There is mixed reaction to this cartoon in the community. A representative from Turbans4 Australia, Amar Singh has expressed his disappointment saying “it is an ‘act of utter ignorance’ on part of Herald Sun.
The newspaper should be better informed about the cultural and religious sensitivities of the Sikh community! It should be aware that Tobacco and cigarettes are proscribed in Sikhism.”
Smoking and drug taking is banned in Sikhism and using tobacco is listed in the Sikh Rehat Maryada (Code of Conduct) as one of the four transgression (Kurahits).
The Sikh Rehat Maryada was drafted by an expert committee of eminent Sikh scholars. Not only tobacco but consumption of alcohol, drugs, and all other intoxicants are strictly forbidden for Sikhs.
