Are Sikh minority in India?

As a cultural and social expert with a focus on minority communities and their representation within various societies, I have a deep understanding of the complexities surrounding the topic of minority groups. In the context of India, which is a vast and diverse country with a multitude of ethnic, linguistic, and religious groups, the term "minority" can be applied to a variety of different communities. The Sikh community, while significant in terms of its cultural and historical contributions to India, is often considered a minority in the broader national context. India is the birthplace of Sikhism, a monotheistic religion that originated in the Punjab region during the 15th century. The Sikhs are known for their distinct identity, which includes the wearing of a turban (dastar) by men and the practice of the Five Ks (Kesh, Kangha, Kara, Kachera, and Kirpan). The community has a rich history of contributing to India's military, culture, and society, with many Sikhs holding prominent positions in various fields. However, when it comes to the question of whether Sikhs are a minority in India, it is important to consider both the numerical representation and the socio-political context. Numerically, Sikhs make up approximately 1.7% to 2% of India's total population, which, given India's population of over 1.3 billion, translates to a significant number of people. Despite this, they are still a minority when compared to the majority Hindu population, which constitutes around 79.8% of the population. The National Commission for Minorities (NCM) in India is the apex body responsible for the protection and development of minority communities. It includes Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Buddhists, Zoroastrians (Parsis), and Jains as notified minority communities. The NCM's role is to ensure that the rights and interests of these communities are protected and that they are given opportunities for growth and development. The status of being a minority often comes with certain advantages and challenges. On the one hand, minority communities may benefit from affirmative action policies and special provisions aimed at promoting their welfare and ensuring their representation in various sectors of society. On the other hand, they may also face unique challenges, such as marginalization, discrimination, and the need to preserve their cultural identity in a predominantly Hindu society. It is also worth noting that the concept of minority is not static and can change over time due to various factors, including demographic shifts, changes in political power, and social attitudes. The Sikh community, while recognized as a minority, has a strong and vibrant presence in India, with Sikhs playing significant roles in the country's politics, economy, and cultural life. In conclusion, the Sikh community in India is indeed a minority in terms of its numerical representation and its recognition by the NCM. However, this minority status does not diminish the significant contributions and influence that Sikhs have had and continue to have on the fabric of Indian society. The Sikhs are a testament to the diversity and richness of India's cultural mosaic, and their status as a minority community is just one aspect of their multifaceted identity.

It is the apex body for the central government's regulatory and developmental programmes for the minority religious communities in India, which include Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Buddhists, Zoroastrians (Parsis) and Jains notified as minority communities as notified by GOI in Gazetteunder Section 2 (c) of the National ...