In a significant move towards strengthening global Sikhs' coordination and reinforcing 'Panthic' priorities, the Global Sikh Council (GSC), an umbrella organisation of national Sikh bodies from 28 countries, advocated for restoring the sovereignty, dignity and spiritual authority of 'Takhats' besides restoration of Sikh heritage sites in Pakistan.
This was resolved in the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of GSC in an extended virtual session lasting over three hours.The meeting, presided over by president Lady Singh Dr. Kanwaljit Kaur, witnessed deep deliberations on pressing religious, humanitarian and administrative issues concerning the global Sikh community.
Sharing the outcomes of the meeting, president Dr. Kanwaljit Kaur and secretary Harjeet Singh Grewal said the AGM opened with a heartfelt 'Ardas' led by deputy president Paramjit Singh Bedi for the well-being and and rehabilitation of flood-hit families in Punjab and expressed their solidarity with those suffering due to devastation in the districts situated around the rivers.
Dr Kanwaljit Kaur said the GSC would continue to support local Sangat-led initiatives to amend outworn legislations to free Sri Hazoor Sahib and Sri Patna Sahib Takhats from the administrative control of Maharashtra and Bihar state governments respectively. The Council reaffirmed its commitment to support the local 'Sangat' in these efforts.
A key resolution passed during the meeting was to establish a registered GSC Trust in India to facilitate transparent community service and obtain FCRA certification for charitable and community outreach. The Council also resolved to convene its next general AGM in Chandigarh in mid-November 2026.
Dr. Karminder Singh, Chair of the Religious Affairs Committee, passionately advocated for restoring the independence, dignity, and spiritual authority of Takhats. He reiterated the centrality of these institutions in Sikh tradition and called for Panthic unity to reclaim their rightful independence from political interference.
Addressing ideological misinterpretations, Sardar Jagir Singh, Chair of Legal Affairs, offered a compelling discourse on the authentic Gurbani-based meanings of ‘Sant’ and ‘Brahm Giani’, clarifying the distinction between divine spiritual states and self-declared titles that mislead the Sangat and deviations in recent times.
Turning attention to the humanitarian crisis, GSC Treasurer Harsaran Singh detailed the scale of destruction in flood-affected Punjab, highlighting the plight of farmers and border residents especially in Ferozepur and Fazilka districts. The Council advocated to mobilise support from global Sikh bodies for coordinated relief measures.
On the heritage front, Yaspal Singh Bains from USA, Chairman of the Heritage Committee, presented a detailed report on the ongoing restoration of historic Sikh sites in Pakistan. He acknowledged support from the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) and the Archaeological Department of Pakistan, underscoring the need for sustained monitoring and international cooperation to preserve neglected Gurdwaras and heritage structures.
In their respective reports, President Dr. Kanwaljit Kaur, Secretary Harjeet Singh, and Treasurer Harsaran Singh laid out a clear roadmap for religious reform, humanitarian support and other initiatives to be led by GSC in the coming year.
Concluding the session, deputy president Ram Singh Bombay extended a formal vote of thanks, lauding the insightful contributions of delegates, spiritually enriching session and reaffirming GSC’s commitment to serve the Sikh Qaum with unity, vision and purpose.