Q. What are the criteria for measuring our success and prosperity, and where do we stand on the ladder of success and prosperity with respect to other minorities?

Success may be measured according to basic analytical categories or forms of causation: social, economic, cultural, political, linguistic, etc.

In the social realm, despite the teachings of Gurmat about universality, the vast majority of Sikhs engage in social insularity-an "Us versus Them" outlook. Variants of this include casteism, racism, endogamy, and exclusionism - not justified by Gurmat, but most often explained away as mere "Panjabi culture," "tribalism," or some other convenient rationalization.

In the economic realm, in India as in the U.S., "Money talks." In this respect Sikhs are like most Americans. As in all capitalist societies, in the U.S. there is a minority of rich Sikhs, and larger numbers who are middle class and working class. Sikhs are a microcosm of the greater host society.

Culturally, Sikhs have been self-isolating. Their cultural focus is India. But this is changing. College-age youths have much more in common with each other regardless of religion, race, or ethnic origin. American-born Sikhs, whites, African-Americans, East-Asians and others work together well in California's Silicon Valley high technology companies. Their common bonds are education, teamwork, English as a native language, and growing up in the United States. So there is hope that someday the "Us versus Them" outlook of the immigrant generation will give way to a more enlightened view.

Politically, Sikhs are not very involved. Occasionally some brave soul dares to seek local or statewide political office. But to achieve victory at the polls, a candidate must appeal to the broadest electoral constituency. Sikh social insularity works against achieving such broad voter appeal. It presents a mindset at odds with serving in public elective offices for the common good.

And linguistically, what more can be said? How often do we ever find any U.S. Sikh authors, playwrights, journalists, and poets writing in English about anything at all? If they do write, it is usually about India, Sikhism, or similar topics - and for publication in India, not in the United States. Again, this is but another example of self-isolation and refusal to participate as part of the mainstream of American life.

Q. What are your views on assimilation and becoming part of the legendary American "melting pot"?

If you are a Punjabi Sikh immigrant, you will fight acculturation and assimilation with your every breath. But it is a battle that you will most surely lose. If your children are slavishly obedient, you might delay these processes by one generation. By the time of your grandchildren and great grandchildren, forget it. They will be 100% Americans, no doubt about it. This should be a cause of both pride and joy - to be an integral part of this great land.

Q. What is expected of a Sikh?

It is expected that a Sikh will live his or her life according to Gurmat.