Chandigarh: Sikh Research Institute has released it’s third report in the State of the Panth series, exploring the issue of a widening disconnect between the Gurduara governance and the local sangat.
The report titled “Gurduara: A Sikh Place of Learning” is available on the website of Sikh Research Institute.
This report first discusses the social and historical meaning of the Gurduara through the notions of Bani (wisdom), Tavarikh (history), and Rahit (lifestyle). These chapters show how even the notion of the Gurduara underwent significant changes over time across its five key uses — Learning, Hunger, Shelter, Health, and Security.
The report states that the Gurduaras have played multifaceted roles throughout history, but the concept of a thriving community center is paramount to the progression of Sikh communities.
According to the SikhRI, in the primary research phase 1,172 self-identified Sikhs from 22 countries were surveyed on their perspective regarding the role of Gurduaras in their lives. While the responses have largely confirmed the hypotheses related to the gap between the Gurduara governance and local sangat, it was surprising to see the similarities in answers among all age groups, notes the Sikh Research Institute.
Kulvir Singh, SikhRI President Canada, said: “[t]he unprecedented report from SikhRI utilizes a Gurmat-based framework to contextualize the central role that Gurduaras have played in the development of the Panth. It offers practical steps on how Gurduaras can truly become centers of personal and community transformation. Required reading for anyone active in their local sangat”.
The report is then concluded with a list of recommendations, both on the individual and institutional levels, giving actionable insights to those willing to restore the original purpose of the Gurduara, he added.
⊕ Readers may download the copy of this report from SikhRI website.