Lettres - Mississauga, Ont. -- Re Kirpan 'Mischief' (letter -- June 11): To come to the conclusion that kirpans serve only ceremonial purposes based on a discussion that took place with one Sikh is almost laughable.

The kirpan is a sacred article of faith that has been an integral part of the Sikh religion since its early inception. Wearing the kirpan is mandatory for Sikhs who take Amrit, the initiation into the Khalsa (Sikh brother/sisterhood). To suggest that it is a dagger or a weapon or a mere cultural symbol is both misleading and offensive.

For a practising Sikh, it represents a commitment to one's spirituality as well as a commitment to social justice, both on the individual and societal level. Wearing the kirpan is meant to inspire Sikhs in their daily lives.

Kirpan's significance