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Sikh Studies Chair

Sikh Studies Chair

About Chair

Among the world religions, Sikhism is a new religion which owes its origin to the experience of the Holy by Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji (1469-1539). Although it originated and flourished in the Indian subcontinent, Sikhism is neither a sect nor a blend of Hinduism and Islam. It is an independent, sovereign religion with a unique identity. Established in the late 15th century in Punjab, it was nurtured and developed by nine successive Gurus, culminating with Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, who left for heavenly abode in October 1708. Sikhism is a complete spiritual path and social system, deeply rooted in the doctrinal, devotional, sociological, and historical experiences of the Sikh Gurus. Its teachings are enshrined in Sri Guru Granth Sahib, the eternal Guru of the Sikhs, which was compiled, codified, and sanctified by the Sikh Gurus themselves during their lifetimes. At its core, Sikhism is based on the doctrines of the Oneness of God and the Universal Brotherhood of humanity. It is a holistic and inclusive way of life that advocates Kirat Karo (earn an honest living), Naam Japo (meditate on the Divine Name), and Wand Chhako (share with others in need). In addition, Sikhism emphasizes selfless service (seva) as a core value and a path to spiritual growth. These principles place Sikhism in a unique position among world religions, offering a spiritual path deeply intertwined with ethical living and social activism. It embraces a commitment to social responsibility, justice, and the welfare of all living beings. Sikhism continues to be a vibrant, dynamic, and living tradition, offering spiritual guidance and a progressive social vision to humanity in the modern world. Today, it ranks as the fifth-largest religion globally, supported by a strong and influential Sikh diaspora, which plays a vital and invaluable role in preserving and promoting Sikh values and heritage across continents. A significant milestone in the academic study of Sikhism was achieved with the establishment of the Sikh Studies Chair at Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, which began functioning in July 2025. This Chair was established through an agreement between the University and S. Jaspreet Singh, Attorney-at-Law, and distinguished alumnus of the institution, currently residing in Sacramento, California, USA.
The main objectives of the Chair are:
• To promote high-quality academic research in Sikh Studies, we need to find an appropriate academic solution to the doctrinal and historical challenges faced by Sikhism in the modern era.
• To undertake projects for re-editing of historical Gurmukhi Sources for interpreting and disseminating the teachings of the Sikh Gurus in a contemporary context.
• To encourage interfaith dialogue and global understanding of Sikh philosophy.
• To strengthen ties between the Sikh Diaspora and their cultural and spiritual roots.
• To connect the younger generation with Sikh history, religion, literature, and culture summer/winter schools will be hosted for the young students of the Sikh Diaspora.
• To support educational initiatives and curriculum development focused on Sikh heritage, history, and values for the benefit of institutions interested in disseminating the teachings of Sikhism in an academic environment.
• To publish research books in simple language and modern idiom, keeping in mind of all age groups, communities, and intellectual levels.
• To start a special lecture series by inviting distinguished Sikh scholars from time to time to deliver lectures on pertinent Sikh issues such as Sikh identity, Distinctive ideology, Hate crime, and authentic portrayal of the Sikh way of life.
• To counter misinformation and anti-Sikh propaganda spread through social media or other means.

Dr. Amarjit Singh

About Director

Amarjit Singh retired as a Professor and Director, Centre on Studies in Sri Guru Granth Sahib/HOD of the Department of Guru Nanak Studies at Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar. He has done his graduation from Punjab University Chandigarh with Honor’s in Economics and Masters in Religious Studies at Gurmat College Patiala. For further studies in comparative religions he passed M. Phil from Punjabi University Patiala. He was awarded Ph.D degree on ‘Rahitnama Sahit da Adyain’ (1996) by Guru Nanak Dev University Amritsar. He has got about 35 years teaching and research experience. He specializes in the study of primary Sikh sources and analysis of manuscripts of Gurbani. He is a keen scholar of Sikh Studies, especially Sikh Code of Conduct, religion and literature. He authored and edited 10 books and his more than 70 Research papers, articles on Sikh Philosophy, History and Sikh way of life are published in various books, journals, magazines and souvenirs. He organized and participated in various International, National and state level seminars/conferences. His contribution to the field of Sikh Studies is laudable. He is member of various Academic and Religious bodies. He was honored by the Government of Punjab on the occasion of 550th Prakash Purb of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji and 350th Shahidi Divas of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji.