Sikhs told to go green

The latest ideology to jump on the electric, zero-emissions, lithium-ion powered bandwagon: Sikhism. The Times of India reports that Gurbachan Singh, leader of the highest Sikh temporal body Akal Takht, told his followers that protecting the environment is their “moral and religious duty.” During celebrations commemorating the annual cleaning of polluted river Kali Bein, a ...

582955_090728_Narinder_Nanu_AFP_Getty_images25.jpg
582955_090728_Narinder_Nanu_AFP_Getty_images25.jpg

The latest ideology to jump on the electric, zero-emissions, lithium-ion powered bandwagon: Sikhism. The Times of India reports that Gurbachan Singh, leader of the highest Sikh temporal body Akal Takht, told his followers that protecting the environment is their “moral and religious duty.” During celebrations commemorating the annual cleaning of polluted river Kali Bein, a community initiative started nine years ago, Singh called on the Sikh Diaspora to prioritize ecological commitments above even their religious practices:

Wherever in the world you may be, your focus should now be on cleaning up natural water resources rather than building gurdwaras (temples).

This is good news for environmentalists. You know your cause stands a chance when even God gets behind it.

Narinder Nanu/AFP/Getty images

Aditi Nangia is an editorial researcher at Foreign Policy.

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