GNDU to create archive of literature on ninth Sikh Guru

 According to Tribune “ Vice-chancellor of Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU), Prof Karamjeet Singh, today announced that the university is going to create a digital archive of all the literature related to the ninth Sikh Guru, Tegh Bahadur. Prof Karamjeet Singh, in his presidential address at the two-day national conference dedicated to the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur, said, "We will compile all primary sources related to Sikhism into a central digital archive, enabling scholars worldwide to access them." He emphasised that Sikhism imparts not just knowledge but also wisdom and self-confidence, freeing individuals from inner fears.

The two-day national conference is being held in the auditorium hall of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Study Centre in collaboration with the Department of Guru Nanak Studies and the Department of Political Science. The theme of the conference was 'Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji: Martyrdom and Moral Consciousness'. In the inaugural session of the conference, Prof Karamjit Singh, along with the keynote speaker, noted Sikh thinker and scholar, Prof Amarjit Singh Grewal, Prof Manjit Singh (former Jathedar, Sri Akal Takht Sahib), Prof Sarbjinder Singh (Vice-chancellor, Sunny Oberoi Vivek Sadan Futuristic University, Sri Anandpur Sahib), were the main speakers.

Prof Amarjit Singh Grewal emphasised that Guru Tegh Bahadur gave the slogan of "Baari Meet Saman". "He was the champion of rights for all, irrespective of their religion or faith. He is remembered for his poetry as much as for his sacrifice," he said.

Prof Manjit Singh (former Jathedar, Sri Akal Takht Sahib), said that there is a need to understand the secrets of the life of Guru Tegh Bahadur through the episodes mentioned in Sikh religious literature. "When Guru Sahib gives important messages like 'Harakh Sog Te Rahai Niaro' and 'Kanchan Mati Manai', he inspires to live a joyful life," he said.

Prof Sarbjinder Singh highlighted the uniqueness of the concept of martyrdom in Sikhism from the perspective of theology in the context of the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur. "He made us feel proud of the spirit with which Guru Sahib Ji himself attained martyrdom, only known in Sikhism. For this reason, we should be proud of our heritage and live our lives being aware and practicing the teachings of our Gurus."

Vice-chancellor Prof Karamjeet Singh said that in the era of technology, digitising the entire Sikh source texts related to the ninth Sikh Guru and announcing the Amritsar Declaration, which includes publication of the research papers of all the scholars who participated in this conference in book form, is a commitment towards creating awareness among the next generation.

UHNM joins forces with local Sikh community to deliver health and wellbeing event in Stoke-on-Trent

 According to UHNM “ UHNM joins forces with local Sikh community to deliver health and wellbeing event in Stoke-on-Trent 

University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust (UHNM) is joining forces with local Sikh leaders to promote cancer screening and healthy lifestyles for early detection and treatment.

A special health and wellbeing event will take place at Guru Nanak Gurdwara and Sikh Cultural Centre in Stoke-on-Trent on Friday 14 November 2025, bringing together the local Sikh community and healthcare partners to raise awareness of cancer prevention, promote NHS screening programmes, and support early detection to improve health outcomes.

The event is delivered in partnership with University Hospitals of North Midlands (UHNM) Cancer Screening Services, UHNM Population Health team, VAST and the local Sikh community. It aims to provide vital information on NHS cancer screening programmes and healthy lifestyle choices, helping reduce health inequalities.

Visitors will have the opportunity to: 

• Learn about NHS cancer screening programmes for bowel, breast, lung and cervical cancer.
• Speak directly with healthcare professionals about symptoms, early detection, and available support.
• Take part in wellbeing activities and receive guidance on diet, exercise, and mental health.
• Access to flu vaccinations for the eligible population.

Alex Nisbeck UHNM Public Health Practitioner said “These events play a vital role in improving community health. They provide opportunities for early detection of conditions like cancer, reduce health inequalities by reaching underserved groups, and build trust between healthcare providers and communities. They also promote preventative health through education on diet, exercise, and mental wellbeing, while creating a supportive environment where people can access advice and resources in a familiar setting.”

Sadaf Butt UHNM Organisational Development Consultant, said: "By working closely with faith groups and local leaders, we can ensure that everyone has access to life-saving information and services in a trusted and familiar environment."

 She added: "This event reflects UHNM’s continued commitment to working with communities to ensure better health outcomes for all. By bringing services into the heart of local communities, we can break down barriers and make healthcare more accessible and inclusive."

Chief Khalsa Diwan set to establish state-of-the-art school in Balachaur

 According to Tribune “ Chief Khalsa Diwan (CKD) is all set to expand its chain of 48 educational institutions by establishing a state-of-the-art new school in Balachaur on five acres of land generously donated by Sant Baba Daljit Singh Chicago Wale. The foundation stone of this upcoming institution was laid recently by Giani Raghbir Singh, Head Granthi, Sri Darbar Sahib, in the presence of prominent religious, social and political dignitaries.

During a meeting held today at the Chief Khalsa Diwan head office, CKD president Dr Inderbir Singh Nijjar shared that the Diwan’s remarkable contribution to education and moral upliftment has earned global recognition. “Inspired by this, philanthropists like Sant Baba Daljit Singh are placing immense trust in CKD by donating land to spread the light of knowledge that harmonizes modern education with spiritual values,” he said.

Dr Nijjar further informed that similar land donations have been offered to CKD in Jalandhar and Jammu and Kashmir, reflecting the growing faith and confidence of the people in the institution’s integrity and service. “The amalgamation of religion and science,” he emphasised, “is the foremost need of the modern era, and this school will mark a significant step in that direction.”

Appreciating the selfless contributions of Sant Baba Daljit Singh toward Panthic service and public welfare, Dr Nijjar announced that the new school would be developed as a model of world-class education, featuring modern science laboratories, digital classrooms, modern facilities, and sports infrastructure. Alongside advanced academics, students will also be nurtured with ethical values and Sikh principles, ensuring a holistic educational experience.

He expressed hope that this new CKD institution would become a centre of knowledge, ideals and spirituality, playing a vital role in ushering in a new era of value-based education for future generations.

Gurdwara blood drive sees dozens come forward

 According to BBC “ A Sikh gurdwara held a blood donor drive with dozens of people expressing an interest in donating. 

About 200 people discussed becoming a donor at an event at the Guru Nanak Gurdwara in Luton on Sunday. Twelve registered as new donors, with five of those making donation appointments. 

There is a critical shortage of donor blood from ethnic minorities in the UK. 

NHS statistics show fewer than 5% of blood donors last year were from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities, despite representing around 14% of the population. Gurch Randhawa is a professor of diversity in public health and also a sewadar (volunteer) at the gurdwara who helped organise the event. 

"Our University of Bedfordshire research focuses on understanding why there are lower rates of organ and blood donation amongst minority ethnic communities in this country," he said.

"A lot of that work shows there are low levels of awareness and a lack of trust in blood and organ donation.

"[At this event] we had the Sikh priests explaining to the congregation why blood donation is important and how it aligns with the Sikh concept of selfless service. It was fantastic. We had over 2,000 people at the gurdwara and a couple of hundred came downstairs to find out about becoming a potential blood donor."  Mary Adeturinmo, an assistant at the event, said it was all about "trying to recruit new blood donors to help our donor base".

"We're hoping to diversify and help save the lives of patients and countless patients in hospitals," she said.

One blood donation can save up to three lives.

A number of blood conditions, like sickle cell and thalassaemia most commonly affect people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. The best match typically comes from blood donors from the same ethnic background.

NHS Blood and Transplant helped organise the event which was only the second of its kind ever held at a place of worship in Luton. The health authority urged more places of worship in the region who were interested in hosting similar events to contact them. 

Mark Chambers, from NHS Blood and Transplant, said: "The NHS needs more Black and Asian donors to come forward to help patients who need blood from someone of a similar ethnicity.

"Giving blood is quick and easy. Our Luton Donor Centre has around 1,200 appointments available over the next six weeks."

BU Sikh Association promotes selfless service for Gurpurab

 According to Daily Free Express “ The Sikh Student Association at Boston University brought a slice of Sikh life to the BU community Wednesday afternoon with its celebration of Gurpurab at the George Sherman Union. 

Gurpurab celebrates Guru Nanak, the first of the 10 Sikh gurus and founder of the Sikh tradition. A day of ritual and reflection, Gurpurab is one of the most sacred festivals celebrated by Sikhs.

Members of SABU spent the afternoon handing out complimentary samosas, mango lassi, pakoras and homemade chai to alleviate the stress of midterms season among BU students, Secretary Birinder Bachhal said.

One of the principal tenets of the holiday is seva, a form of selfless service for the betterment of humanity, which SABU members said they wanted to bring to the BU community. 

“You’re supposed to serve your community through your heart,” SABU President Sharleen Kaur  Sandhu said. “[Seva] means a lot to me, because I feel like we don’t see a lot of that nowadays, so I’m excited to have the opportunity to do this for [Guru Nanak’s] birthday today.”

SABU concluded the holiday with a trip to the gurdwara, or Sikh place of worship, where members shared langar — a communal meal — and sat together in prayer. 

“[Gurpurab] holds a nostalgic tone for me because growing up in America as a Sikh, it’s kind of hard to find your community,” Bachhal said. “But I think it’s a cool perspective as a college student, and I think I’m doing a great job employing [my religious practices] as best as I can.” 

Bachhal is from Long Island, New York, which he said has a dense Sikh population. The closest Sikh temples to BU are in Everett and Medford, which he said can pose challenges to his religious practices. 

Bachhal said although practicing Sikhism at BU is a “huge change” from the way he practiced back home, he tries to emulate his home practices to maintain his connection to Sikhism. 

Sandhu said she has only learned and grown into her faith more since coming to BU.

“I think it’s because we are so many people who are away from home trying to find ourselves and how we fit into this world,” she said. 

Bachhal said he believes BU can do a better job of being more inclusive toward more religious holidays. 

The BU Policy on Student Absence Due to Religious Observances protects students who are absent from class and exams and provides accommodations upon request. This is true of “all religious observances, within all religious traditions,” according to the policy. 

However, Bachhal said, in his experience, BU does not recognize Sikh holidays like Gurpurab on the same scale as other religions. He said SABU saw a large increase in turnout during their celebration Wednesday, so he hopes Gurpurab receives more recognition from the University.

“I think one of the more important things for BU [to do] is to recognize all these holidays from their student body and religions that they follow.” Bachhal said. “One step that BU could take forward is recognizing Gurpurab and giving resources to Sikh students across campus.”

Bachhal said he is looking forward to future Sikh celebrations as SABU’s turnout continues to grow. He emphasized the value of practicing seva on campus and getting more students involved.

“As college students, we tend to just be very individualized, and it’s nicer to give back to the community whenever you have the chance,” he said. 

Sikhs in Rail - Building a more inclusive industry - RailStaff 4th November 2025

 According to Rail Staff “ With the rail industry’s ongoing commitment to greater diversity and inclusion, it has been rewarding to help advance this mission by founding the first Sikh employee network: Sikhs in Rail – a dedicated community forum established to represent and support Sikh rail professionals across the UK. The network aims to advocate for the professional development of Sikh employees while ensuring their cultural and spiritual needs are respected. Across the construction and engineering industries, many Sikhs face workplace challenges that conflict with their religious practices. Most notably, this involves mandatory hard helmet policies, often enforced without adequate awareness of the legal exemptions for turban-wearing Sikhs.

For Sikhs, the turban is a royal insignia of the faith – a constant reminder of God’s presence and a symbol of unique identity, sovereignty, and distinction. Practically, it allows a Sikh to be recognised in times of need, aligning with the core Sikh principle of selfless service to humanity. It is not merely a garment, but a spiritual uniform that must be treated with the highest respect.

This belief is recognised in UK law. Sections 11 and 12 of the Employment Act 1989, amended by Section 6 of the Deregulation Act 2015, legally exempt turban-wearing Sikhs from any requirement to wear helmets. Yet, it can be disheartening for Sikh employees to have to continually defend or explain this right in professional settings.  Raising awareness of Sikh practices – and the laws protecting them – is essential. Sikhs in Rail is committed to helping rail businesses and their employees better understand Sikhism, and to support inclusive practices that honour the faith of Sikh colleagues.

Mandeep Singh, global marketing manager, rail at TUV Rheinland, shares: “For decades Sikhs have played an active role in railways, but their stories and experiences, both positive and negative, needed the stage and space to shine. As co-chair, I am excited about the work that Sikhs in Rail has already achieved, and will continue to do so.”  Since its launch, Sikhs in Rail has worked to raise awareness of Sikh identity through educational tours, presentations, and virtual ‘lunch and learn’ sessions. Its inaugural event brought colleagues together for a guided tour of one of East London’s largest Gurdwaras (Sikh temples), offering a safe space for attendees to ask questions about the religion, its places of worship, and its practices.

The day held special significance as all participants took part in the Ardaas and Hukamnama to officially launch the Sikhs in Rail network. Ardaas is a prayer in which Sikhs seek blessings and support from Guru Granth Sahib Ji, the eternal Guru of the Sikh faith. The Hukamnama is a hymn chosen from the Guru Granth Sahib Ji, delivered after the Ardaas as divine guidance. This allowed everyone present to witness and take part in a sacred tradition observed before any major life event in Sikhism.

The event concluded with a communal meal in the Gurdwara’s langar (free kitchen), where attendees learned about seva – the Sikh principle of selfless service – and how free meals are shared across all Sikh temples worldwide.

Sarabjeet Kaur, operational delivery lead at Transport for London (TfL) reflected: “It was a joy to share the beauty and values of Sikhi with so many colleagues, and then finishing up with langar – a shared meal that reflects the Sikh values of equality and community. Moments like these not only deepen understanding but also strengthen the bonds between our teams across TfL and with Sikhs in Rail.”  Following this, Sikhs in Rail has hosted a variety of virtual sessions in collaboration with Sikh charities and organisations, exploring the key principles of the faith. A recent session focused on female empowerment and how Sikhism has long championed gender equality. In contrast to patriarchal traditions that often restrict women’s roles, Sikhism – since its inception – has promoted the spiritual and social equality of women.

Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, was a revolutionary figure in advocating for women’s rights, rejecting societal norms that limited their roles. The Sikh faith not only supports gender equality but actively empowers women in worship, leadership, and service – placing their dignity and rights at the centre of both spiritual and societal progress.

This session was held after the devastating news of a racially-motivated rape of a Sikh woman in Oldbury. The attack highlighted the urgent need to provide a safe and supportive space for all women. Sikhs in Rail was honoured to spotlight the powerful legacy of Sikh women warriors and leaders in history. Preet Kaur Durhailay, roadworks officer at TfL, commented: “I was particularly intrigued to hear about how Sikh women have been motivated by their faith to contribute in the modern age by taking leadership roles and navigating through centuries-old cultural obstacles. The talk made me realise that as women in this modern world, our faith gives us the tools and confidence to go forth and do great things without letting anything hold us back!”  Sikhs in Rail is now preparing for its first Bandi Chor Divas (Sikh Diwali) event. This celebration will delve into the story behind the festival, which teaches the importance of justice and liberation. The event will also highlight Sikhism’s long-standing encouragement of political involvement and activism.

Special guests will include an esteemed panel of Sikh Members of Parliament: Tan Dhesi, the first turban-wearing Sikh MP in the UK; Preet Gill, the first female Sikh MP; and Jas Athwal, MP for Ilford South. Their presence underscores the growing representation of the Sikh community in UK politics

Sikhs in Rail looks forward to continuing to build connections across industries with individuals and organisations that are championing Sikh identity and values. The network is committed to engaging with other faith-based networks and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) communities to strengthen the rail industry’s collective commitment to inclusivity.

Sikh Museum Initiative marks 10 years of heritage and technology

 According to Tribune “ The Sikh Museum Initiative (SMI) has marked a remarkable milestone — 10 years of pioneering work in bringing Sikh history and heritage to new audiences through digital technology. From its modest beginnings as a community-led project to becoming a respected national and international presence, SMI’s journey has been one of innovation, perseverance, and collaboration.

Founded by historian Gurinder Singh Mann, the initiative was born out of a desire to connect younger generations with Sikh heritage through modern means. Over the past decade, SMI has worked with leading museums, universities, and grassroots organisations, developing projects that merge scholarship with cutting-edge technology. Collaborations with institutions such as the Royal Armouries, Victoria and Albert Museum, The National Trust, as well as private collections allowing rare Sikh artefacts to be researched, digitised, and shared with the wider public in unprecedented ways.

One of the hallmarks of SMI’s work has been its exploration of Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and 3D modelling to bring Sikh relics and historic spaces to life.

Working closely with technologist Taran Singh, a 3D developer, the team brought a range of Sikh relics into the digital realm, allowing audiences to interact with artefacts in ways never before possible.  The landmark exhibition “Anglo Sikh Wars: Battles, Treaties and Relics”, held between 2016 and 2017 at Newarke Houses Museum in Leicester, was the first Sikh exhibition to employ 3D technologies — enabling visitors to explore digitised relics and learn about the conflict between the Sikh Empire and the British through immersive digital storytelling. This groundbreaking approach laid the foundation for SMI’s later digital heritage projects.  Reflecting on his work with SMI, Taran Singh said, “It was a privilege to bring Sikh history to life using 3D technologies. These artefacts carry immense cultural and emotional significance, and by digitising them, we’ve helped make Sikh heritage accessible to people who might never see these treasures in person.”

However, as Gurinder Singh Mann point out, explaining these technologies to audiences unfamiliar with them posed unique challenges. “At first, visitors were fascinated but cautious,” said Mann. “Many had never experienced virtual heritage before, so part of our work was educational — helping people understand how VR or 3D scanning could transform museum engagement.”

Another major challenge has been gaining access to Sikh artefacts held within museums. Many of these collections are stored behind the scenes and not easily available for public display or research. Through persuasive dialogue, trust-building, and collaborative partnerships, SMI succeeded in working with museum curators to digitally document and interpret these items, allowing them to be seen by audiences across the world for the first time.

Technical hurdles were also significant. Creating accurate digital replicas of intricate artefacts demanded specialist equipment and expertise. The team faced challenges in ensuring historical accuracy while maintaining user-friendly design. Despite these complexities, the results have been transformative — offering immersive access to Sikh heritage beyond geographical and institutional barriers.

In 2023, SMI achieved another milestone by creating the first 3D installation in the UK at the Royal Armouries, allowing visitors to experience Sikh weaponry and artefacts in a digitally enhanced, immersive format — blending historical interpretation with state-of-the-art technology. The objects included an Akali Turban, a shield and a metal helmet.

Beyond digital innovation, the Sikh Museum Initiative has also curated two large-scale Contemporary Sikh art exhibitions (2018 & 2024) showcasing the work of global Sikh artists, celebrating contemporary creativity while reflecting on traditional themes and historical narratives within Sikh culture.

The SMI’s success lies not only in its technological achievements but also in its commitment to community collaboration. Through exhibitions, lectures, and outreach programmes, the initiative has brought together historians, developers, and local Sikh communities to rediscover shared heritage.

The tenth anniversary celebration at the University of Leicester brought together partners, supporters, and academics to reflect on SMI’s achievements and unveil new 3D-digitised Sikh artefacts. As the initiative enters its next decade, it remains committed to bridging past and future through interactive, digital experiences that preserve and share Sikh heritage for

generations to come.

The 3D-digitised Sikh artefacts created through SMI’s work can be explored on the Anglo Sikh Virtual Museum platform at www.anglosikhmuseum.com and can be contacted at info@sikhmuseum.org.uk.

Canada Post honours courage and sacrifice of Sikh soldiers with Remembrance Day stamp

 According to Voice Online “ AT the annual Sikh Remembrance Day Ceremony, held in Kitchener, Ontario, on Sunday, Canada Post unveiled its Remembrance Day stamp recognizing the long history of Sikh soldiers serving with the Canadian military.

More than a quarter million Sikh soldiers answered the call of duty for Britain and its allies during both world wars. In Canada, discrimination prevented many Sikhs from enlisting. Only 10 broke the barrier in the First World War – most fighting with the Canadian Expeditionary Force in Europe – including eight who joined before conscription.

As followers of Sikhism, which promotes equality regardless of race, class, gender or religion, the majority of these soldiers had the surname Singh (“lion” in Punjabi). Nearly a century later, research brought to light the forgotten stories of these and other Sikh soldiers in Canada, whose courage and resilience inspired future generations and helped build a more inclusive country.

At 22 years old, Private Buckam Singh was the youngest Canadian Sikh soldier to enlist. He was wounded and returned to action after recovering in hospital – only to be injured again. He was later diagnosed with tuberculosis and died from the disease in 1919. Private Singh’s resting place at Mount Hope Cemetery in Kitchener is the only known military grave in Canada of a Sikh soldier from the world wars. The Remembrance Day ceremony held at the site is one of the largest annual gatherings of Sikh soldiers and veterans in North America. About the stamp

Designed by Larry Burke and Anna Stredulinsky from Burke & Burke and illustrated by Parm Singh, the Private Singh stamp features an illustration of a Canadian Sikh soldier paying his respects in remembrance of those who have served. The background is an illustration of Private Buckam Singh’s grave at Mount Hope Cemetery in Kitchener, the stamp’s cancel location. The Poppy Design is a registered trademark of the Royal Canadian Legion, Dominion Command, and is used under licence.

The stamps and collectibles are available at canadapost.ca and postal outlets across Canada.