Sikh Education Institute in Himachal Pardesh and J&K

Sikh Educational Institutions in Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir

When we talk of Himachal Pradesh, the contribution of Sikh organizations at Baru Sahib as discussed above is highly distinguishable. In the state of Jammu and Kashmir also, we find this contribution from the Dera Sant Pura Nangali Sahib. This Dera was setup by a missionary Sant Mela Singh Ji, who was the 4th successor of Baba Feru Singh, who is believed to have been appointed by Guru Gobind Singh Ji to propagate the mission of Guru Nanak. Sant Punjab Singh and Sant Roocha Singh were the immediate predecessors of Sant Mela Singh Ji. Apart from its religious activities, it also paid its attention to education Sant Manjeet Singh of This Dera, with his vision and zeal to serve humanity felt the necessity of opening a College of Education as a gesture of goodwill to help the education system in the state. He proposed to the memory
of the bicentenary celebrations, the establishment of Dera named after Sant Mela Singh Ji who established this Dera (abode of saints) at Poonch in year 1803. Thus, came into being the esteemed Sant Mela Singh College of Education.

Sant Mela Singh College of Education, Jammu

The main objective of starting this institution was to provide teacher training to the pupil-teachers to make them the best builders of the Nation’s future generations and to extend facilities of research, development, training and consultancy to the teaching sector, as well to impart high quality education to the students in the society through trained teachers of this College. This college is affiliated to University of Jammu. The college is managed by Sant Manjeet Singh Trust registered under the aegis of Dera Sant Pura Nangali Sahib Poonch, J&K State, India. It may be mentioned here that this trust has also established Mahant Bachitar Singh College of Engineering and Technology at Babliana, Jammu and Guru Harkishan Public School upto 10+2 level at Poonch and Guru Hargobind School Nowshera.

Sikh Educational Institutions in Haryana, Delhi and UP

n Haryana, we have a Khalsa College at Karnal, Ambala and Yamuna Nagar. Specific mention may be made of S. Bhupinder Singh Johar who has contributed considerably to Sikh education. He has not only promoted a number of Sikh institutions in Yamuna Nagar, namely Guru Nanak Khalsa College, Guru Nanak Khalsa Institute of Technology and Management Studies, Guru Gobind Singh College of Pharmacy, but has also established some institutions in Ambala, like Gandhi Memorial National College and Gandhi Memorial Public School, Ambala Cant.

In Delhi, in addition to a large number of institutions run by Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee, we have a number of prominent Sikh schools like Guru Tegh Bahadar Third Centenary School (011-25459671) at Mansarovar Garden, Guru Nanak Public School (011-25223778) at Punjabi Bagh, Guru Nanak Public School (011-25147545) at Rajouri Garden, Bhai Joga Singh Public School (011-23611058) Faiz Road, S.S. Mota Singh Sr. Sec. Model School (011-25590179) Janak Puri and S. Amar Singh Shere Punjab Pindi Gheb Khalsa Sr. Sec. School (011-23619923). There are two schools run by a family of which Sahib Ditta Mal Ji was the head, who had converted to Sikhism and all his sons following a Sikh way of living, established themselves not only as business tycoons, but also social activist in other fields including
education. Mata Jai Kaur Public School (011-27244590) at Ashok Vihar is now being run by the family trust namely Mata Jai Kaur Charitable Trust of which S. Surjit Singh is the Chairman. He is the youngest son of Sahib Ditta Mal and Mata Jai Kaur Ji and other school being run by this vary family is Bibi Jaspal Kaur Public School. Another family of Delhi which has contributed in the field of education is the family of late S. Mehtab Singh, who was a respectable and prominent person of the Sikh community. His son S. Jaspal Singh not only expanded and took his family business to the new heights, but also promoted the educational ventures of the family. The education institutions promoted by the family include Guru Harkrishan Public School in New Delhi, Guru Nanak 5th Centenary School at Mussoorie and an Engineering College at Malout in Punjab.

we have a number of prominent Sikh schools like Guru Tegh Bahadar Third Centenary School (011-25459671) at Mansarovar Garden, Guru Nanak Public School (011-25223778) at Punjabi Bagh, Guru Nanak Public School (011-25147545) at Rajouri Garden, Bhai Joga Singh Public School (011-23611058) Faiz Road, S.S. Mota Singh Sr. Sec. Model School (011-25590179) Janak Puri and S. Amar Singh Shere Punjab Pindi Gheb Khalsa Sr. Sec. School (011-23619923). There are two schools run by a family of which Sahib Ditta Mal Ji was the head, who had converted to Sikhism and all his sons following a Sikh way of living, established themselves not only as business tycoons, but also social activist in other fields including education. Mata Jai Kaur Public School (011-27244590) at Ashok Vihar is now being run by the family trust namely Mata Jai Kaur Charitable Trust of which S. Surjit Singh is the Chairman. He is the youngest son of Sahib Ditta Mal and Mata Jai Kaur Ji and other school being run by this vary family is Bibi Jaspal Kaur Public School. Another family of Delhi which has contributed in the field of education is the family of late S. Mehtab Singh, who was a respectable and prominent person of the Sikh community. His son S. Jaspal Singh not only expanded and took his family business to the new heights, but also promoted the educational ventures of the family. The education institutions promoted by the family include Guru Harkrishan Public School in New Delhi, Guru Nanak 5th Centenary School at Mussoorie and an Engineering College at Malout in Punjab.

Gursikh Education Society, Dehradun

In Uttaranchal, there is a Sikh organization known as Gursikh Education Society which has adopted a mission, “Mission 2040” as per which the Sikh Panth is to be made the most educated Panth of the society by year 2040. The man behind this organization, S. Devender Singh Bindra, is determinded to particularly educate the children of economically weaker section of society. He took the help of management committee, Gurdwara Gobind Nagar, Race Course providing space for office, Gursikh Education Society started functioning on 7th Feb ‘2010. In the first year financial assistance was provided to 62 students, which has grown to 320 during the year 2015-16. Students (from PG to Higher Education) ,bringing positive change into the lives of the less fortunate with fees amounting to more than Rupees 4 million during 2016-17 . This Mission of “Vidya Da Langar” has inspired many likeminded people, who pledged to work for the cause under the able guidance of GES. With the motivation of GES President it has spread to Cities like Kanpur, Haridwar, Ambala, Delhi and many other societies and people have started working towards it. The contact details of this organization is Gursikh Education Society Registered Office: 45 A Race Course , Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India Branch Office: Gurdwara Gobind Nagar, Race Course, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India. Email: gursikheducationsociety@yahoo.co.in Contacts: Office No: 0135 – 2723355 President – +91-9837210234 Secretary – +91-9719743226 Project Manager – +91-9897035046.

Sri Guru Granth Sahib Vidya Kender

This Vidya Kender was setup in 1980 by S. Hukam Singh Ex-Speaker of Lok Sabha and Governor of Rajasthan on a piece of land (measuring 2.5 acres) gifted by S. Faqir Singh. Purpose was to provide holistic education to the boys of economically weaker section families, culminating in vocational training/employment. Ever since its inception, thousands of boys have been trained and have settled in life. The boys were trained in Gurmat, Kirtan and Tabla. In 1997, along with spiritual education academic education was also started so that the deserving children could possess suitable qualification for settling in life. The boys were encouraged to pass Matric exam as per earlier practise, so that they become eligible to undergo training in various Industrial Training Institutes. Since then, Hundred of boys have done Diploma in Engineering (civil automobile, mechanical) etc. Paramedical (Laboratory, X-Ray, Physiotherapy) and ITI courses such as Domestic wiring, electrician, Ref. & A/C, Vehicle Mechanic, Welding, Computer Software/Hardware, Tailoring etc. The management of this organisation provided boarding, lodging and other facilities for the boys who
were admitted in this institution. In 2000, it was thought that these activities should be extended to the girls also, for which a new organisation was created, known as the Sikh Humanitarian Society.

The Sikh Humanitarian Society

The Sikh Humanitarian Society was established in the year 2000 at Rohini, New Delhi and was registered under societies act XXI of 1860 in 2002. The Society was established under the guidance of Late Chief Justice S.R.S. Narula along with devoted members (Sewaks) of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Vidya Kender. The aim of the society is to strengthen the deserving girl child and equip her to be catalyst change in the society.

The Society received overwhelming response from the eager girls from the area. Immediately the society managed to provide establishments of the two buildings on 26 sq metres plots bearing premises no. C-1/54, Sec-16, Rohini, and C-1/34, Sec-16, Rohini.

The Society has the qualified staff besides the voluntary services of retired College/School teachers.

Achievements : The Society manages a free educational centre where tuitions are arranged from class third to graduation level. The education is totally free including stationery besides uniforms etc. The girl students are also trained in cutting tailoring, fashion designing, music Harmonium and Tabla.

The Society is aiming to enable each girl student for employment after completing her studies. The students are enrolled after completing in professional courses like Paramedical courses (Nursing, Lab. Technician etc) advance computer course, fashion designing and skill development.

150 students are benefitted each year for different facilities provided by the society i.e. tuitions and professional courses.

Placements : More than 10 students get employment every year.
Free Homeopathic Dispensary : The society is also running a free Homeopathic dispensary. Although, the society meets its expenditure mainly from donations which are exempt u/s 80G of the Income Tax Act and from foreign contribution for which it has sought permission from the Government, it is doing a wonderful job under the able guidance of S. Rachhpal Singh Gulati as President along with Col. (R) JPS Sahi (9910029987) as a Secretary and other Sewaks of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Vidya Kender. The contact details of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Vidya Kender are, Address is near Chattarpur Metro Station, Andheri More, New Delhi and contact numbers are 011-55671306/26806195/26802823.

Bhai Vir Singh Sahitya Sadan

Bhai Vir Singh Sahitya Sadan was established in Delhi in 1958 in the memory of Bhai Vir Singh to further the objectives of his works. While the foundation stone of the building was laid in March, 1972, by President Shri V.V. Giri, the memorial was inaugurated by President N. Sanjeeva Reddy, in 1978. Bhai Vir Singh Sahitya Sadan made all round development under the Presidentship of S. Surjit Singh Majithia, Sardar Bahadur Ujjal Singh, Sardar Arjan Singh, R.B. Sohan Lal, S. Swaran Singh, Dr. G.S. Dhillon, S. Harnam Singh Suri & Prof. Harbans Singh. All of them played significant role in the initial years. Many more prominent persons like Dr. J.S. Neki have remained associated with this sadan. In 1972, when the first Birth Centenary of Bhai Vir Singh was celebrated, a new building was constructed wherein a vast library with thousand of books in Hindi, Punjabi, Urdu and English was started. The Sadan is publishing Khalsa Samachar, a weekly started by Bhai Vir Singh Ji and also his other books in original as well as in translations. The Sadan also looks after the residential place and the museum of Bhai Vir Singh at Amritsar through a team appointed by them. Bhai Vir Singh’s Birth Anniversary and Death Anniversary are celebrated every year. Recently a programme was organized by ‘National Institute of Punjab Studies’ (a unit of Sadan) dedicated to the 550th Birth Anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. The institute is a non government organization devoted to promotion of language, literature and culture of Punjab and Dr. Manmohan Singh is its incumbent president. Dr. Manmohan Singh while speaking unchecked exploitation of natural resources, present day growing ace for arms, continued exploitation of poor by the rich and environmental degradation as the challenges. He stressed the need to pause and revisit the Sikh Guru’s legacy and its relevance to present times, including inter-faith harmony and goodwill. The function included inauguration of an exhibition on the Guru’s life and legacy titled “Rahbar-E-Aalam”, which was inaugurated by the Dalai Lama. A gallery of paintings related to anecdotes from the Guru’s life and his spiritual odyssey was put on display. Also, a lecture series was launched relating to various aspects of the Guru’s life.

Dr. Manmohan Singh, the Former Prime Minister of India is the President of this organisation and Dr. Mahinder Singh is the Director of this organisation. Contact details of the organisation are address Bhai Vir Singh Marg, Sector 4, Gol Market, New Delhi-110001, Phone No. : 01123363510.

Guru Nanak Foundation

Guru Nanak Foundation was started in 1965 by late Dr. Inderjeet Singh with a view to celebrate the 500th Birth Anniversary celebrations of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji in 1969. As a part of these celebrations the foundation got funds from the Government to setup Guru Nanak Institute of Comparative Religions and a Department of Musicology at Delhi. The main objects of the foundation were Promotion of Sikh studies through Gurmat College, Patiala, which is affiliated to Punjabi University, Patiala for the M.A. Degree in Religious Studies.

Preparation of L.P. Records of Guru Nanak’s Hymns and publication of books on Guru Nanak in English Hindi and Punjabi including a pictorial history of the Sikhs.

Establishment of Guru Nanak public library for the benefit of scholars and the public.
Holding of seminars on Sikhism from time to time.
Establishment of a Sikh reference Library for collecting manuscripts and rare data and also a library for benefit of the scholars in their studies and research work.

Financial support for scholars working at the Institute for the Ph.D. Degree of Punjab University.

The foundation started publishing a half yearly magazine ‘Studies in Sikhism and Comparative Religion’ in 1982. The foundation organised an International Conference on ‘Religion and Peace’ in February 1985. When the foundation was formed, Dr. Inderjeet Singh wanted to do maximum work in the field of education. Thus, the foundation opened its first school at Patiala and then later on added two more schools at Mohali and Jalandhar. Presently, its President is S. Tejbir Singh, son of Dr. Inderjeet Singh. The contact details of this foundation are, Address: Sec 92, Mohali near Fateh Minar, Chaparchiri 140301, contact no. 9876299377.

Sikh Educational Institutions in other parts of Country

There are a number of Sikh Educational Institutions in other parts of the country also. It is evidenced by the fact that a number of schools and colleges are named after the names of our Gurus and other prominent historic Sikh personalities. However, as it is not possible to mention all of them, we have selected one group each from East India (Kolkata), West India (Mumbai), Central India (Nasik) and South India. All these Sikh groups are playing a vital a role in the field of Sikh education.

JIS Group – Largest Educational Group of Eastern India

JIS Group is the largest educational group of Eastern India with 26 institutions, 126 programmes and 35000 students. This group was founded by S. Jodh Singh, who had a very humble beginning of earning through sale of Milk. To quote him “years ago when I visited my son’s school, I perceived that the best way to advance society is by fostering education and it was at that moment that the dream and vision of JIS Group Educational Initiatives was conceived.

“Vision looks inward and becomes duty. Vision looks outward and becomes aspiration. Vision looks upward and becomes faith.”

Now, when this vision of duty, aspiration and faith has become a reality, it is a proud moment for me and my team to see thousands of students pursuing higher education in JIS Group of Colleges and equipping themselves to become industry ready professionals for successful careers.

In this process the Group intends to unite all dimensions of Education from Undergraduate to Post Graduate Programmes in Engineering and Technology, Computer Applications, Dental Science, Pharmacy, Hospitality, diverse streams of Management and so on under the same umbrella in order to comprehensively and collectively optimize the reach of Educational Initiatives in every strata and corner of society towards a better future. Our educational Initiatives believes that creating an academic foundation for social, cultural, scientific, economic and technological development in our Nation can mature into Global Interface by giving way to education exchange in the International territory as well. Therefore, our focus is to achieve unparalleled excellence that will bring development to our society and mankind by optimizing their potential, thereby establishing the observation of the renowned Journalist Sydney J. Harris on the role the purpose of education which is to “turn mirrors into windows.”

It is clear from the statement of the founder of this group that this group has taken a number of educational initiatives. Where as they have started so many colleges of different streams, they have also started a private university known as JIS University. This university is located near Agarpara, West Bengal. It was established in 2014 under JIS University Act 2014. It is a multi – disciplinary University and non affiliating university, offering courses in Engineering, technology, sciences, humanities, law, pharmacy and management studies. All their educational institutions provide excellent education. For example, JIS College of engineering, established in 2000, is located in 17.5 acres of Green Campus at Satellite Township of Kalyani, West Bengal, 55 kms. North of Kolkata, was declared autonomous by the UGC in 2011, and is considered at one of the best colleges in country. It is affiliated to West Bengal University of Technology. After the death of S. Jodh Singh, his son S. Taranjeet Singh (contact no 9830041943) is the head of this group (He was recently in the news for sponsoring the translation of Sri Guru Granth Sahib in Bengali). He is also the chancellor of JIS University. The contact details of this group are, address: 7 Sarat Bose Road, 1st Floor, Kolkata-7000020, Telephone No. +91 33 2289 3943/3944/5323, Tele fax: +91 33 22893945, website: www.jisgroup.org and E-Mail is info@jisgroup.org & admission@jisgroup.org.

Guru Nanak Vidyak Society Mumbai

This society started working in the field of education in the year 1947 when a large number of Punjabi Families had moved to Bombay and settled there. It was at that time that some energetic social Sikh leaders met together on 22nd June 1947 and took a decision to start a school for Punjabi speaking children in Koliwada (presently known as GTB Nagar), where most of the Punjabis had started leaving. Guru Nanak Primary School was started only with a few students on a piece of land allotted by Municipal Corporation of Bombay. Now, when this society has already completed more than 70 years, it has a large number of education institutions with more than 20 thousands students getting education there. The society was registered with the Regn. No.F-98(BOM) (BPTACT, 1950) REGN. No. 162/1947-48 (Soc. Reg. Act 1860) under the dynamic leadership of S. Pratap Singh ji. Inspired by the ideals and preaching of Gurus of the Sikh religion, the Guru Nanak Vidyak Society has steadily established various schools and institutions to provide educational services to the community at large and especially to the Sikh Community. The present President of the society S. Manjeet Singh Bhatti believes in “Real education fetches you more than a job. It teaches you to live it cannot be measured any tangible way”. A prominent name among the other people who have been associated with this organization for a very long time, the name of Mrs. Harbhajan Kaur Anand, need to be mentioned. She has been the administrator of the group of institutions run by this organization for a very long time. It was due to the efforts of such like persons working as a team that the society grew in strength and now has 18 primary and secondary schools in Greater Mumbai, 4 junior colleges, 1 degree college, 1 B.Ed. College, and an institute of Management Studies. One of its premier institutions is Guru Nanak College Mumbai.

Guru Nanak College, Mumbai

This college is situated in GTB Nagar, Mumbai and located very near to Guru Tegh Bahadar Nagar Railway Station on the Harbour Line. It is managed by Guru Nanak Vidyak Society. Guru Nanak College of Arts, Science and Commerce is one of the many educational institutions established by Guru Nanak Vidyak Society. Guided by the principles of purity, truth, charity and peace, the Sikh management established the college in 1989. It also opened a new chapter in the history of higher education in the state of Maharashtra. The aim of the Society in establishing this institution is to reach out to the educational needs of the people in the vicinity of the college and also to fulfil the needs of the ever growing population of the city. The Institution also aims at providing the students an opportunity to develop an integrated personality, to foster a spirit of free thinking and above all to inculcate love for humanity and love for truthful living. These indeed were the true teachings of Guru Nanak. The college provides all its students with a friendly and supportive study environment, high teaching standards, excellent facilities and support services to enrich learning and make them more confident to face the tough challenges of the ever changing global environment. The contact details of Guru Nanak Vidhyak Society are, Address GTB Nagar, Sion, Koliwada (E), Mumbai-400037, contact nos. 022-24030053 and 022-24030054.

Guru Gobind Singh Foundation Nasik

Guru Gobind Singh Foundation was founded by a group of prominent Sikhs dedicated to the cause of education, namely Late S. Amrik Singh Anand, Late S. Harbans Singh Sachdeva, Late S. Inder Singh Sable, Late S. Amrit Singh Bindra, Late S. Arjun Singh Bagga, Late S. Balwant Singh Chabbra and Late S. Surjan Singh Gujral (along with others) in 1978 with a mission to provide excellent scientific and technical education to develop intellectual, innovative and quality citizens of society. All the illustrious persons named above were the residence of Nasik, who wanted to start such an institution which could give quality education to the students irrespective of their caste, creed, religion or nationality so as to promote morality, patriotism, self respect and self confidence. Thus, the foundation made a humble beginning by starting Guru Gobind Singh Public School with just nine students and one room in the Gurdwara. Today, this organization is running a large number of educational institutions. Last year, when international conference was held at Bangkok, this foundation was awarded with the best Educationist Award. Now, apart from the public school, they have a polytechnic (established in 2001), a college of Engineering and Research Centre (established in 2013). The management committee of the foundation headed by S. Gurdev Singh Birdi consist of 21 members including S. Harjeet Singh Anand as the Vice President and S. Baljeet Singh Chabbra as the Secretary. The contact details of the organization are Address: Khalsa Educational Complex, Guru Gobind Singh Marg, Wadala-Parhardi Road, Indira Nagar Annexe, Nasik-422009, Contact No. 0253-2372766, 2372666 & E-Mail:ggsf.nashilk@ggsf.edu.in.

Guru Nanak Educational Society

There are a number of societies and trusts in the name of Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji, which are functioning actively in the field of education. We have Guru Nanak Dev Educational society at Dehradun, which runs an engineering college as a minority institution. There is another society which runs Guru Nanak institute of Management affiliated to the University of Madras. However, here we are mainly concerned with the group which is headed by the Kohli family of Hyderabad. This group is named as Guru Nanak Education Trust Group of Institutions. This Trust was established under aegis of Guru Nanak Educational Society. The Trust was registered at Hyderabad vide Registration No. 6559. This Trust based at B-2, 2nd Floor, above Bata Showroom, Vikrampuri Colony, Karkhana Road, Secunderabad-500009 was registered in 1998. All the trustees are from the Kohli family headed by S. Tarvinder Singh Kohli. This family has contributed considerably in the field of education. S. Tarvinder Singh being the founder of the said trust is its Chairman and S. Gagandeep Singh Kohli is the Vice Chairman. This group has registered the society in different southern states for opening and managing educational institutions at different places. The parent body was established in the year 2001 and since then this group has been nurturing professionals through its various colleges in Hyderabad, Nagpur and Roorkee., Guru Nanak Institute of Technology, Guru Nanak Engineering College, Guru Nanak Institute of Pharmacy, Guru Nanak Institute of PG Studies, and Panineeya Institute of Dental Sciences. The society also does significant work for propagating Sikh values and teachings in Telangna and nearby areas. S. Kohli is very particular about teaching Punjabi language in the Gurmukhi script among the willing persons, particularly the Sikh youth and children. The knowledge of language is helpful in promoting Punjabi culture. S. Kohli is also a philanthropist who provides funds as well as time for social projects particularly relating to educating the people on drug de-addition.

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