University of Khalsa Vision Takes Root: Seminar Held in Jammu Paves the Way for First Sikh University in California

 According to WFXRTV “ A historic step toward advancing Sikh higher education on the global stage was taken on June 29, 2025, with the successful hosting of a special seminar at Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha, Guru Nanak Nagar, Jammu. This pivotal event, organized in collaboration with the District Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (DGPC) Jammu, marked the formal announcement and first public discussion toward the formation of the University of Khalsa in California, USA. Envisioned as a globally recognized institution that merges Sikh values with academic excellence, the University of Khalsa will focus on nurturing future leaders grounded in ethics, innovation, and seva (selfless service). The seminar brought together a distinguished gathering of Sikh scholars, educators, spiritual leaders, community members, and students from India and abroad to lay the foundation for this transformative initiative.  🎥 Watch the full seminar here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k8htTuSq_jQ&t=9s (Dr. Satpreet Singh’s keynote address begins at the 30-minute mark.)

A Landmark Collaboration and Shared Vision

Held in the heart of Jammu at one of the region’s most respected gurdwaras, the seminar was jointly facilitated by DGPC Jammu, led by President Sardar Somnath Singh, along with key committee members including Secretary Gurmit Singh, Cashier Jagpal Singh, and senior leaders Karan Singh Bali, Balwinder Singh, Avtar Singh, Onkar Singh, Ravinder Singh, Barinder Singh Sonu, Neelkamal Singh, J.S. Tara, Tejinder Singh, and others. Their support demonstrated the collective Panthic will to uplift the next generation through education rooted in Sikh ideology.
The event was further enriched by the enthusiastic participation of sangat, parents, students, and sewadars, reflecting the deep community commitment to realizing this vision.

Founding Members of University of Khalsa Announced

During the seminar, the founding leadership team of the proposed University of Khalsa was formally introduced:

• Dr. Satpreet Singh – President
• Sardar Bijay Singh – Secretary
• Rupinder Kaur – Treasurer
• Sardar Sarwan Singh – Vice Secretary
• Sardar Navjot Singh – Vice Treasurer

These individuals bring decades of combined experience in leadership, education, religious service, financial management, and Panthic activism. Their dedication to the Sikh cause and commitment to academic excellence form the cornerstone of the university’s mission.

Dr. Satpreet Singh Unveils the Vision

In a powerful keynote address, Dr. Satpreet Singh, a globally recognized academic leader and the President of the proposed university, articulated the long-term vision for the University of Khalsa.

“This is more than a university—it is a revival of the Khalsa spirit through education. It will train leaders, researchers, and global citizens with firm grounding in Sikh ethics, spirituality, and progressive thought,” Dr. Singh emphasized. “Our aim is to create a space that balances science and spirituality, business and seva, and technology and tradition.”

Dr. Singh presented a detailed plan for establishing the university in California, including legal registration, accreditation strategies, academic programs, and global partnerships. The curriculum will integrate Sikh studies, theology, business leadership, STEM education, public health, ethics, and global citizenship. He also highlighted the inclusion of student exchange programs, research fellowships, and interfaith dialogue forums.

Community Participation and Institutional Support

The seminar witnessed enthusiastic support from all quarters of the Sikh community. Community members, spiritual leaders, educators, students, and parents gathered to contribute ideas and lend moral and organizational support.

Senior religious leaders and scholars from Punjab, Delhi, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States sent messages of encouragement, many of whom expressed interest in supporting the initiative through teaching, advisory roles, and resource sharing.

Attendees unanimously endorsed the formation of working committees for academic planning, financial structuring, campus identification, and curriculum development. A special resolution was passed acknowledging the significance of this project as a Panthic responsibility and a global necessity.

Highlights of the Seminar Discussions

Topics explored during the seminar included:

• University Governance and Legal Framework: Steps to register the institution under California law, comply with BPPE (Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education) requirements, and work toward WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges) accreditation.
• Academic Strategy: Offering undergraduate and graduate degrees in core fields such as Business, Computer Science, Environmental Studies, Sikh Theology, Musicology, Leadership Studies, and Public Policy.
• Panthic Identity and Global Relevance: Building a curriculum that strengthens Sikh identity while empowering students to contribute meaningfully to global challenges.
• Technology and Innovation: Leveraging AI, data science, and innovation labs to support research and community-based problem-solving.
• Sustainability and Leadership: Training students as ethical leaders with a foundation in Gurbani and a commitment to environmental stewardship.

Cultural and Spiritual Enrichment

The seminar also featured shabad kirtan, historical reflections on Sikh contributions to education, and inspiring remarks from emerging youth leaders. Visual presentations showed architectural renderings and conceptual frameworks of the proposed California campus, which will span spiritual, academic, and community spaces.

Many parents and youth in attendance voiced their excitement for an institution that offers both academic advancement and spiritual growth. “This university will be the pride of every Sikh household,” remarked a parent during the open forum session.

Global Broadcast and Engagement

The event was streamed live, garnering widespread attention from Sikh communities in the United States, Canada, Australia, Malaysia, and the UK. Dr. Satpreet Singh’s address, beginning at the 30-minute mark of the video, resonated deeply with viewers for its blend of practical strategy and spiritual grounding.

📺 Watch the event: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k8htTuSq_jQ&t=9s

Moving Forward: A Collective Mission

As the seminar concluded, the call to action was clear—the time to act is now. The sangat and DGPC leaders reaffirmed their support for the founding team and pledged their assistance in helping this vision take shape.

“This initiative is not about a building—it’s about building a legacy,” said Sardar Bijay Singh, the Secretary of the University. “We are planting the seeds of an educational renaissance inspired by the teachings of Guru Nanak Sahib and the Khalsa tradition.”

Work is now underway to file for incorporation, assemble an advisory board, engage legal and educational consultants in the U.S., and develop the first fundraising and awareness campaigns to support infrastructure and program development.

About University of Khalsa (Proposed)
The University of Khalsa is a proposed nonprofit, degree-granting institution to be established in California, USA. Its mission is to provide world-class education grounded in Sikh values, preparing students for careers in leadership, service, and innovation. Academic offerings will span arts and humanities, sciences, business, technology, ethics, and Sikh studies.

The university aspires to serve as a global hub for intellectual and spiritual advancement while promoting interfaith harmony, community engagement, and academic freedom within a framework of Sikh principles.

Sikh Charity President Donates Dialysis Machines To Thai Hospitals; Also Funds Schools To Improve Education For Underprivileged Children

 According to Times of India “Following the Sikh tradition of Dasvandh—donating ten per cent of one’s income—the Sikh president of the Thai-Indian Peace and Happiness Charity, based in Thailand, has been raising and donating funds to the Kidney Foundation of Thailand. This support has helped the Foundation acquire 30 dialysis machines, which have been installed in government hospitals across the country, offering free advanced dialysis treatment to underprivileged patients.

Darshan Singh Sachdev, an Indian-origin, second-generation turban-wearing Sikh and president of the charity, said they recently donated 5 lakh Thai Baht (approximately ₹13 lakh) to the Foundation at a function in Bangkok for the purchase of one dialysis machine. He explained that the Foundation directly procures high-quality dialysis machines and installs them in government hospitals. So far, 30 machines have been provided through the charity’s donations.

Quoting Guru Nanak Dev’s teachings of Vand Chhako (share with others) and Kirat Karo (earn through honest work), Sachdev said the charity encourages people to donate at least dasvandh — one-tenth of their income — towards humanitarian work that upholds the Sikh values of selfless service, equality, and generosity. He added that not only people of Indian origin but many Thais also contribute to the charity for various philanthropic initiatives across the country.

Notably, Darshan Singh’s grandfather, Daulat Singh, hailed from Ugoki town in the Sialkot district (now in Pakistan) and later migrated to Thailand. His father, Harinder Singh Sachdev, was born there, and Darshan Singh himself was born in Yala city, southern Thailand, in 1949.

He further shared that the charity also funds the construction of school buildings to promote education, particularly among underprivileged communities. These schools are later taken over and managed by the government to ensure long-term support and quality education.

123-year-old Chief Khalsa Diwan leads the way in Punjabi literary efforts

 According to the Tribune “ Though formed to provide Anglican knowledge with a blend of Sikh religious education, the 123-year-old Sikh educational body — Chief Khalsa Diwan (CKD) is rendering yeoman service to the Punjabi language.

A majority of people think its aim is solely restricted to providing modern education to Sikh youth. However, among its six objectives, one is to promote Punjabi language and literature.

In its vast repository lies the Khalsa Tract Society, which is even older than the CKD itself. Constituted way back in 1853, it published, through its wing, Khalsa Advocate, Nirguniara and Khalsa Samachar. Over a century old, these Punjabi magazines continue to be published by the Khalsa Tract Society and have acquired heritage status.

Among these magazines, Nirguniara is the oldest. A quarterly magazine started in 1893, it highlights the messages of the Guru Granth Sahib for humanity, world peace, Sikhism, Dalit consciousness, and other subjects concerning Sikhism.

The monthly periodical Khalsa Advocate, started by legendary Punjabi poet Bhai Vir Singh in 1903, highlights historic Sikh religious matters and current issues. The third, a bimonthly magazine, Khalsa Samachar, started in 1899, covers Sikh religious matters.

Registered in 1904, the CKD came into existence in 1902. In 1908, the first Sarv Hind Sikh Vidyak Conference was held in Gujranwala, which is now in Pakistan, to promote the Punjabi language. In the recent past, its 68th edition was held at Anandpur Sahib in 2024. Out of the total 68 conferences held so far, 33 were held in Punjab, Pakistan, before the Partition.

The CKD has published 20 books, among which Gurbani Da Sahi Ucharan, Gurmat Prakash and two books on Bhai Vir Singh were extremely popular among readers of Punjabi.

Abridged religious books containing 30 to 60 pages have been introduced for students studying in classes 6 to 9.

Retired from the Punjab Education Service in 1995, Santokh Singh Sethi, senior vice-president of the CKD, informed that the Diwan — as the CKD is fondly called — is operating 45 schools across Punjab and seven educational institutions, including six schools and a college in Jharkhand, besides a school in Kanpur and one in Chandigarh, where special arrangements have been made to teach Punjabi to students. The CKD sends reading material in Punjabi to these institutions.

CKD president Dr Inderbir Singh Nijjar said the Bhai Vir Singh Sahit Adhyayan Kendra at the CKD headquarters is another attempt to serve maa boli — Punjabi.

Lunch and learn sessions aimed at Sikh seniors

 According to the Times Colonist “ A program that helps Sikh seniors who might otherwise feel isolated has received a $30,000 boost from a Victoria Foundation grant.

Randie Johal, spokesperson the Khalsa Diwan Society of Victoria, said the need for such a program became apparent when the COVID-19 pandemic left many of the seniors who attend the Sikh Temple on Topaz Avenue feeling isolated.

“So here was an opportunity with the Victoria Foundation to be able to engage with our community to help them get through all this,” Johal said. “We were able to create a seniors’ group and provided them with a monthly lunch.”

The lunch is actually a “lunch-and-learn” event that includes helpful presentations, she said. A recent session featuring members of the West Shore RCMP’s Mental Health Unit talking about social isolation attracted 120 seniors.

Johal said the talk delved into how focusing on iPads and computers can contribute to feelings of isolation, because they often keep people from picking up the phone and having a conversation.

Another lunch-and-learn gathering featured a certified laughter-yoga coach, she said. “This fellow came in and had everybody standing up and moving their arms, and he would tell them to laugh from their belly,” Johal said. “It was just a really cool thing.”

There have also been movie nights, including one where the society rented the University of Victoria’s Cinecenta theatre. More than 1oo seniors came to the showing, Johal said.

Another popular outing was a bus trip to Salt Spring Island — 60 of the 69 seniors who took part had never been to Salt Spring before. The itinerary included a visit to Salt Spring Island Cheese, where the seniors were treated to plenty of samples, and a stop at the farmer’s market.

She said the program also has a partnership with Get Growing, Victoria!, a City of Victoria initiative that distributes seedlings and soil-building material to help people grow their own food.

“We do it with the seniors,” she said. “We brought in a woman to explain how to do composting.”

Other presentations for the seniors have included sessions on how to avoid fraud, with advice from both West Shore RCMP and Victoria police.

“We try to do things where we stretch the dollars that we receive and people benefit mentally, physically and with meals and talking,” Johal said. “We’re very grateful to the Victoria Foundation.”

Beyond the seniors’ program, Johal said the society strives to be involved in the community and maintains a strong connection with the Mustard Seed Food Bank.

“Any of our leftover food from any event, whether it’s a seniors’ lunch or a Sunday service, we share with the Mustard Seed,” she said. “So they come the next day and pick up the food.”

Johal said that since the food can be curry and other spicy dishes, Mustard Seed volunteers will make it into something like a soup that is not as intensely flavoured.

The temple facility is also made available to groups like Neighbourhood Watch.

Book narrates tales of lost Sikh heritage in Pak

 According to the Tribune “ The historical documentation of the heritage of undivided Punjab took centre stage as a book launch ceremony and discussion on “Vissreyaa virsa: Pakistan vich Sikh virasat”, large-format book, was held last week at the Punjab Press Club here.

The book is the Punjabi edition of Singapore-based author Amardeep Singh’s “Lost Heritage: The Sikh Legacy in Pakistan”.

Singh said, through this book, he invited readers to explore an unseen and significant heritage.

The book is a deep and emotional exploration of the historical places, artefacts and cultural symbols of Sikhism spread across Pakistan, hidden behind the painful history of Partition.

The book narrates the story of holy shrines, magnificent forts and forgotten tombs, which were once the beating heart of a flourishing Sikh community.

Through extensive research and heartfelt narration, the author has revived the significance of these places, and the countless stories associated with them.

Singh said, “I believe it is very important to tell the story of Sikh heritage in Pakistan. This is not only important for the Sikh community, but also essential for understanding the shared history and culture of the region. This book is a reminder that, despite historical divisions, our roots are common.”

The book not only showcased a detailed description and historical significance of major Sikh sites in Pakistan, but also presented old photographs and rare archival material that had never been seen before, he added.

The book is a must-read for historians, scholars, followers of the Sikh faith and all who are interested in knowing more about the shared cultural history of India and Pakistan.

Through the book, Singh takes readers on a sensitive and insightful journey into the neglected and rich history of Sikh heritage spread across the land of Pakistan.

“The book is not just a compilation of historical facts, but also a heartfelt effort to revive a significant cultural and religious heritage that survived after the tragedy of Partition. From gurdwaras to magnificent buildings of Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s time and the forgotten memorials of common people who shaped the history of the region, it explores the countless places in Pakistan that are deeply connected to Sikh history and culture,” Singh said.

The author, using colourful pictures, depicts the current condition of these places, and brings forth important stories of their past.

Dr Parminder Singh Shonkey, director of Rethink Books, the publisher of the book, told reporters that the book, an invaluable documentation of undivided Punjab, not only searched for historical places in Pakistan, but also told the reader about their current condition, and made us aware of our duties towards that heritage.

“Now that this book has been published in the Punjabi, I believe that readers, the Punjab Government, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, and the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee — including the leading domestic and foreign organisations of the Sikh Panth — will be active in fulfilling their historical duties with reference to this book,” he said.

Reflecting on this year's Vaisakhi celebration held in Cornwall

 According to Standard Freeholder “ This year’s Vaisakhi celebration in Cornwall broke new ground and helped people make new connections

On April 13, some 350 Sikhs and their guests celebrated Vaisakhi (also known as Baisakhi) in the hall-cum-gymnasium of St. John’s Presbyterian Church on Second Street East. The month of April is also recognized in both Ontario and Canada as Sikh Heritage Month.

A traditional harvest festival in the Punjab region of India, Vaisakhi is celebrated by Sikhs to mark the day in 1699 when the 10th Sikh guru, Gobind Singh, founded the Khalsa Panth (pure path), a group of dedicated Sikhs charged with defending and protecting the faith.

With some 25 million adherents worldwide making it numerically the fifth-largest religion in the world after Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism, Sikhism originated in India in the late 15th century at a time of religious conflict between Muslims and Hindus.

The faith’s founder Guru Nanak famously said: “There is neither Hindu nor Muslim, but only man. So, whose path shall I follow? I shall follow God’s path.”

While the Sikh gurudwara (place of worship) in Cornwall is undergoing renovations, the local Sikh community is using other venues for its activities.

The five-hour-long Cornwall event included prayers, music, and call-and-response chanting, followed by a community meal known as langar. The centrepiece on the stage was the Sikh holy book – the Granth Sahib (Living Guru)

The main speaker was Shamsher Singh from Ottawa, who gave extensive historical background to Vaisakhi and the creation of the Khalsa Panth. Music was provided by Joginder Singh Khalsa on harmonium and his son, Jaipreet Singh, on classical Indian drums known as tabla.

Most of the Sikhs in attendance sat cross-legged on sheets on the floor throughout the proceedings in a striking demonstration of discipline and gender equality.

This year’s event broke new ground with the presence of Cornwall Mayor Justin Towndale, Cornwall Police Service equity, diversity and inclusion co-ordinator Farhana Meghji, and three police constables.

In his remarks, Towndale commended those present for choosing Cornwall as their place of residence and highlighted the city’s rapidly increasing ethnic diversity.

Joginder, well-known in Cornwall for his many years of service as the Ramada Inn’s head chef, noted that when he first arrived in Cornwall some 35 years ago, there were very few Sikhs like him who wore a turban. Today there are hundreds. In honour of Sikh Heritage Month, two attendees were presented with certificates of appreciation – Singh for “your remarkable achievement as the first Sikh bus driver for the City of Cornwall… your contribution stands as a meaningful milestone in our city’s journey toward greater inclusion and representation” and Khalsa for “your many years of dedication to the community, your outstanding service and positive representation of the Sikh community, and your commitment to fostering understanding, inclusion and pride (that) uplifts not only the Sikh community, but our entire city.”

In her remarks, which she opened and closed with two well-known Sikh expressions in Punjabi – “Sat Sri Akal” (God is truth), and “Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh” (the Khalsa belongs to God, victory belongs to God), Meghji paid special tribute to certain virtues respected by Sikhs that police officers also endeavour to practise:

“Vaisakhi, of course, marks the birth of the Khalsa — a moment that symbolizes courage, unity, and the deep responsibility of serving others. That spirit of selfless service, or seva, is something we at Cornwall Police deeply admire and strive to reflect in our own work,” said Meghji.

“In policing, we talk often about public service, about protecting and supporting those around us — but when we look to the Sikh community, we see those principles embodied not just in words, but in action: from feeding thousands through langar, to volunteering during crises, to standing up for justice and inclusion…

“Events like today give us the opportunity to learn from one another, to celebrate culture and identity, and to continue moving forward together.”

To mark Sikh Heritage Month in Cornwall, the local Sikh community is organizing a food drive of non-perishable items for the Agapè Centre—at the Everest Fresh Supermarket on Vincent Massey Drive.

Saskatchewan legislature passes NDP bill recognizing Sikh Heritage Month

 According to the Leader Post “ The Saskatchewan legislature has unanimously passed an Opposition NDP private members’ bill to formally recognize Sikh Heritage Month in April.

Bhajan Brar’s legislation says the month is important to Sikh Canadians who celebrate Vaisakhi, a major festival that marks a key event in Sikh history and faith.

He says the bill comes after Sikhs were hurt by comments made last month by a rookie Saskatchewan Party legislature member who called federal NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh a terrorist.

Racquel Hilbert has apologized for her remark and has been stripped of some of her responsibilities.

The Opposition has called on Premier Scott Moe to remove her from the intergovernmental affairs and justice committees and the government caucus.

Hilbert and all other Saskatchewan Party members voted in favour of the NDP’s bill.

500,000 Vaisakhi paradegoers will shut down major Surrey roads this weekend

 According to Daily Hive “ The world’s biggest Vaisakhi parade is happening in Metro Vancouver this weekend, and organizers are encouraging commuters to be prepared for traffic impacts.

Surrey Khalsa Day Vaisakhi Parade, organized by Gurdwara Sahib Dasmesh Darbar, is taking place on Saturday, April 19.

Over 500,000 people are expected to attend the festivities, with numerous streets blocked off on Friday and Saturday for organizers to prepare for the event. For Sikhs in B.C. and around the world, Vaisakhi is a religious celebration. The holy day commemorates the birth or establishment of Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the 10th Sikh Guru, in 1699.

The parade will begin at the Gurdwara Sahib Dasmesh Darbar Temple and include a variety of floats, live music and dancers, and community groups. It will travel along 124th Street and then turn left onto 75th Avenue.

Finally, the parade will head down 76th Avenue and onto 128th Street before winding its way back to the Temple.

Surrey Khalsa Day Vaisakhi Parade road closures will be in place from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., or until local police deem the route is safe to be opened to vehicular traffic. There may also be possible travel delays between 72nd Avenue and 88th Avenue, and Scott Road to King George Boulevard.

Curb lane closures will start being implemented along 128th Street from 76th Avenue to 87th Avenue at noon and remain overnight.

Additional road closures will be in effect from noon to 11 p.m. in the area on 129th Street, 130th Street, 86th Avenue, 87th Avenue, and 85th Avenue. Hundreds of booths along the parade route, sponsored by local businesses and families, will provide free food and treats to the gathered crowds.

Surrey Khalsa Day Vaisakhi Parade 2025 will also feature live music and community performers throughout the event.

Surrey Khalsa Day Vaisakhi Parade 2025

When: April 19, 2025
Time: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where: Starts at the Gurdwara Dasmesh Darbar – 12885 85th Ave., Surrey