When the Gatka turns 360 degrees

RAJPURA: Hoshiarpur-based Hindu PhD scholar, Anju Bala, 26, is at peace when she lights the lamp for morning puja. The same calmness emanates from her in the akahra, where she practices the Sikh martial art of Gatka. She says the sport has changed her life. "I experience sublime peace while practicing the Gatka. It keeps me centred. There has been no question of any division or conflict of belief," she says.
The exclusive Sikh domain of Gatka is opening up, with Hindus taking to the akharas as well. Although the martial art never had any religious connotation from the time that it originated around the 16th century, it has largely been confined to Sikhs. However, over the past few years, those boundaries are starting to blur. The teachers are happily passing on their fighting skills to people of a different faith and their students are happily imbibing it.
At the International Sikh Martial Arts Academy (ISMAA), Mohali, the martial art of Gatka transcends religious divides. Gurmeet Singh, Gatka coach at the Shaheed Baba Deep Singh Sikh Martial Arts Academy, says as many as 20% of the 5,000 gatka learners in Punjab are Hindus and 5% of them take to Sikhism. The conversion, however, is purely voluntary. Gurmeet maintains that Gatka masters do not ask pupils to change their religion. But youth from Sikh families are supposed to keep their hair. On the akhara, differences don't matter.
The students are taught to harmonise mind and body. They are encouraged to strengthen faith in whatever religion they follow. Shivani, 15, a class IX student religiously practices the Gatka, which, according to her, empowers her. She says, "There is no confusion in my mind as I accept both religions. There is no friction between the teachings and spirit of the two. In fact, I am not really bothered about what people feel. I love Gatka and will continue practicing it."
One of the reasons why Gatka is transcending religious divides, also seems to be its empowering effect on girls. ISMAA president Avtar Singh said the academy has more girl students than boys. "Also, girls are more passionate and energetic."
As for religious divides, Sakshi, a resident of Bathinda, feels they are inconsequential. "I abide by the precepts of both religions and do not feel the need to change my religion. I am a Hindu but start Gatka after the Sikh prayer, 'Ardas'. It gives me clarity of mind and concentration, besides purifying the soul."