Sikh Studies 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:
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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.
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To undertake projects for re-editing of historical Gurmukhi Sources for interpreting and
disseminating the teachings of the Sikh Gurus in a contemporary context.
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To encourage interfaith dialogue and global understanding of Sikh philosophy.
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To strengthen ties between the Sikh Diaspora and their cultural and spiritual roots.
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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.
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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.
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To publish research books in simple language and modern idiom, keeping in mind of all
age groups,
communities, and intellectual levels.
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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.
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To counter misinformation and anti-Sikh propaganda spread through social media or other
means.
Dr. Amarjit Singh
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.
S. Jaspreet Singh
S. Jaspreet Singh is a renowned personality among Sikh Diaspora in USA. He is recognized as
an
influential Sikh community leader in New York. He done his Masters of Law at Wayne State
University, Detroit, MI,USA in 1993-1995. He is Attorney at law, Owner and Managing Attorney
of 'Law office of Jaspreet Singh', a major law firm practicing in the area of US immigration
and Nationality law for the last 28 years representing clients in a wide range of
immigration
matters. Headquartered in Richmond Hill, New York and Fremont, California, with branch
offices
in, Hicksville, NY, Edison, NJ Baltimore, Maryland, Fresno and Sacramento, CA with over ten
associate and Junior Attorneys and thirty paralegals, Law office of Jaspreet Singh, is a
full
service immigration law firm.
He is actively associated with the Punjabi community in helping, advising regarding laws and
their applicability and rendered subsidized legal assistance to low-income and elderly
immigrants. He was recently appointed to the Transition Advisory Council for the
Governor
of New Jersey (2025), making him one of the few Sikh representatives in such a core advisory
role.
He holds the title of Professor of Eminence at Guru Nanak Dev University. In this
role,
he engages with students to provide legal education and perspectives on global human rights
challenges. He has hosted and introduced major political figures to discuss civil rights and
religious freedom. He maintains an active presence on social media (YouTube, Instagram, and
TikTok).
He is also a Legal Adviser to several Punjabi institutes, Sikh Gurdwaras on the US East
Court
and West Court, Sports clubs, and Cultural groups. He is a prominent member of the Sikh
community
and often incorporates his faith into both his professional and philanthropic life. Beyond
his
legal practice, he is active in public service and educational mentorship. He promised to
contribute approximately 3.5 crore ($410,000) to Guru Nanak Dev University to
establish the Sikh Studies Chair.