The discussion on the UK Govt Sikh Task force announcement has turned into the usual shit show coz of leadership org back-&-forths & disingenuous accusations that surround them. I wana attempt to summarise the real issue so others in the community can be aware of the base problem

Recently, the Govt selected longtime Labour Party member (who has run for MP) Jasvir Singh, a well known face in political and interfaith networking circles, head of City Sikhs, to head up discussions on when/how Gurdwaras should reopen in the UK.

Does Jasvir have experience of running a Gurdwara?
No.

Has a white establishment once again picked someone for a BAME representational role simply based on their familiarity with said person rather than expertise?
Yes.

Conclusion = they are wrong to choose him

Meanwhile, the head of @SCUKofficial is a former president of one of the UK's biggest Gurdwaras. Their spokesperson is an actual Giani (I will just translate as priest) & they recently held a meet with 90 (!) Gurdwara reps online. But the govt did not choose to engage with them.

It speaks volumes that so many -including journalists & academics that like to brand themselves progressive community thinkers- would rather throw accusations at other Sikh orgs instead of addressing this blatant typical divisive fuckery govt orgs enforce on BAME communities.

When it comes to Sikhs orgs and individuals engaging with govt and any other establishments, honestly it's actually really simple. As @TheRock put it...

I'm not actually telling anyone to shut up btw. I am simply saying we should all know our areas of expertise and pass on roles that don't suit it.

Never been involved in running a Gurdwara but heading up a task force about running Gurdwaras during the pandemic? FML

Anyway, that is it. Govt choose familiarity over expertise because they don't have the will to engage deeply with a BAME community. Standard discriminatory behaviour. We must challenge it.

Happy to discuss this further. Peace