Sikh Studies and Sikh Institution Building in the United States

Abstract

The tragic events of 9/11 were followed by an intensive period of institution-building and advocacy by Sikh Americans as well as an expansion of Sikh Studies programs. While Sikhs in America have always been actively engaged with mainstream political and cultural institutions, the period after 9/11 is unique in terms of the number of organizations established, the breadth of social and cultural issues addressed, and the amplifying effects of digital media and fluency in the community. I will briefly review my ongoing ethnographic research on Sikh American institution-building. I will discuss the impact of increased civil society engagement on intra-community social relations, activism and political engagement, and articulations of Sikh American identity and ethics. While post-9/11 institution-building is not primarily focused on academic settings, many Sikh organizations today are engaging in various forms of public scholarship and research by collecting data and providing analyses about the experiences of Sikhs in America. The growth of public scholarship has widened the spectrum of Sikh Studies in America, from academic research to policy and participatory research conducted by advocacy and cultural organizations. Finally, I will explore how public scholarship shapes our understanding of authority and authenticity within the new and old contexts in which Sikh Studies is pursued.