Historic Launch of SGPC Coordination Office in the UK Strengthens Global Sikh Unity

Birmingham, UK / Amritsar, 30 September – In a landmark moment for Sikh history, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has officially inaugurated its first overseas Coordination Office in Birmingham, United Kingdom. This historic step, coming nearly 100 years after the SGPC’s founding, marks a new era of global connectivity for the Sikh Panth.

The centre, launched in association with Khalsa Panth Academy, will act as a direct bridge between Sikhs in the UK and Europe with the five Takht Sahibs and other central Sikh institutions. For the first time, overseas Sangat will have a dedicated hub for representation, support, and guidance from the highest authorities of the Panth.

The inauguration took place at Birmingham, UK with traditional Panthic ceremonies and the presence of senior SGPC members and prominent Sikh leaders from across the UK and Europe.

Attendees included:

• S. Kulwant Singh Mannan, SGPC Chief Secretary

• S. Balwinder Singh Kahlwan, Secretary Dharam Parchar

• Bibi Harjinder Kaur Ji, Executive Committee Member (and key lead in advancing this initiative)

• Bhai Rajinder Singh Mehta, SGPC Member

• S. Jodh Singh Samra, SGPC Member

• Shahbaaz Singh, Personal Assistant to SGPC President

• Bibi Paramjit Kaur Pinky (Guru Angad Dev Ji Nivas)

The programme was conducted by Bibi Harjinder Kaur Ji, while SGPC President Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami Ji delivered a special virtual address, urging the Sangat to support this historic step and reaffirming the SGPC’s full backing for the Birmingham centre.

Partnership with Khalsa Panth Academy

The launch was made possible through the combined efforts of SGPC members and Khalsa Panth Academy, whose leadership played a central role.

Those leading the initiative include:

• S. Gurinder Singh Bawa (SGPC Member, Takhat Sri Hazur Sahib & Takhat Sri Patna Sahib Board Member, entrusted with running the centre)

• Bhai Karanjeet Singh Khalsa

• Bhai Talvinder Singh Mastana

• Bhai Gulinder Singh

• Bhai Jaswant Singh Jassi

• Bhai Hardev Singh Benning

• Bhai Gursevak Singh Shergill (Adviser)

• Bhai Harmeet Singh Saluja

Together, they worked alongside the Nishkam Sewak Jatha and other Panthic organisations to bring the project to life.

The Birmingham SGPC Coordination Office is not just a UK initiative, it has drawn backing from Gurdwaras and Sikh organisations across Europe, including Austria, Belgium, Germany, Holland, and Italy.

Prominent Sikh leaders such as Bhai Minder Singh Ji (UK) and representatives of the Nishkam Sewak Jatha blessed the occasion, commending the move as a vital step for uniting global Sikh communities.

This new SGPC Coordination Office represents more than just a building, it is a symbol of unity, service, and representation for Sikhs living overseas. It will:

• Connect UK & European Sangat directly with Takht Sahibs

• Provide guidance and support rooted in Sikh traditions

• Assist travelling Sangat with accommodation, travel, and arrangements in Punjab

• Strengthen the Panth’s international voice and representation

For Sikhs across the diaspora, this milestone marks a new chapter of global solidarity, ensuring that traditions, values, and representation remain strong across borders.