Umbrella and Youth Organizations

As the Sikhs are now living in a number of countries, they need to interact with the people and the authorities concerned of those countries. Thus, a number of Sikh organizations are meant to interact on behalf of entire community. Sometimes the governments of those countries need to discuss some important matters relating to the Sikh community, then they approach these organizations and discuss with them. Such organizations are known as Umbrella organizations. These organizations can be further classified on the basis of age and sex. There are many Youth organizations and there are woman organizations also. So far Youth organizations are concerned it is noted that these organizations start from college and university level. Thus, we have Sikhs students organizations in universities like Berkley and Toronto. Some of these organizations have represented in many important matters. They have also played a role in propagating Sikh religion and promoting Punjabi cultural in those universities. They celebrate Gurpurabs, organizes Turban tying events and also perform Punjabi cultural programs. Specific mention may be made of Hasmeet Singh Chandok, a student in computer science at Dalhousie University. He and his brother formed a Bhangra Group known as Maritime Bhangra Group in 2013. Back then, he and his friends would dance and teach people about Sikh culture through Atlantic Canada’s first Sikh Student Association (which Mr. Chandok also had a hand in founding). Now, as his dancing reaches viewers around the world, he hopes people are inspired by, and learn from, the videos.

Above the University level we have a number of Youth Service centres where the Youth organizations are engaged in various community promoting activities. For example Such Youth Service centres are there in different towns in UK like Birmingham, Nottingham etc. To have a look into the activities of such centres, we can mention Sikh community and youth services organizations at Nottingham. This centre enriches the community socially and spiritually to enable the children and adults to reach their full potential. Their mission is to provide a wide range of high quality services, and encourage equality based on Sikh principles: vand ke shakna (Sharing all we have), kirth kamai (Earning an honest living), naam japna (Meditation) and seva (Serving and helping others), provide opportunities to the community to enhance quality of life, to act as a listening and supportive organization to produce an evolving vision for the well being of the community for Today, Tomorrow and the Future. It was registered in 1988 as Reg Charity No 1027740 and now has become an important community resource centre for Sikhs in Nottingham. Its contacts are email is info@scy-notts.g.uk and contact number is 01159158834.

Apart from such centres, we have Sikh Youth organization in various countries which are playing a wonderful role in promoting Sikh religion, cultural, values and traditions. We have a number of such organizations in Australia (eg Sikh Naujawan Melbourne), Sikh Naujawan Sabha Indonesia, Sikh Naujawan Sabha Denmark, Hong Kong Sikh Youth and so on. Some of these organization have been discussed in Chapter 4, Chapter 6 and Chapter 10 at relevant places. This trend of forming Sikh Youth organizations had started in India when All India Sikh Students Federation had come into being.

All India Sikh Students Federation

When Akali Dal emerged as a political party in Punjab, the party leaders though of forming a youth wing of the party in 1943. It came into being in 1944 when Sikh youths started organizing themselves in Bhujangi Sabhas in schools and colleges throughout Punjab. The first President of this organization was S. Harnam Singh, who started it on the defined lines of connecting the youth with their religious values and way of life. Although small in size and activity, the association published the Khalsa Naujawan’ Magazine and sponsored work in religious and social projects. Sikh youths were an integral part of organizations such as the Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee, Shiromani Akali Dal and the All India Students Federation. When partition took place, this organization becoming as a youth arm of Akali Dal helped in relief and rehabilitation camps the Hindu and Sikh Refugees. Similarly, it went on playing an active role in all Sikh events and movements, particularly the Punjabi Suba Movement. When this movement was at it peak in the mid 1960’s, the federation organized student march’s and rallies. S. Daljeet Singh Bittu was elected President of the organization at that time. The organization had the privilege of having many of its Presidents who became later on prominent Sikh leaders, scholars and preachers. They include Dr. Santokh Singh of Bhopal, S. Manjeet Singh of Calcutta, Bhai Harbans Lal Ji (presently in USA) and S. Makhan Singh Ji of Punjab and Sind Bank fame. When operation blue star took place, Dr. Gurnam Singh Buttar of the federation was one of those brave Sikhs who showed their protest by giving up their well paid Govt. positions. However, as Punjab passed into the period of terrorism, the federation activities became lesser known. It started splitting into different groups. One of these groups was led by S. Paramjeet Singh Gazi. Another faction known as Sikh Students Federation (Mehta) is led by S. Paramjeet Singh Khalsa. One more group called Sikh Students Federation (Grewal-Mann) is led by S. Samarjeet Singh Mann & S. Gurcharanjeet Singh Grewal. Some more groups called Sikh Students Federations have emerged in other countries also. Karnail Singh Peer Mohammad is the current President of All India Sikhs Students Federation since 19th January 1995. The organization is aimed at demanding justice for the victims of the 1984 Anti Sikh Genocide, and also focuses on other issues facing the Sikh community. The organization under the leadership of President Karnail Singh Peer Mohammad has been working for issues of Punjab and defending the values of Sikhi. The organization has recently worked on SYL Water issue for Punjab. It need to be mentioned that if all the Sikh youth are united under one banner and the original Sikh Student Federation comes into play, the same can play a major role in Sikh issues and render considerable help in solving many of the Panthak problems. Further, the educated Sikh youth can provide effective leadership in social, religious and political matters.

Khalis Social Welfare Society, Burhanpur

Presently, some Sikh Youth organizations are functioning in different cities. To give one example, we have such an organization at Burhanpur, known as Khalis Social Welfare Society. This society was registered on 5th August 2016 under Madhya Pradesh Society Registration Act 1973 vide no. 03/47/02/18954/16. It was mainly aimed at empowering the under privileged Sikh children through Education. It is functioning as an NGO mainly focusing upon getting admission for such children into english medium schools and bearing their entire expenditure of education. The organisation desires that these Sikh children must get the best of the education so that they can stand on their own feet and bring out their families from poverty. As per the claim made by them they have got admission of 500 students during this short period of two years. Such an achievement deserves appreciation. The contact details of the organisation are: office Address 46/1, 46/2 Mandi Bazar, Burhanpur, email is: info@khalisinternational.com, mobile no. is 9407403490 and landline no. is 9644355528. Its office bearers include S. Taranjeet Singh, President (M.: 9407403490) and Sarabjeet Kaur is the Secretary (M.: 9644355528).

Tavleen Foundation

Tavleen Foundation was founded by Dr. Gurmeet Singh Narang after the sad demise of his daughter Tavleen. It is a value based selfless organization which organizes lectures, seminars and discussions by bringing celebrities, motivational speakers who can influence the masses. It is through such like programs that the organization brings happiness to the people which is a part of their mission to reduce suffering on this earth and make it a better place to live in. The Tavleen story written by Dr. Narang himself is highly inspiring. Although she was very young, when her brother passed away, she proved to be a source of strength for her parents. She showed maturity even at the young age of twelve and excelled in all spheres. Her talk with Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, that time president of Inida, looked so impressive when she talked of cleaning the environment by planting the trees. The president also elenlightened her to do something for the orphans. This meeting left a deep impression on Tavleen and she began visiting an orphanage in her leisure time. Besides all her co-curricular activities, Tavleen was very humble and adjusting. She was flexible with all her classmates and not a single tint of pride could ever touch her. She was always the centre of attraction of her class and school. One could see her wonderful quotes in her classroom. Quotations and thoughts on positive thinking and success filled the walls of her study room at home. Thus, when she was affected with cancer, it shocked the family. However, Tavleen did not panic, remained composed and faced the treatment bavely. She always kept the spirit of her parents high. Ultimately, her untimely death on 12th October 2008 could have shattered the family, but as Dr. Sahib writes, her courage, will power, fighting attitude and service spirit motivated him to do something for the suffering humanity. Thus, he founded the trust in her name at Indore. Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam had motivated Dr. Narang to form this organization in her memory for all kind of welfare works which she would have done. In addition to the annual inspirational lecture program, annual journal is also published by them. The organization also helps other organizations in fulfilling their objects and completing their projects. The contact details of the organization are Address: 336R, Khatiwala Tank, Indore, (MP), India, contact number is +91-9009004020 and email is tavleenfoundation@gmail.com and info@tavleenfoundation.com

Panthak Taalmel Sangathan

Now we will talk of those Sikh organizations which are working as Umbrella organizations in different countries. Some of these organizations are the Management organizations of main Gurdwaras of those places. As the committee members of such Gurdwaras are followed by the Sangat, they become the leaders and represent the sangat while dealing with different authorities. Sometimes, when a number of Sikh organizations unite to form a collegium, that collective group becomes an Umbrella organization. For example Panthak Talmel Sangathan in Punjab is one such group. It owes its origin to the historic seminar organized by Kes Sambhal Parchar Sanstha on 7th May 2011 at Bhai Veer Singh Sahitya Sadan, New Delhi. The subject of discussion was ‘How to bring unity and uniformity among the Sikhs’. A large number of speakers were invited from different religious, social and political groups. Many of them were opponents of others, but the sanstha emphasized that the subject being crucial, nobody should go beyond the subject. Personal comments or remarks were not permitted. The seminar went smoothly and at the end all agreed that efforts should be continued to bring such a unity among different groups by holding subsequent meetings at different places. This was followed by meetings wherein various organizations were invited, at Chandigarh, Amritsar, Jalandhar and Ludhiana. In the course of meeting at Ludhiana, it was decided that all such organizations which have been taking interest in such a move, be united in a collegium. It started with more than 50 organizations which agreed for this decision and the said collegiums was named as ‘Panthak Taalmel Sangathan’. It was decided that by constituting this collegiums no new organization will be formed, nor any office bearer will be appointed therein. It will be a group of all the organizations constituting the Path promoting the golden concept of Guru Granth and Guru Panth as given by the tenth Master. This Taalmel Sangathan identified a number of Panthak issues which need to be decided after obtaining the collective wisdom of the Panth by following the golden principle as given in Gurbani :

– (SGGS, pg. 1185)

Gyani Kewal Singh (9356133804), former Jathedar, Damdama Sahib, Talwandi Sabo was made convener. The first thing PTS did was to check the use of alcohol and drugs during elections held in 2012. The PTS group under him visited a large number of villages in Punjab and convinced the people to use their vote without any temptation like that of alcohol etc. Such a step helped in reducing such a use to a great extent. The movement was intensified with the efforts to spread the message that all the Sikh organization should join hands in enlarging the Taalmel Sangathan not merely for increasing its number, but for enriching the same with their valuable views and suggestions. It is in this context only that Giani Kewal Singh and a group from the Taalmel Sangathan visited various Gurdwaras in Delhi and Punjab for interacting with the Singh Sabha Committees managing such Gurdwaras as to clarify them the concept of ‘Taalmel’. Giani Ji also visited a number of other Indian states to elicit the support of the people. It was made clear to all the organizations that each and every organization will continue to do its work with its own office bearers and the Taalmel Sangathan in no way will interface with their functioning and the objects to be achieved. It will only act as a coordinator among all the organizations being the constituents of a bigger and broader group. Gradually, when some more organizations joined the sangathan, Akal Purakh ki Fauz headed by S. Jaswinder Singh Advocate (9814898802) also became a part of this organization. S. Jaswinder Singh Advocate became very active in Sangathan’s activities and started acting as Deputy Convener along with Giani Kewal Singh Ji. They associated with S. Sukhdev Singh Bhaur and other likeminded people to initiate the constitution of a panthak assembly which was formed on the lines of Punjab Assembly. It held its first session on 20th Oct 2018 at Amritsar. The committee which was formed to convene this session was comprised of S. Jaswinder Singh Advocate, Navkiran Singh, Prof. Jagmohan Singh, S. Jagmohan Singh, S. Sukhdev Singh Bhaur and S. Kanwarpal Singh. The session was attended by representatives of various Sikh organizations, including people from various parts of the Indian subcontinent and USA and Dubai. In this session ten resolutions were passed relating to various panthak issues like ban on the activities of Sauda Dera at Sirsa, suitable action for Bargari and Behbal Kalan incidents and installation of the portraits of Bhai Kishan Bhagwan Singh and Bhai Gurjeet Singh, the martyrs of Behbal Kalan police firing in the gallery of martyrs at the Central Sikh Museum Amritsar.

Madhya Pradesh Chhattisgarh Kendri Sri Guru Singh Sabha

There are some organizations on city level, state level and national level which can be treated as Umbrella organizations. Madhya Pradesh Chhattisgarh Kendri Sri Guru Singh Sabha is one such organization on state level, presently concerned with two states. This is one of the oldest Singh Sabha Organisations stationed at Gurdwara TT Nagar Bhopal in the state of Madhya Pradesh. When, following Singh Sabha movement, the organizations like Chief Khalsa Dewan, SGPC and Shiromani Akali Dal came into being, it was the need to expand their activities in such a way that all the Sikhs living in different parts of the country feel attached to them. Thus, when the centenary of Singh Sabha Movement was celebrated in 1973, the SGPC President, S. Gurcharan Singh Tohra appointed a centenary committee under the able chairmanship of S. Hukam Singh, former speaker of Lok Sabha. It was this committee which decided to hold seminars, discussions and big congregations in different states as a part of the celebrations. In Madhya Pradesh also, various Singh Sabhas were setup and for the purpose of bringing them together a central body called central singh sabha was also established in 1974. Distinguished Sikhs in Madhya Pradesh at that time were associated with this Central Singh Sabha. Dr. Santokh Singh of Bhopal has been one such prominent figure. He was one of the founders of All India Sikh Student Federation (along with S. Sarup Singh, S. Amar Singh Ambalwi and others). Since the formation of this Central singh Sabha in 1973, he has been its patron. In the year 2000, when Chhattisgarh state was made a separate state, this Central Singh Sabha became Madhya Pradesh Chhattisgarh Central Singh Sabha. Presently 11 Singh Sabha committees are working in different cities of these two states under the supervision of the Central Organisation. Their main tasks are to organise programmes for the young Sikh Children with a view to keep them tied to their Gursikhi Roots. The Central organisation holds every year an annual Samagam in which most of the Singh Sabhas assemble and deliberate on the Panthak issues. These annual celebrations have been organised in different towns like Indore, Raipur, Jabalpur, Durg, Ujjain, Bhopal, Sagar and Gwalior. The 30th Annual Samagam was held on 29th and 30th September 2018 at Gwalior. In the last samagam, whereas a good number of representatives of the Singh Sabhas of different cities of the states participated, some scholars from other states like Dr. Harbhajan Singh, Dehradun, Dr. Inderjeet Singh Gogoani from Amritsar and S. Khushal Singh from Chandigarh also participated as expert speakers on the subject “the role of Gurdwaras in connecting the Sikh youth to gursikhi”. Valuable suggestions were
published in Souvenier which was distributed and sent to various Singh Sabhas.

In addition to the annual functions, the organisation also arranges various mini sessions/meetings and holds Gurmat awareness camps for the guidance of the upcoming generation. During the last two years such camps have been organized at Bhopal, Indore and Ratlam. An interstate Gurmat Awareness camp was also organised at Gurdwara Nanak Jheera, Bidar. Hundred children were imparted Gurmat education and participated in various competitions held in the camps. In these camps, the participants are also given training in Martial Arts like Gatka. The next interstate Gurmat Education Camp has been planned from 6th June to 11th June 2018 at Gurdwara Sri Reetha sahib, Champavat (Uttrakhand).
One significant task of this organisation has been their taking care of Sikligars. They have started many projects with a view to bring them in the main stream. Their project for the welfare of Gurdwara Hazoori Singh (priests) is also appreciable. During the last two years, they have helped them in getting education for their children and the medical aid required by them. 54 children from their families are now being supported for meeting their educational expenses further a good number of ladies have been helped by giving them sewing –knitting machines to increase their earning. This Kendri Singh Sabha has also being entrusted to send the names of the persons who want to visit Pakistan and arrange visas for them. A good number of persons from Madhya Pradesh were sent on the occasion of Vaisakhi 2018. The organisation is also publishing Madhaya Pradesh News Letter from time to time wherein articles of Sikh religion are given and the activities of the organisation and their forthcoming programmes are informed to the people. The organisation also coordinates not only with various other Sikh organisations including Sri Akal Takht Sahib, SGPC, DSGMC etc., but also interacts with the Government Departments on behalf of the Sikhs of Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. The present President of the organisation in S. Gurdeep Singh (M.: 9826082000), S. Surinder Singh is the General Secretary and S. Manjeet Singh is the Additional General Secretary. The contact nos. of the organisation are 9993374885 (M.) and 0755-4912467 (Landline). Its email is mpcgksgss@gmail.com.

The Pune Camp Sikh Association

This Association was registered vide registration No. A-924 under the BPT Act 1950 in the year 1957. It was aimed at promoting activities for the benefit of the people, the Sikh Community in particular. Sardar Sant Singh Mokha who is presently the Chairman of the Building Committee, was one of key persons to launch its activities. The first main activity of the Organization was to construct a Gurdwara at a conspicuous place in the Pune City. Three acres of land in Pune Cantonment area was earmarked for this purpose. Sardar Kartar Singh Anand made strenuous efforts to take No Objection Certificate from Ministry of Defence and the construction was started. Earlier the Gurdwara was known as Hollywood Gurdwara as it was built at the site of a Hall where earlier entertainment programmes were organised. Later on, the Sikh Sangat wanted to change its name as Gurdwara Guru Nanak Darbar. Then President Sardar Balwant Singh Anand got the land registered in the name of the Gurdwara. Gradually, Hospital was attached to the Gurdwara but a separate Committee was formed to manage its affairs. Similarly, Guru Nanak Public School and a Junior College were added. The old Gurdwara Building was demolished and a large new building has been constructed in the recent past under the guidance of Sardar Harminder Singh Ghai and Sardar Sant Singh Mokha. Sardar Harminder Singh Ghai remained President of Gurdwara for a number of years. Presently Gurdwara provides services for community kitchen, hospital, school & a Sarai (lodging) for all the people. A Sikh historical museum has also been added. Regular Management Committee is headed by Sardar Charanjit Singh Sahani as President (M – 9822029221) Sardar Balwant Singh Oberai (M – 9822099456) is the Secretary of the Organization. The Chairman and Vice-Chairman of Guru Nanak Public School and Junior College are Sardar Harminder Singh Ghai and Sardar Kuljeet Singh Chaudhary. Sardar Jagjeet Singh Khalsa is Chairman of Guru Nanak Medical Foundation while Sardar Harminder Singh Ghai is Vice-Chairman. The entire team organises Blood Donation Camp twice a year and health checkup camps after every three months.

Sikh Council of Pakistan

The Pakistan Sikh Council is an organisation which works for the rights of Sikh community in Pakistan. This organisation was started by S. Ramesh Singh Khalsa, who is now the Patron-in-Chief of the organisation. When he was honoured with recognition in the Sikhs in charity section of the World Sikh Award in Canada, he made it clear that Pakistan is a safe country for Sikh and there is no danger for Sikh religion and 25000 Sikhs living there.

This organisation is based at Nankana Sahib and takes up the Sikh issues wherever they arise in the country. The Patron of the organisation is S. Ramesh Singh Khalsa. The contact no. of this Council at Nankana Sahib is +923008467096.

Sikh Sewaks Australia

It is a non- profitable organization based in Melbourne & was formed in 2010 with the objective of providing a platform for individuals, families and the whole Sikh Community in Australia (mainly in Melbourne) to connect with each other, to grow as a family and community, in all areas of life – Religiously, Economically, Culturally and to reclaim the ‘Wow” Factor/”Shain-Shahi” that Guru Gobind Singh Ji blessed us with. The intent is also to encourage and motivate people to make a difference in themselves and the society, through Simran and Sewa while leading a healthy, happy and spiritual lifestyle. A note regarding their activities as sent by them is reproduced hereunder :

RELIGIOUS ACTIVITIES

Gurmat Family Camps – which are held twice a year, with a participation of about 600 people, thus far and in each of our camp there are approximately 40 to 50 people that partake Khandeh Di Pahul.

Weekly Simran programs in houses and other house Divans, which is a totally free sewa, including the swaroop of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Kirtan, Ardaas and all required Utensils/Carpets

Gurbani Santhiya and Gurmukhi classes (Beginners, Intermediate and Advance) and Kirtan Classes as well as ongoing special Jaap and spiritual growth programs

Special Leadership and life coaching programs as well as programs to develop new parcharaks and kirtanias

The participation in these programs and initiatives has increased and has extended to other states in Australia as well as India, New Zealand and UK.

OUR IMMEDIATE PLANS

Over the years, SSA has grown and to accommodate, manage and facilitate the future plans and activities, a bigger place was needed. With the grace of Guru Nanak Dev ji and the Blessings of Baba Deep Singh ji, SSA has thus purchased an acreage in Devon Meadows, Victoria to house Dhan Dhan Baba Deep Singh Ji’s Asthaan.

SSA has formulated a 100 year vision for Shahida Sahib which will be shared progressively.
To start with, besides the existing programs, we will be introducing:

Sepahi training – Archery & Horse Riding training together with Shastar making.
Self Mastery/Self Improvements programs.
Youth Leadership Programs.
Living Skills for kids – To help kids understand principles of life & live gracefully.
Family Relationship programs
Marriage Counselling
Self-defence – for all ages (special class for women)
Business Advice/setup – Financial Planning and Property investment programs (this service is already in place- which we hope to extend)
Vocational training programs

FINANCIAL & WELFARE ACTIVITIES

A support system for students and new migrants to Australia

Providing free accommodation and food until they are able to stand on their own feet,
Helping migrant families and students acquire rental properties and providing them with basic furniture/amenities if needed and helping Students resolve Visa and PR Issues.
Including them into a job network so that they can find suitable jobs
Helping deserving families with financial assistance and also students with tuition fees assistance (this sewa has also been extended to India based on discretion and funds)
Providing Advice, Guidance and Seminars on Financial Planning and Property Investment.

HELP LINE & SUPPORT

Helping in family crisis, problems and disputes, financial issues, student visa, fees etc

Providing an atmosphere of an extended family – a sense of belonging and love.
Providing a platform for discussion of common family issues – upbringing of children, teenage problems, education planning, mentoring and growth in all areas of life.

SOCIAL ACTIVITIES

Outings and Recreational activities
Special classes – cooking, sewing etc
Birthday parties
Ongoing Fitness Programs”

All their programmes are claimed to have been funded by the Daswand contribution made by the Core Sewadaars of Sikh Sewaks.
Their Contacts are, Swaran Singh +61430032577 and Amritpal Singh +61425330555. Their Webiste is www.sikhsewaksaustralia.org / face book: SikhSewaksAustralia.

American Sikh Council

When the world Sikh Council was formed, its chapters in various countries including USA were created. However, when the World Sikh Council failed to achieve results, most of the chapters came to a close. The American Chapter of the World Sikh Council continued to function with a new name as Americal Sikh Council. Almost all the Gurdwaras in America became members of this Council. Thus the said organization is an umbrella organization of Sikh and Gurdwara organization in the United States, generally called as the voice of Sikhs in America. It is the purpose of the ASC to represent the interest of the American Sikh Community at interdaith, government, social and civic levels within United States and Internationally. In addition, it helps in resolving the conflicts among the members of organizations and also provides various other services to them. This council is an active member of the Global Sikh Council (GSC), an organization of national level Sikh Organizations from various countries. The head office of this organization is as per PO Box 3635, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA. It can be contacted on phone no. 888-340-1702 and e-mail:contact@americansikhcouncil.org.

When the World Sikh Council formed in 2005 as a parent organization to multiple regular branches in different parts of the world, failed to work efficiently, another effort was made in 2008 to organize a worldwide Sikh Organization. This organization actually came into being in the year 2014 when the people like S. Gulbarg Singh Bassi of Atlanta, USA and S. Bawa Singh Jagdev of Australia made efforts to hold an international conference in this regard. The first meeting of National level Sikh Organizations from different countries was hosted by National Sikh Council of Australia in Sydney on Feb. 28 – March 2, 2014. Representatives from Australia, Thailand, UK and US attended the meeting and initiated the establishment of Global Sikh Council with basic understanding of the structure and Vision, Mission, Goals and Objectives. The next meeting was held on July 31 – August 2, 2015 in London, UK.

By this time the Global Sikh Council had six national level Sikh organizations, one each, from Australia, Canada, Malaysia, Pakistan, UK and US as the founding members. The representatives from current and potential member organizations formally approved the GSC Constitution and selected an ad-hoc committee consisting of Gulbarg Singh Basi of US as President, Lady Kanwaljit Kaur of UK as Vise President, Gurdeep Singh Kundan of Switzerland as Secretary, Haecharan Singh of Malaysia as Treasurer and Jatinder Singh Uppal of Thailand as In charge Media and Public Relations. The first meeting of the GSC was held in Paris, France on March 18-20, 2016. By this time national level Sikh organizations from India and Dubai had already joined GSC. Then, GSC started to discuss the issues facing the worldwide Sikh community. Gurdial Singh of France had invited a large number of active Sikhs community members from various other countries. Many an important resolutions were passed keeping in line with the motto of “One Granth, One Panth” and stressing the universal implementation of the Nanakshahi Calendar of 2003 in addition to initiating efforts on project like developing bilingual Sikh Parcharaks. National level Sikhs organizations from France, Germany, Italy Kenya, Portugal, Spain, and Switzerland joined the GSC. The Global Sikh Council had a good ground by the end of this meeting. The Global Sikh Council (GSC) was formed in 2014 as a result of concerns felt by diaspora Sikhs over the mushrooming of various deras run by sants and babas, who mislead gullible Sikhs to follow distorted versions of our Gurus’ teachings. GSC is a worldwide Sikh organization with membership of national level Sikh Organization from around around the world. No self appointed leaders or an agent of any political party, religious clergy or governmental agency can be a member of GSC. It’s representatives are selected by the member organization to form the General Body of the Global Sikh Council. The member representatives in turn select the Board, and the Executive Committee.

The constitution of the GSC requires members to be true to the Gurus’ teachings, contained in the Guru Granth Sahib, and promote the very unifying final order of Guru Gobind Singh, ‘Sabh Sikhan ko Hukam hai, Guru Manio Granth’. GSC
believes that Guru Granth Sahib is the only Guru of the Sikhs and strictly no other scriptures should be placed parallel to the Guru Granth Sahib in any gurdwaras or any Sikh events wherever to whenever these might happen in any part of the world. Rehat Maryada states, ‘No other book should be afforded the same reverence as the Guru Granth Sahib.’

The Global Sikh Council also believes that the Sikh Rehat Maryada published in 1945 by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee is the code of conduct to be followed by Sikhs in their daily life. GSC promotes the general guidance of the 1945 Rehat Maryada in bringing to Sikh teachings contained in the Guru Granth Sahib into our daily life.

The 2017 Conference and AGM of Global Sikh Council was held in Kuala Lampur, Malaysia on March 24-26, 2017. The Malaysia Gurdwara Council under the leadership of Jagir Singh organized and hosted this three day meet. The conference addressed issued such as Continued Distortion of Sikhi message. The SGPC its actual and assumed role, history, authority and subjugation of Jathedars, Sikhi going forward, streamlining Gurmat Education, Sikhism and its propagation as a future world religion. Presently the following members serve on the 2017 Executive Committee: Lady Kanwaljit Kaur of UK as President, Ajmer Singh of Australia as Vice President, Gurdeep Singh Kudan of Switzerland as Secretary, Harcharan Singh of Malaysia as Asstt. Secretary/Treasurer and Gurpreet Singh of India as Media and Public Relations In charge.

The World Sikh Organization of Canada

When a large number of Sikhs suffered at the time of operation Blue Star and then after the Sikh genocide following the death of Prime Minister Smt. Indra Gandhi in 1984, Sikhs all over the world felt concerned about their future. The World Sikh Organization (WSO) was formed after an international gathering of Sikhs on July 28, 1984 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, NY which included several thousand people from the United States, Canada, Great Britain, and several countries in the far east. The organisation was formed with two branches, WSO-Canada and WSO-America, and headquarters in Ottawa and New York. It was meant to be a non profit organization whose goal was “to provide an effective, credible voice to represent Sikh interests on the world stage and to promote and protect the interests of the Sikh Diaspora”, and “promote and advocate for” human rights. As many of the founders of this organization were supporters of a separate Sikh home land, it could not attack a large number of people towards its mission. Later on the WSO of Canada was separately registered with the Government of Canada on 24th September 2009 as non profit organization with a wider mission to promote and protect the interests of Canadian Sikhs as well as to promote and advocate for the protection of human rights for all individuals, irrespective of race, religion, gender, ethnicity, and social and economic status S. Gian Singh…… Since then this organization became a spokes-body of the Sikhs of Canada and helped in resolving differences among members and member organizations by doing liaison with Government and non Government agencies and has successfully watched the interest and the rights of the Sikhs. It has always insured not to do anything which is contrary to the doctrines and ethics of Sikhism and the law of the land. Its efforts have enabled the Sikhs many times to wear their articles of faith at different places.

It has also spread awareness about Sikhs, their rights and identity through seminars, events, interfaith work and community outreach programs. It was this organization which worked with Ammerdeep Singh and the Yellow Cab taxi company to reach a mutually acceptable resolution regarding the company’s dress code and his style of turban. On July 7th, Mr. Singh’s ID was frozen due to an alleged violation of Yellow Cab’s driver dress code. The issue in question was that of Mr. Singh’s choice of turban style. WSO worked with Yellow Cab to create a formal turban dress code policy for the company’s Sikh drivers. For further details regarding World Sikh Organisation, Canada, an uncommon Road by S. Gian Singh Sidhu can be referred.

In October 2011, WSO helped Seneca College student Jaspreet Singh secure the right to freely wear his kirpan on campus, and worked with Seneca College in developing a policy document with respect to the kirpan as well as training materials for faculty, students and security. The Human Rights Law Network (HRLN) and the World Sikh Organization of Canada (WSO) announced the inauguration of the Khalra Centre for Human Rights Defenders in New Delhi during a conference held in collaboration with other human rights groups from across India on November 19th and 20th, 2011. The Centre has been established to serve as a legal resource for human rights defenders who find themselves in danger or who are attacked and also to undertake research into human rights issues. The foundation of the Centre was welcomed by the human rights defenders present and all attendees rose to pay their respects to the memory of S. Khalra. The present president of the organization S. Mukhbir Singh informed that a helpline has been setup in Canada for helping the people of Sikh community as well as others who needed any help. The helpline no 1-800-551-9128 is supported by Punjabi community help services and catholic family services of peel-dufferin. Anybody having a problem regarding immigration or discrimination could approach. This Sikh family helpline by registering his name, contacts and description of his problems through mail. The helpline is open for 24 hrs.

Sikh Federation (U.K.)

Sikh Federation (U.K.) is claimed as the largest Sikh organisation in the United Kingdom which works with the main political parties to promote relevant issues. It was established in September 2003 with the aim of giving Sikhs a stronger political voice by taking an increasing interest in the main stream politics of U.K. It has fifteen members executive panel that manages and drives its agenda and activities, supported by a national and regional structure with local membership. It’s present Chairman is Bhai Amrik Singh Gill.

Sikh Volunteers Australia

This is a non profit organization aimed at spreading the massage of Sikhism to help the humanity. They are a group of volunteers who work together with other communities for creating awareness about Sikhism, Sikh values and above all the Sikh community. That is why they participate with their local council in all the major events in Victoria State of Australia. These events include Australia Day, Anzac Day and Run for kids etc.

Supreme Sikh Council of Australia

This organization based at 9 Skehn Place, Epping, VIC 3076 works on the following projects.

Working to get the Sikh Genocide recognized in Australia
Representing Sikhs in various interfaith and Intercultural Organizations/councils.
Providing Sikh Chaplaincy services.
Organizing the Sikh Blood Donation Drive
Uniting the Sikhs in Australia
Liaising with various departments on issues faced by Sikhs
Working international Sikh Projects and taking part in International Peace dialogues.

Sikh Naujawan Sabha Malaysia

This organization had come into existence in KualaLumpur in Malaysia in the year 1966. The founders of this organization were the most revered Sikhs living in Malaysia at that time. They included Sant Baba Sohan Singh Ji, S. Gurbachan Singh (Head Master), Master Joginder Singh Ji, S. Hardayal Singh Ji Seremban, Master Manjeet Singh, Master Karminder Singh, S. Sarabjeet Singh Bassian and S. Sangat Singh, Ham Radio enthusiast and space communication expert. Since then this sabha has been organizing at least one samelan every year. Samelans are also assisted and conducted today all over South East Asia as far as Australia and New Zealand. In fact, virtually every weekend there is either a mini-samelan or some other Sabha activity in some part of Malaysia including Sabah and Sarawak. The annual samelan is normally held in a university or technical college and averages about 1000 participants and about 300 sewadars providing Langar, security and also home trained facilitators fully versed in Sikhi parchar, kirtan and katha just before Christmas. A samelan climaxes with an amrit sanchar ceremony for those inspired and prepared to make their commitment to their Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji.

The Sabha being the umbrella organization of Malaysia has several other activities also besides the samelans mentioned above. These activities include relief work, leadership workshops and excursions. The Sabha is also involved in : Vaisakhi celebrations; Punjabi Bhasha Melas; shudh path reading competitions, naujawan and teens kirtan competitions, leadership, self-improvement and career courses for school leavers and college students; one parent family relief, special workshops for widows, orphans and divorced mothers on self-improvement techniques, career advice and assistance; temporary accommodation for needy families until they get accommodation, organising kirtenias, percharaks and kathakars to tour all parts of Malaysia and assisting Gurdwaras to organise their programmes and activities. A T&D (training & development) arm has been set up to develop training and development programmes by human resource development experts from within the Sabha membership.
The Sabha has also groomed local talent in doing kirtan, bi-lingual inspirational sessions and parchar for Sikh youth in Punjabi, English and even in the local Malay (Bahasa) language. Sabha sewadars do amazing work throughout Malaysia making Langar, helping in Gurdwaras and inspiring the young. Dr. Jasbir Singh (contact no +60 12-6839961) is presently the president of this Naujawan Sabha. The contact details of this organization are address is 11A, Jalan Kuantan, Titiwangsa, Wilayah Persekutuan, 53200 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and contact number is +60 3-4021 0313.

British Sikh Association

British Sikh Association is a social organization, which organizes various functions wherein Punjabis and Sindhis having faith is Sikhism assemble to discuss issues of common interest. Sometimes, seminars, discussions and interactions with other people living in UK are also organized. An annual feature is a dinner get together, where concerned authorities including the Indian Embassy people are invited to apprise them of certain demands of Punjabis, particularly the Sikhs. For example, when the annual dinner was hosted last year at the Lancaster Hotel, London to celebrate Vaisakhi Festival, the chief guest was, the Defence Secretary, Rt. Hon. Sir Michael Fallon MP. Over 650 distinguished personalities of UK were present on this occasion including the high Commissioner of India, his Excellency, Sh. Y. K. Sinha. It was during this get together that Dr. Sukhbir Singh Kapoor OBE, Secretary General of the organization raised the issue of resurrecting a Sikh regiment within the British Army to keep alive the bravery of those who defended the empire with their lives. Chairman Dr. Rami Ranger CBE, FRSA elicited the support of the dignitaries present there including Sh. Varinder Sharma MP for South Hall and Ealing for the erection of a memorial in South Hall for the fallen Sikh soldiers. During this year, this demand has been accepted and such a memorial has been planned to be erected shortly.

Hong Kong Sikh Youth

This organization of Hong Kong is aimed at strengthening the community in that country. They organize programs for the youth for motivating them to do something for the community as well as for others which may apprise the people about Sikh religion. For example, in the recent years a number of Sikh youth were given training for the first aid with a view to develop the life saving skills of the young Sikhs. This training was imparted in association with another Sikh organization known as Bhai Khanaiya Ji Education & the Hong Kong ST Ambulance. Bhai Khanaiya Ji Education organizes Sikh youth camps and also blood donation camps at the Gurdwara premises. S. Jasmeet Singh heads this organization. It may be mentioned here that all Sikh organizations in Hong Kong derive support and strength from Gurdwara Khalsa Diwan which is the central point of Sikh activities.

Ensaaf

Ensaaf is a non-profit organisation working to end impunity and achieve justice for mass state crimes in India, with a focus on Punjab, by documenting abuses, bringing perpetrators to justice, and organising survivors. Ensaaf means justice in many South Asian languages. Ensaaf has established an international reputation for innovative and effective advocacy, working with India’s preeminent human rights attorneys and the world’s foremost human rights organisations. Its multimedia platform brings together videos, photo essays and podcasts as well as contemporary interviews to enlighten the people about their rights and the cases in this regard. Conferences, academic workshops and presentations are other methods of enlightening the people. Ensaaf also believes that killing of Sikhs in 1984 could not be described as riots. It was a planned genocide of the Sikhs and if this concept is accepted, it becomes easy to give and get the justice. Its Board of Director is headed by S. Gurinder Singh Ahluwalia and Jaskaran Kaur, the co-founder of the organisation is the co-Director. The organisation based in USA as per the address PO Box 11682 Pleasanton. CA 94588 can be contacted on phone no. 2068665642.

Jakara Movement

Jakara Movement is a Grass Roots Community Building Organization. It is a 501 (C) (3) non profit organization. EIN: 26-3225754. It was created to forge a Gurmat inspired generation through creative leadership development, community organising and social activism. With the faith that a world of engaged communities, strong families, healthy individuals and inspired youth was possible, this organization was born at the time of a conference at Fresno, wherein it was realized that the participation of the younger generation should have been more and active. Thus, some young friends created a website on 22nd June 2000 and proclaimed their mission as “A call to the next generation of Sikhs from all places, backgrounds, and points of view to reflect on our past and prepare for our future.” With this mission, the organization went further and made their organization a movement for the youth. It became an institution for the recruitment and training of volunteers and a hub for the Sikh Californian youth. With a focus on education, health, gender and social justice, the Jakara Movement inclusively engages large section of the Sikh youth in various projects to strengthen their identity and consciousness as Sikhs, foster education through service-learning and inspire activism and volunteerism within the greater Qaum. Members of the Jakara family have helped organize a community
radio station, camps for primary and secondary students, as well as community revival and educational forums.

The Jakara Movement of Fresno, California had taken a great initiative in 2013, when, in association with VC Berkley Sikh Students Association, organized a unique program, called Kaur Voices, wherein Sikh girls were invited to share their stories. This program was repeated in 2014 & 2015. This movement has started a new fellowship programme for the students whereby they are provided a platform and access to resources for designing, implementing and evaluating their own projects. This fellowship aims to promote diverse projects that keep in mind the principle of Sarbat da Bhala, the Sikh value of the welfare of all. This Fellowship has been established in order to seed projects designed with the understanding of the root causes of social injustice, which can be implemented in local communities to provide innovative solutions to pressing issues. The applicants for this fellowship are required to provide an initial description, purpose and budget for the project in their mind. The purpose of the project can be related to mental health, welfare of the elderly people or any other purpose of uplifting the community.
Jakara movement conference during this year was held in California. This was named as Lalkaar whereby the youngsters were called to become a part of this movement. In addition to the educational opportunities afforded by the conference, Lalkaar provided great networking opportunities for young Sikhs, allowing them to forge durable bonds with the community. Lalkaar has provided a forum to discuss such issues for over a decade now. This movement is being carried on by a number of persons throughout USA. S. Naindeep Singh is the Executive Director. Ramandeep Kaur, Palvinder Kaur, Kanwaljeet Kaur, Simranjeet Singh and Manpreet Kaur are the other youngsters who represent different areas and the tasks assigned to them.The contact details of this organisation are address Jakara Movement, 6089 N 1st Street, Suite 102, Fresno, CA 93710-5464, Email: info@jakara.org.

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