The Official Voice of the Sikh Diaspora in Policy, Education and Governance
The Parliament of the Sikh Nation
Now representing Sikhs across UK and Europe
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), established in 1920, is the central religious and administrative body of the Sikh faith. Headquartered at Sri Amritsar Sahib, it is widely recognised as the ‘Parliament of the Sikh Nation’, entrusted with safeguarding Sikh values, heritage, and teachings.
The SGPC manages historic Gurdwaras, promotes education based on Sikh principles, and preserves the spiritual and cultural identity of the Sikh community across generations.
For over a century, the SGPC has provided leadership, direction, and structure to Sikh institutions around the world. Guided by the teachings of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, and operating under the principles of seva (selfless service), Sarbat Da Bhala (welfare of all), and Chardikala (ever-rising spirit), the SGPC continues to uphold the unity and sanctity of the Panth (Sikh community).
A Historic Milestone after 105 Years
The launch of the SGPC UK Coordination Centre in the West Midlands, marks a defining moment in Sikh history. For the first time, the SGPC has formally established its presence outside India to directly serve and represent the Sikh community across the United Kingdom and Europe.
This landmark initiative responds to the growing needs of the global Sangat (congregation), ensuring that Sikh affairs abroad are coordinated with the same authenticity, discipline, and institutional integrity as in Punjab. It represents a new era of structured Panthic governance, professional representation, and global outreach for the Sikh faith.
Policy, Governance, and
Institutional
Representation
SGPC UK will act as the official and authoritative point of contact for all Sikh matters across the United Kingdom and Europe. It will serve as the policy and coordination body responsible for engaging with government institutions, policymakers, and regulatory agencies on issues affecting the Sikh community, faith representation, and Gurdwara governance.
The Centre will provide structured guidance and support to Gurdwaras, charities, and Sikh organisations, ensuring that their operations reflect Sikh principles, comply with legal frameworks, and maintain high governance standards. To achieve this, SGPC UK will work closely with the UK Charity Commission to advise on governance, transparency, and financial integrity within Sikh institutions.
In the event of internal disputes or management issues with Gurdwaras, the SGPC UK will serve as the main mediation and arbitration body, helping to resolve matters in accordance with Sikh Rehat Maryada (code of conduct) and recognised legal processes. This centralised structure aims to restore accountability, unity, and respect within Gurdwara management and community affairs.
Policy Engagement & Government Relations
As the representative voice of the Sikh diaspora in the UK and Europe, SGPC UK will engage with local authorities, devolved administrations, and the UK Government to influence public policy and decision-making on issues that impact the Sikh community.
The organisation will develop policy papers, white papers, and consultation submissions to promote fair representation and understanding of Sikh identity, rights, and needs across education, social policy, and public services.
A dedicated Panthic Policy and Research Wing will be established within SGPC UK to conduct research, hold consultations, and work as a think tank for Sikh affairs. This will provide evidence-based recommendations and strategic advice to both government departments and community institutions.
In addition, SGPC UK will play a leading role in shaping educational initiatives across the UK. It will work with education authorities and curriculum bodies to ensure accurate and respectful teaching of Sikh history, values, and contributions in schools. This will help promote awareness of Sikh heritage among younger generations and wider society, fostering greater understanding and inclusion.
Building Partnerships and Strengthening Representation
The SGPC UK Coordination Centre will act as a bridge between Sikh institutions and wider society. It will work collaboratively with:
- Government departments and public sector bodies to ensure Sikh perspectives are understood in policy formation.
- Gurdwaras and community organisations to deliver coordinated programmes in education, heritage, and seva.
- Interfaith and civic organisations to promote dialogue, peace, and equality.
Through these partnerships, SGPC UK will uphold the principle of Sarbat Da Bhala (the welfare of all), reflecting Sikh values through practical, community-focused leadership.
A Vision for the Future
The establishment of SGPC UK is more than a symbolic milestone. It represents the institutional maturity of the global Sikh community and its commitment to effective governance, education, and representation. It provides Sikhs across the UK and Europe with a single, recognised authority for coordination with Sri Akal Takht Sahib and the central Sikh institutions.
This Centre will ensure that every aspect of Sikh life in the West – from Gurdwara administration to educational engagement and government representation aligns with the vision and guidance of the SGPC, the Parliament of the Sikh Nation.
SGPC UK stands as a testament to unity, discipline, and the enduring spirit of Sikhi. It reflects a community that remains deeply rooted in its spiritual home while actively contributing to the social and cultural life of the nations it inhabits.
SGPC UK – Connecting the Sangat to our homeland
SGPC UK is the first official overseas Coordination Centre of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, serving the Sikh Sangat in the UK and Europe. It provides secure, SGPC-authorised accommodation at all five Takhts Sahib, facilitates pilgrimage (yatra) arrangements, and enables the booking of Sri Akhand Paath Sahib and Ardas at Sri Harmandir Sahib Ji with livestream access. Through dedicated sevadar support, transport arrangements, and Panthic guidance, SGPC UK ensures seamless, professional, and spiritually enriching experiences for NRIs and overseas Sangat, strengthening community ties and preserving Sikh traditions abroad.
Inauguration of the SGPC UK Coordination Centre
“The Coordination Centre will prove vital for the Sangat across the UK and Europe” – SGPC President Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami
Taking into account the demands, needs, and sentiments of the Sikh community, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has established a Coordination Centre in Birmingham, England. This establishment has been made possible through the dedicated efforts of SGPC member from Mumbai, Sardar Gurinder Singh Bawa, and executive committee member Bibi Harjinder Kaur, with the support of the Khalsa Panth Academy Birmingham.
The inauguration took place yesterday with traditional Sikh ceremonies. Present on this occasion were Bhai Mahinder Singh, head of Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha Birmingham; SGPC’s Chief Secretary S. Kulwant Singh Mannan; executive committee member Bibi Harjinder Kaur; member Bhai Rajinder Singh Mehta; S. Jodh Singh Samra; Secretary of the Dharam Parchar Committee S. Balwinder Singh Kahlwan; personal secretary to the SGPC President S. Shahbaaz Singh; and Bibi Paramjit Kaur of Guru Angad Dev Ji Niwas, along with other distinguished personalities. SGPC President Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami also joined online.
According to information released by the SGPC office, Advocate Dhami stated that the centre has been opened at the request of the Sikh Sangat abroad. It will be of immense importance not only for the UK but for the entire European Sikh community. Through this centre, the Sangat will remain connected with the Takhat Sahibs and other central institutions of the Panth. He added that when the Sangat from Europe and England travels to Punjab for darshan of the holy shrines, the SGPC will ensure arrangements for their accommodation, travel, and other needs through this Coordination Centre. This will save the Sangat from facing any difficulties during their pilgrimage and service.
Advocate Dhami further announced that the responsibility of running this Coordination Centre has been entrusted to S. Gurinder Singh Bawa, who is not only a member of the SGPC but also serves on the boards of Takhat Sri Hazur Sahib and Takhat Sri Patna Sahib. It is thanks to the special efforts and dedication of S. Bawa that, for the first time, the SGPC has opened a Coordination Centre outside of India. He expressed gratitude to S. Bawa, noting that this initiative will greatly benefit the Sangat living abroad.
Several Gurdwaras and Sikh organisations also extended their full support to this initiative, including Gurdwara Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib (Austria), Gurdwara Guru Nanak Darbar (London), Khalsa Diwan Society (London), Guru Hargobind Sahib Seva Trust, Gurdwara Guru Amar Das Ji, Gurdwara Guru Nanak Darbar (Belgium), Gurdwara Guru Har Rai Sahib (Kingston), and Nihkami Seva Trust UK, with participation from Sangat in Manchester, London, Leicester, Belgium, Germany, Holland, and Italy.
On this occasion, prominent members of the community were also present: S. Lal Singh, Bhai Onkar Singh, Bhai Charanjit Singh, Bhai Surinder Singh Marmar, S. Bhagwan Singh Johal, and representatives of Khalsa Panth Academy including Bhai Karanjeet Singh Khalsa, Bhai Talvinder Singh Mastana, Bhai Gursevak Singh Shergill, Bhai Gulinder Singh, Bhai Hardev Singh, Bhai Jaswant Singh, Bhai Bachan Singh Arora, Bhai Savera Singh, Bhai Jatinder Singh, and many others.
30 September 2025