A high level delegation from the Global Sikh Council (GSC), representing Sikh bodies across 28 countries, convened with Rajya Sabha member Vikramjit Singh Sahney in New Delhi to advocate for urgent legislative and administrative reforms concerning Sikh religious liberties, impact of artificial intelligence on sacred texts and preservation of linguistic heritage. Led by vice president Paramjit Singh Bedi from United States, the representatives sought parliamentary intervention to address the misuse of emerging technologies, systemic challenges facing the Sikh qaum.
The meeting included prominent figures such as Harsaran Singh Treasurer and Guljit Singh, GSC representative from Afghanistan and Jagmohan Singh, Convenor of The Sikh Collective. Conveying the message of GSC President Dr. Kanwaljit Kaur, OBE, Paramjit Singh Bedi expressed deep appreciation for the consistent efforts of Mr. Sahney in championing Sikh concerns within the Parliament.
The delegation specifically lauded his ongoing contributions and initiatives focused on skill development and educational upliftment for Sikh youth across Punjab and beyond. Central to the discourse were several pressing grievances, most notably the recurring harassment of Sikh students who are frequently pressured to part with their articles of faith during competitive examinations across the country.
The council also voiced deep anxiety over what it described as “technological sacrilege”, referring to the misuse of artificial intelligence and deepfake media are being utilized to distort Gurbani and traditional Sikh tenets on various social media platforms. The delegation called for regulatory intervention on both the issues by the central government and to curb misleading content besides fabricated narratives that undermine the sanctity of Sikh principles.
To rectify institutional imbalances and informed evaluation of content relating to Sikh history, identity, and traditions, the delegation proposed the nomination of a Sikh scholar to the Central Board of Film Certification and highlighted the deteriorating administrative state of the Punjabi Academy in Delhi with concerns raised over its declining role in promoting Punjabi language, literature and cultural engagement.
In addition, the GSC strongly advocated for the establishment of a 'Central Gurmukhi University', envisioned to function with the same national stature and institutional support as the Central Sanskrit University. They emphasized the need for a dedicated national institution to promote Punjabi language and Gurmukhi script which hold both cultural and spiritual significance.
In response, Mr. Sahney extended his full assurance to the GSC, committing to raise these grievances during parliamentary sessions and engaging directly with concerned union ministers through formal representations. He emphasized his dedication to supporting any initiative that fosters the betterment of society and the protection of cultural rights.
The engagement concluded with an invitation for MP Sahney to attend the upcoming GSC annual general meeting scheduled for October this year in Chandigarh. The Rajya Sabha Member accepted the invitation, signaling a continued partnership between the legislative office and the global Sikh representative body.