Uniformities and Differences of a Sikh Nationalist Identity: Opinions and Practices of Ordinary Sikhs

This article contributes to an understanding of Sikh identity by examining the narrative construction of identity through an examination of opinions and practices of ordinary Sikhs. The particular contours of a nationalist identity narrative and its four narrative themes are developed through a close analysis of interview responses. The interview responses provide evidence to support the arguments that (1) a segment of the Sikh community narrates their identity through a public Sikh nationalist narrative that emphasizes the pursuit of truth, justice, and recognition and is characterized by four narrative themes; and (2) this particular narrative identity generates certain forms of unity and homogeneity while also creating differences and ambiguity, thus decentering a binary approach to understanding Sikh identity. _______________________________________________________________