S. Amandeep Singh's views ('Categorization Inevitable', Jan.26), endorsing the author of 'The Guru Loves Us Despite Our Faults', Jan.25, are not only misleading and unconvincing but are not based on the principles upon which the mighty citadel of the Khalsa Panth has stood unaltered for centuries facing many an inclement weather both inwardly and outwardly.

To keep uncut hair, kes, is one of five essential "K" s prescribed in the Sikh Reht Maryada (Code Of Conduct) ever since the Khalsa was created by our Tenth Master, Guru Gobind Singh, by whom those who observe Reht are adored and those who follow "Bipran ki Reet" are left uncared for.

According to the Guru, the Khalsa is his special form and he abides in it: "Khalsa Mero Roop Hay Khas, Khalse Mein Hun Karon Niwas."

Again he places Khalsa on a high pedestal when he says, "Rehni rahe soi sikh mera, Oh Sahib Mein Us ka Chehra."

The magnificent tree of Sikhism planted by Guru Nanak Dev Ji, nursed and watered by himself and the other Sikh Gurus by their actions, preaching, sayings and sufferings, blossomed at the time of Guru Gobind Singh who created Khalsa Panth and baptised the Five Beloved Ones. It is needless to mention that all Sikh Gurus kept long hairs and flowing beards. Thus to keep uncut kes is an essential ingredient of the "Sikh Way of Life."

The Sikh Martyrs, including the sons of Guru Gobind Singh, sacrificed their lives to preserve the sanctity of kes. We daily remember them in our ardaas that those who sacrificed their lives till their last breath and kept the sanctity of their kes, are worthy of consideration while reciting Waheguru.

Any plea that any categorization within Sikhism is possible and inevitable and Guru will love or forgive us is, in my opinion, not possible because of our history and heritage. No one can succeed in altering the basic principles and traditions of Sikh Dharm to suit his/her personal needs and convenience.

Kuldeep Singh
New Delhi, India