination she is seeking.

43: Jagdeep Singh (Brampton, Canada), January 11, 2008, 12:18 AM.

I wish she would care more about Sikhi and her culture.

44: Raj Dhillon (Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada), January 11, 2008, 1:23 AM.

Satinder ji, you've done a great job: we like your article. Dr Dhalla is indeed a talented woman. I agree with you that she is a good example of a sophisticated young Punjabi professional.

45: Vicky Singh (U.S.A.), January 11, 2008, 1:46 AM.

I can understand what Hari Singh is saying and I do agree with him.

46: J. Singh (Brampton, Ontario, Canada), January 11, 2008, 11:10 AM.

The great thing about Sikhi is that it applies equally to men and women. We are told to keep the natural form that God has created for us. But that just isn't for men. It applies to women equally.

47: Kartar (U.K.), January 11, 2008, 1:42 PM.

As for her visiting Indian politicians, please, has everyone forgotten about what is happenening in Punjab or what has happened to Sikhs in India? I use to love India, until I found out the truth of how the country works, i.e., the corrupt Indian government, the country's caste system, 1984, dera saucha sauda, the massacre of Sikhs, human rights abuses against Sikhs and other minorities, etc. India is no way a democracy. So, for Ruby to hang around Indian politicans and for her to not know much about India's or Sikh history, bothers me to no end.

48: P.C.J.S. (U.S.A.), January 11, 2008, 4:10 PM.

My apologies: it seems like my comments have stirred up the pot. I was referring to the picture at the top. In the top picture, she did dress up like an actress, but in the rest of the pictures, she does look professional. No, I didn't expect her to wear a Punjabi suit.

49: Gurpal Singh (Wolves, U.K.), January 11, 2008, 4:37 PM.

I sympathize with the comments from both Hari Singh and Ruby - a much needed debate that has taught us all a lot. But pick on me! I'm a young General Secretary of a biggish Gurdwara, yet I do not conform to the Rehat Maryada or any of the 5 K's. I'm not saying I'm proud of that - just that I'm on the slow path of Sikhi, a bit slower than others, yet the Sangat recognizes, I hope and expect, that I may have some qualities. Otherwise, they wouldn't have pushed me into this position. I wanted to wear the Kara as a kid - but my parents were against it - my late father was an alcoholic and smoker! Now I feel the Kara has become a janeu -millions wear it, when you ask many of them why? they don't really know! [Editor: For each one of us, it shouldn't matter what the millions do or don't do. If you understand why, and if you wear it, then, for YOU, it can't possibly be a janeu! And, that is all that should matter for each one of us.]

50: Sirivishnu Singh (New York City, U.S.A.), January 11, 2008, 6:45 PM.

There are many Sikhs who follow the teachings of Guru Nanak, whose instructions to the yogis were to live as householders and serve society. To be humble and remember God. His single hukam of the Mool Mantra was Jaap, to meditate on God. Can we really tell from a picture of anyone if he or she is a Sikh? Just as Guru Nanak sought to raise the consciousness of those who quarreled about the disposal of his earthly body, and to bring them to unison, he would want us to be united in our support of a community leader, and not to argue about whether she may be labeled as a Sikh. It is clear that Guru Gobind Singh baptised the Khalsa in order to solidify the identity of his Sikhs. Those who make efforts to adhere to the Rehat should not chastise those who do not, because they do so only by the grace of God. We can be happy to have people called Sikhs who serve others with kindness and compassion and worship the Ek-oan-kar. Ruby presents herself in the western modern dress and makeup style that evokes labels like "model". If she uses her attractiveness to enhance her position gracefully and to promote noble social causes, then more power to her. As she is born into a Sikh family, she is being called a Sikh, regardless of her current practices. The article does not seek to explain or ascertain her adherence to specific Sikh priniciples. There are so many millions of Sikhs in the world who will be very insulted to be told that they are not Sikhs due to their appearance, as they practice the Sikh religion in the manner they understand and love, and don't believe that they can be excluded for their practices. So why bother? The article itself contains four photos but makes no indication where those photos were taken, except that it states that she appeared at the conference in a red pant suit, therefore I can conclude that of the photos shown, only the one where she is in a red suit comes from the conference in Chandigarh. The top photo clearly stands out from the rest, and for all we know, it is 5 years old and comes from a private party in her house! In the three lower photos, she appears modestly dressed (as compared with the first). This all being said, its appears that only young men are complaining about her dress, and I conclude they are trying to suppress the feelings engendered by seeing her in the evening gown. 31 minutes of sat kriya should do the trick. Then, on to better things..... What is a Sikh? Read the 4th Guru's words: Guru Satguru Ka Jo Sikh Akhai....you will not find in these words any mention of physical appearance. In the Japji, 2nd pauri: "All beings live under the Will of God, none lives outside His Will. If man were to see the workings of His Will, he would not be filled with foolish pride." Let's not defend the Sikh identity from those who are serving society, but from those who are not. While you are wasting your time harassing the good Doctor, there are plenty of nasty, ill-meaning folks out there who you could be grappling with! Go get em! And if you think Ruby is amiss in some way, educate and protect her. She is definitely an asset to the Sikh Panth, not a liability.

51: Raj (Canada), January 12, 2008, 12:29 AM.

It's strange howmy few words of caution for her have led to a strange discussion. I don't want to be part of that, but do want to add that our girls today do tend to dress like they're going to the Oscars. As far as the argument goes over why Canadian-born girls and women dress like this or that, all I can tell you is that I have raised two kids, both in a city dominated by ultra conservatives. Somehow, my kids never asked or protested any of it ...

52: Sukhtinder (U.S.A.), January 12, 2008, 3:10 AM.

Some people posting comments on this site need to invent a time machine and go back to the 17th century, and just stay there. Why do Sikhs drive cars? Cars were invented in the west, not in Punjab. Why don't we ride on horses like Guru Gobiind Singh did? Why do we use elecricity? The original Sikhs of the Khalsa used lamps. Why do I see so many Sardars wearing Italian suits and clothing? The original Khalsa wore cholas. People here need to just relax and take it easy. Ruby is a beautiful Sikh woman inside and out. She appears confident and intelligent, which are the greatest qualities for every Sikh woman in the world. I agree that she does not exemplify the "Khalsa" appearance (although if she had unshorn hair, 5 Ks, and was still wearing the gown, she would still look great!) but she does reflect the appearance of a Sikh woman throughout. At no time does she claim to represent the Khalsa, and neither does the author of this article claim as such. I commend her for her accomplishments, and for her physical presentation, and I hope she goes far. (This is coming from a Sardar who loves wearing Armani, Versace, and eating filet mignon ... I would probably be ostracized by some of her critics, I'm sure.)

53: Bhupinder Singh Ghai (New Delhi India), January 12, 2008, 5:59 AM.

I agree with S. Hari Singh and S. Harbinder Singh from the U.K. I simply do not agree with Ruby from Oxford where she thinks that Sikh women in the diaspora and even Punjab are subjected to bullying, violence, etc. etc. Firstly, most of my relatives live in the UK and the U.S. and on my countless visits there, I did not find any of this. These women are highly sucessful, educated and absolutely free. The grim picture she(Ruby-U.K.) presents might be true but it is a miniscule percent and not the majority. It also seems to me that she has not travelled to Punjab or India in recent times. Women (Sikh women in particular) are empowered and the changes are for all to see. I may be wrong, but from the angst and pessimistic view visible in her posts, I presume that personally she may have been subjected to some difficulties. Being liberal does not give you a licence to label people with contrarian views as misogynous, feudal, etc. Ruby Kaur Dhalla is successful and let's hope she does something constructive and tangible for the Sikh community, as well as for all others. I do like seeing her on sikhchic.com.

54: Inni Kaur (Fairfield, CT, U.S.A.), January 12, 2008, 10:34 AM.

Sirivishnu Singh ji: Shukar, Shukar and more Shukar.

55: Inderpal Singh (Thailand), January 12, 2008, 1:26 PM.

When I read this page ... with all due respect ... it reminded me of an elephant walking on the road and, after it was gone, the dogs were left barking after it. No offence intended. But, she came, she went. And, all of us are trying to find faults in her instead of encouraging the new genaration to come forward. Be proud. at least, that some one in your community did something that you could not, please.

56: H. Singh (Chicago, U.S.A.), January 12, 2008, 11:57 PM.

Ruby ji:, You have a valid argument. I appreciate your courage. However, like the misogynists you mention, I doubt that the values you talk about would treat women any better than a species of cattle for men to judge their bodies; those "values" would be no less misogynist. I believe Sikhi does better for womean. We don't have to see Sikhi through the eyes of Western values ... or Eastern values. If you are implying that the values of the West are the standard for Sikhi, then what is wrong with those whom you call "feudalistic"? Who is going to decide what is right? Can we let Sikhi decide on its own? It provides its own standard!

57: Manjeet K. Shergill (Singapore), January 13, 2008, 6:17 AM.

If I may share a joke - it is relevant to how some of us regard our ourselves and our relationship with our faith: An 80-year-old man goes for a physical. All of his tests come back with normal results. The doctor says, "George, everything looks great. How are you doing mentally and emotionally? Are you at peace with God?" George replies, "God and I are tight. He knows I have poor eyesight, so he's fixed it so when I get up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom, poof! The light goes on. When I'm done, poof! The light goes off." "Wow, that's incredible," the doctor says. A little later in the day, the doctor calls George's wife. "Ethel," he says, "George is doing fine! But I had to call you because I'm in awe of his relationship with God. Is it true that he gets up during the night and poof! the light goes on in the bathroom, and when he's done, poof! the light goes off?" "Oh, my God!" Ethel exclaims. "He's peeing in the fridge again!"

58: Gurteg Singh (New York, U.S.A.), January 14, 2008, 1:18 PM.

What is the so called WOW factor in Ruby Dhalla?

59: Kuldeep (Brisbane, Australia), January 15, 2008, 12:22 AM.

For someone who has done so well, it is imperative, if she believes in the Sikh Code of Conduct, to project a positive image of a Sikh woman. She could have been a very good role model for intelligent, aspiring young Sikh women.

60: Jessie Kaur (Brampton, Ontario, Canada), January 15, 2008, 9:27 PM.

First of all, people should view Ruby Dhalla as an individual person before they try to objectify her as the Average Sikh Woman. Being a Sikh is not the pre-requisite for being a Canadian Member of Parliament. Secondly, I'm not at all surprised at the sexism that has permeated the discussion thus far. Male politicians (Sikh or otherwise) are never subjected to debates about how they are dressed, if their clothing is immodest, etc. Finally, I live in the riding that Ms. Dhalla represents. I have yet to see her substantively stand for any issue - she toes the party line and then refuses to discuss her position. If the issue was raised in India, she should have defended her reasons for voting in favour of the gay marriage bill in Canada, but not surprisingly, in any given situation, she opts for the convenient way out: No comment. I'm still waiting to see a South Asian politician with integrity and passion. We exhalt Pierre Trudeau to the highest status but our people are not willing to follow his example of fearless commitment.

61: Gurpal Singh (Wolverhampton, U.K.), January 16, 2008, 3:50 PM.

Sorry, S. Bhupinder Singh ji: but I'm with Ruby Kaur of Oxford. You are from an urban background with educated and successful female relatives. A majority of U.K.'s Sikhs are less well educated and are from Punjab's rural villages. I am in the thick of this type of demographic: for example, 90% of Wolverhampton's 18000 Sikhs belong to this background. I'm sure Canada's Surrey or London's Southall is not that different. Sikhs of this background make up my local Sangat as well as my extended family. The unfortunate fact is that many of these Sikhs have brought their rural and tribal values and cultural baggage, which sometimes sits uneasily alongside Sikhi values. The community is facing a sort of breakdown: sexism is rampant with girls not being allowed out and boys being allowed to get away with anything, gender preference towards boys is being practised throughout with young women producing daughters sometimes being ridiculed or marginalised, boys can marry non-Sikhs but girls can't, mis-treatment of seniors ... one could go on and on. I have seen girls being pushed into arranged marriages which end in disaster, that's if the daughter hasn't run away from home first. Many people are getting their daughters to marry boys from India to assist their immigration status. These are real problems I see around me on a daily basis. On a real positive note, I see glimmers of change: young Sikhs of my generation are realising the potential liberating factors within Sikhism which provide hope for women everywhere. A good start is the recent (though still relatively rare) innovation of celebrating Lohri and Akhand paaths for newly born daughters, and distribution of ladoos too. I have a toddler son, but I would not hesitate to celebrate the birth of a daughter with Akhandpath and ladoos and I would encourage this with everyone. How dare any so-called Sikh contradict Guru Nanak and say that women are any less. Keeping this in mind, the debate on Ruby Dhalla's attire is a distraction from our real priorities of living up to Guru Nanak's high standards.

62: Jaswant Singh (Toronto, Canada), January 27, 2008, 5:29 PM.

I think she is representing the constituents of Brampton in general and not only Sikhs. Her primary objective is to fulfill their expectations. (I don't know if her mode of dress is one of those). If she fails in her duties as an MP from Brampton, they will vote her out. Why should we be wasting so much time in discussing her dress? She is not elected as Jathedar; I don't care about her dress. By the way, I have great respect for Hari Singh and always read his views which are great, but my personal opinion is that he should refrain from never-ending discussions with people who indulge in protracted arguments just for the sake of winning them.

63: Mahinder Kaur Doman (Victoria, British Columbia, Canada), February 02, 2008, 11:15 PM.

Sat Sri Akal. I have eyestrain now from reading through these entries in hopes of finding some solid words of encouragement for Dr. Ruby ... To those less accomplished, I say get rolling, stomp on your sour grapes and adjust your moral compass to fit Dr. Ruby's world of no committed criminal acts ... my lens on the person of Dr. Ruby is what I have heard whispered among seekers in search of the ultimate beautiful Indian brides ... so here you have it, guys, beauty and brains (I bet she can cook dal/roti too). Maybe somewhat threatening, huh? Criticizing her choice of clothes reveals the veneer of your personality, a somewhat insane position and perhaps loss of your own personal power ... Channel your energy to perhaps remembering and givinng thanks to God for the pioneer immigrants who gave their lives here, and those who survived in a harsh, hostile Canada and who blazed paths in the face of brutality, adversity over 100 years ago so people like Dr. Ruby could succeed by her own efforts. I wonder if the hostlity is simply transfered to another 'hostile and envious' community of those who yearn for some sort of personal recognition ... So Dr. Ruby, go girl! Blessings to all.

64: M.K. (Washington D.C.), February 25, 2008, 2:04 AM.

Why is it that whenever a successful woman is presented, her appearance is the first thing people analyze, criticize and belittle? Who are you to judge her dress? Why do you care? Why isn't this a thread about her views, her accomplishments, her role in society? Instead, you're all too busy talking about whether or not her gown is appropriate. I thought the Sikh religion was supposed to be one of acceptance. Many people here are hell-bent on forcing their traditional and conservative views on others. This is why religion is dying in the younger generation. By the way, it's funny how many of the people here criticizing her dress spend so much of their time watching Bollywood movies and Indian TV shows, many of which portray women in exactly the same type of clothing (if not skimpier). If you're really so holier-than-thou, why do you help propagate the Bollywood presentation of women?

65: Satinder Bains (Chandigarh, Punjab), June 17, 2008, 11:49 AM.

I am glad that my article on Canadian MP Ruby Dhalla has stirred a debate on Sikh identity that includes dress code and public appearance of a person. I personally feel that Ruby Dhalla has represented a new face of a Sikh woman which can be a source of inspiration for young girls who belive in living a practical life. Ruby Dhalla's appearance shall have no dent on the thoughts of those Sikhs who think it otherwise. Observing religion is one thing and practicing it is another thing. How many of us who believe in Guru Nanak's philosophy practice it in real life even if we are amritdhari Sikhs. Kaam, krodh, lobh, moh, Ahankaar - all the five evils rule the world and Sikhs, sadly, are no different. I have mentioned in my article that she was center of attraction for the Indian media. It was only because people here were looking for such a role model to be presented for future generations. She is a woman who has dared to stand straight and make the world talk about her. One thing more: she was wearing a red suit on the day she appeared before the public in Chandigarh. The picture showing Ruby in a golden gown is taken somewhere in Canada, not in India.

66: Simran Singh (Los Angeles, U.S.A.), May 10, 2009, 1:21 AM.

She voted in favor of the Gay Marriage Act.

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