In addressing Dalip Singh's lack of awareness concerning Sikhi ('Maybe He Didn't Know Better', Jan 12), Dr. I.J. Singh insightfully points out the alarmingly ineffective propagation of true Sikh culture and spirit among both Sikhs in Punjab and the Diaspora. As threatening as the external attacks to the Sikh nation are (and they are very threatening especially considering their multitudinous forms - economic, social, political, intellectual, etc.), this internal failure on the part of the Panth is utterly inexcusable. Where efforts to disseminate Sikhi, in its true and full brilliance, to the new generation are being made, in many cases, the information and interpretations of Sikh heritage taught are inaccurate or misleading.

The propagation of Sikh culture and spirit starts at the home. However, nowadays, parents have been unable to do this effectively either due to lack of effort or, what I guess to be more prevalent, a lack of clear understanding of Sikhi themselves. This is less a case of apostasy among the youth, but more one of inadequate attempts by the older generation to infuse the Khalsa spirit in its true essence and sovereign force.

Since the proper education is not coming from the home, the next source is the local Sangat and Gurdwara. Most Gurdwaras have some kind of educational program to teach Gurmukhi, Sikh history, and Gurmat. However, many of the teachers themselves are not well versed enough in Sikhi to be able to effectively and accurately teach others. Furthermore, many of these educational programs either breakdown or have greatly hampered results due to lack of an organized and effective curriculum.

Building from Anju Kaur's suggestions to standardize Gurdwara management ('A Challenge Ahead', Jan 11), why not extend this to standardizing and developing educational tools - curriculums, lesson plans, lists of recommended books, etc.- for Gurdwaras to use in teaching the younger generation? This will give the teachers much needed resources as well ensure that the educational programs are accurately and effectively propagating the heritage and spirit of Guru Nanak's Revolution in its true form.

The heart of the Sikh Revolution lay in the empowerment of every individual as a sovereign and spirited ambassador and activist of the faith. This has to start by re instilling the true spirit and meaning of the Khalsa in each and every Sikh. Only in this way will Guru Gobind Singh's spirit truly reside in the body of the Guru Panth.