“The journey of Sikhism is itself the destination.” writes Dr I J Singh as he invites us to accompany him on yet another adventure in the world of Sikhism. This simple statement also sums up the underlying theme of his three collections of essays published to date: Sikhs and Sikhism – A view with a bias; The Sikh Way – A pigrim’s progress; and now the third, Being and Becoming a Sikh.

Dr I J Singh, Professor of Anatomy at New York University, explores everyday topics in the searchlight of Sikh teachings. Essays on diverse topics look at today’s world from the Sikh perspective. The reader accompanies the author in the uncharted territory of 21st Century topics looking for the path shown by the Guru’s Gurbani formulae relevant to all times and places.

The essays do not teach. They show the student of Sikhism how to learn. They are enabling DIY (do-it-yourself) notes for the serious student of Sikhism to explore further and reach own conclusions, in the company of other seekers in sangat (the holy congregation in the presence of the Guru), or through own research and analysis. Indeed, each essay is an exciting game of “spot the Guru’s signposting” in this area.

Being and Becoming a Sikh released recently continues with the same theme, but with a noticeable difference: the author has come down more firmly than is his usual style on certain issues e.g. distinct Sikh identity and human rights. As the author says in the preface, “..happy should be the author who has one good idea in his life time to explore and develop.” Being and Becoming a Sikh is Dr Singh’s one good idea, which he continues to explore and develop in novel and exciting ways. To be born a Sikh is achieved immediately on arrival in this world; but to become one “remains a work in progress” till the end of this life’s journey. I am sure many reviews will follow.