By Iqbal Singh Lalpura
History offers powerful lessons about how communities rise, survive, and shape the world. Among the most remarkable examples in human history is the Jewish community ,a people who faced exile, persecution, genocide, and displacement for centuries, yet emerged as one of the most influential communities globally in education, economy, science, diplomacy, and governance.
The Sikh community shares a similar history of courage, sacrifice, and global migration. However, despite extraordinary individual achievements, Sikhs have not yet achieved the same level of coordinated global influence that Jews have built over generations. The comparison is not to compete, but to learn and to understand how Sikhs, guided by the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji and Guru Gobind Singh Ji, can build a stronger collective future.
Both communities have experienced immense suffering. The Jewish people endured repeated displacement and persecution. After the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 CE, Jews were scattered across Europe, Asia, and Africa. For centuries, they faced discrimination, expulsions, and violence. The Holocaust during World War II became perhaps the darkest chapter in Jewish history, where six million Jews were systematically murdered. Yet, within a few years of this tragedy, Jews rebuilt themselves, established Israel in 1948, and simultaneously strengthened their global intellectual, economic, and political influence.
Similarly, Sikhs endured severe persecution. The martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev Ji and Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, the genocide of Sikhs during the 18th century, Afghan invasions, and colonial manipulation weakened Sikh political power. The fall of the Sikh Empire after Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s death and the British annexation of Punjab further fragmented Sikh unity. The Partition of 1947 led to massive displacement and killings of Sikhs, followed by the tragic events of 1984, which deeply hurt the Sikh psyche. Yet Sikhs rebuilt their lives across India and around the world with remarkable resilience.
Both communities survived extraordinary suffering. However, Jewish suffering produced stronger institutions and coordinated planning, while Sikh suffering often resulted in fragmentation and internal divisions. This is perhaps the most important lesson for the Sikh community today.
Jewish progress has been deeply rooted in education. Jewish tradition places extraordinary emphasis on learning. The Book of Proverbs states, “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.” The Talmud emphasizes that children should begin learning at a very young age. This focus on knowledge created generations of scholars, scientists, economists, and leaders. Despite representing roughly 16 million people globally — about 0.2 percent of the world’s population — Jews have received a disproportionately large share of Nobel Prizes in science, economics, and literature.
Sikhism also places immense importance on knowledge and wisdom. Guru Nanak Dev Ji emphasized learning guided by humility and spiritual understanding. Gurbani reminds us that mere reading without wisdom has little meaning. Sikh teachings encourage knowledge combined with service, humility, and character. Historically, institutions such as Some Khalsa Colleges , produced leaders, scholars, and freedom fighters. However, the expansion of such institutions has not kept pace with the growth of the Sikh population worldwide.
Today, Sikhs number around 30 million globally, approximately 0.35 to 0.4 percent of the world’s population — nearly double the Jewish population. Yet the institutional strength and coordinated influence remain limited. This gap highlights the need for global Sikh universities, research centers on Sikh history and policy, scholarships for Sikh youth, and leadership academies. Education must become a collective mission rather than an individual pursuit.
Jewish progress is also built upon strong community institutions. Jewish organizations across the world coordinate in education, cultural preservation, economic cooperation, and policy advocacy. The Jewish principle “All Israel are responsible for one another” has guided their institutional development for centuries. These institutions extend beyond religious management and focus on long-term community advancement.
Sikhs have strong religious institutions in the form of Gurdwaras. However, many Gurdwaras today remain primarily focused on religious rituals and management issues. The original concept of Gurdwara was far broader — a place for community gathering, dialogue, education, and service. Sikh institutions must evolve beyond Gurdwara management into policy research centers, leadership forums, economic networks, and educational foundations led by visionary and learned individuals from all walks of life. This is precisely how Jewish communities built long-term influence.
Economic cooperation has also played a major role in Jewish advancement. Jewish communities historically supported each other through business mentorship, cooperative investment, and professional networking. This created a culture of mutual upliftment. Sikhs are also highly successful entrepreneurs worldwide in agriculture, transport, hospitality, and industry. However, collective economic planning remains limited. Sikh entrepreneurs should develop global business networks, investment funds for youth, and startup mentorship programs to support community advancement.
Political awareness and strategic engagement have also strengthened Jewish influence. Jewish communities actively participate in governance, policy-making, and diplomacy in the countries where they live. This strategic engagement has enabled them to protect community interests and contribute to national development.
Sikhs have also played an active political role, particularly in Punjab and diaspora countries such as Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States. However, a unified long-term strategy is often missing. Punjab, the only Sikh-majority state, faces economic, social, and political challenges. Sikhs must focus on restoring peace, economic growth, and educational advancement in Punjab. A prosperous Punjab can become a global model of Sikh governance, much like Israel became a symbol of Jewish resilience.
The present government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi has shown a positive approach toward Sikh concerns. The Kartarpur Corridor initiative, recognition of Sikh heritage, celebration of Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s 550th Prakash Purab, and honoring Sikh contributions reflect a supportive environment for Sikh progress. Sikhs should engage constructively with such opportunities to strengthen institutions, education, and economic development.
Jewish communities also preserved their identity while progressing globally. Despite centuries of diaspora, Jewish identity remained strong through language, education, and tradition. Sikhs also possess strong identity markers — Guru Granth Sahib, Khalsa discipline, Punjabi language, and Gurdwaras. However, identity challenges are emerging among diaspora youth. Sikh institutions must promote Punjabi language, teach Sikh history, and encourage youth leadership.
Long-term vision is another important lesson. Jewish leadership often plans decades ahead. Investment in education, diplomacy, and research created sustained influence. Sikh leadership often remains focused on short-term political issues. Sikhs need global conferences, long-term planning, leadership training, and policy research.
Sikhs already possess remarkable strengths — global diaspora, spirit of service through Langar, courage, entrepreneurial success, and military tradition. Guru Gobind Singh Ji created the Khalsa as saint-soldiers combining spirituality with courage. This philosophy uniquely positions Sikhs for global leadership.
Guru Nanak Dev Ji preached universal brotherhood — “Na Ko Bairi, Nahi Begana.” This message aligns with global values of peace, justice, and humanity. Sikh philosophy combines spirituality with service, making Sikhs uniquely suited to contribute to global harmony.
Sikhs must invest in education, build global institutions, encourage economic cooperation, develop leadership, preserve identity, and plan long-term. Most importantly, Sikhs must restore peace and progress in Punjab. A stable and prosperous Punjab will strengthen Sikh confidence worldwide.
The Jewish community demonstrates how a small population can achieve global influence through unity, education, and institutional strength. Sikhs share a similar history of sacrifice, courage, and resilience. With coordinated effort and visionary leadership, Sikhs can emerge as a major global moral and intellectual force.
Guru Nanak Dev Ji created a path of truth, justice, and service. Guru Gobind Singh Ji created a community to defend righteousness. The time has come for Sikhs to move from scattered success to organized collective progress.
History shows it is possible. The Gurus showed the way. The responsibility now lies with us.
About AUTHOR: Iqbal Singh Lalpura, Former Chairman of national commission for Minorities
Govt of India
9780003333
