Chandigarh, Sept. 30, 2025 – The Global Sikh Council (GSC), representing Sikh organizations from 28 countries, has called for restoring the sovereignty, dignity, and spiritual independence of Sikh Takhats while pressing for the revival of historic heritage sites in Pakistan. The demand came during the Council’s Annual General Meeting (AGM), held virtually in an extended three-hour session.
The meeting, chaired by president Lady Singh Dr. Kanwaljit Kaur, also adopted a resolution to establish a registered GSC Trust in India to ensure transparent service initiatives and secure FCRA certification for charitable work. “We are committed to supporting Sangat-led efforts to amend outdated laws and free Sri Hazoor Sahib and Sri Patna Sahib from the administrative control of state governments,” Dr. Kaur said, reaffirming the Council’s pledge to uphold Panthic priorities.
Dr. Kaur, joined by secretary Harjeet Singh Grewal, noted that the AGM opened with prayers for flood-hit families in Punjab. Deputy president Paramjit Singh Bedi led the Ardas, offering solidarity with communities along Punjab’s rivers devastated by recent floods. Treasurer Harsaran Singh later described the widespread damage, particularly in Ferozepur and Fazilka districts, and urged international Sikh bodies to coordinate relief. “The plight of border residents and farmers is alarming and requires global support,” he said.
One of the meeting’s most forceful interventions came from Dr. Karminder Singh, chair of the Religious Affairs Committee, who emphasized the need to protect the independence of Takhats from political interference. “The Takhats are the heart of Sikh tradition,” he said, urging unity across the Panth to restore their rightful authority.
Legal Affairs chair Sardar Jagir Singh addressed what he described as dangerous distortions of Sikh terminology. He clarified the Gurbani-based meanings of Sant and Brahm Giani, cautioning against misuse of these divine spiritual states as self-bestowed titles that mislead the Sangat.
On heritage preservation, Heritage Committee chair Yaspal Singh Bains from the United States presented a detailed report on restoration efforts at Sikh sites in Pakistan. He credited the Evacuee Trust Property Board and Pakistan’s Archaeological Department for their cooperation but cautioned that “sustained monitoring and international engagement are vital to protect neglected Gurdwaras and historic structures.”
Looking ahead, the Council announced its next AGM will take place in Chandigarh in mid-November 2026. Reports presented by president Dr. Kaur, secretary Grewal, and treasurer Harsaran Singh outlined a roadmap that blends religious reform with humanitarian outreach.
Concluding the session, deputy president Ram Singh Bombay offered a formal vote of thanks, commending the delegates for their “spiritually enriching contributions” and reaffirming GSC’s mission to serve the Sikh Qaum with “unity, vision and purpose.”
