Vision & Values

Sikh Council UK Vision and Values

WHO ARE SIKH COUNCIL UK?

The Sikh Council UK is the largest representative body of Sikhs in the UK.  We are recognised as the national advocate for British Sikhs in the United Kingdom and at the European Union.  Amongst our affiliated member organisations we have Gurdwaras, local & regional Gurdwara Councils, Jathebandis, campaign groups, youth organisations, women’s organisations and educational establishments.

WHAT IS THE SIKH COUNCIL UK VISION?

Sikh Council UK is working for a society of Sarbat Da Bhalla in which Sikhs contribute in all fields and at all levels whilst being free to practice their faith and maintaining their identity.

WHAT ARE THE VALUES OF SIKH COUNCIL UK?

Sikh Council UK believes and works according to universal Sikh values including:

  • respecting religious freedom of all and embracing diversity in an equal and inclusive manner;
  • Miri Piri concept that promotes personal excellence in spiritual and worldly values;
  • democratic representation by leaders that embrace skills and are transparent, accountable and professional;
  • decision making that aspires to the Sarbat Khalsa model to promote cooperation, consensus and unity amongst Sikhs

WHAT DOES SIKH COUNCIL UK DO?

Sikh Council UK is primarily a representative body that seeks to unite Sikhs in their pursuit of personal, social, spiritual and economic well-being.

Sikh Council UK provides collective leadership to a very diverse community.

Sikh Council UK represents Sikhs and their views to local, regional, national and international decision makers and decision making bodies.

Sikh Council UK campaigns on issues effecting Sikhs.

Sikh Council UK promotes Sikh values and principles and the teachings of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji as interpreted by Guru Khalsa Panth through the institution of Sri Akal Takhat Sahib Ji.

Sarbat Da Bhalla – this is a Punjabi term which means ‘may everyone be blessed’ or ‘may good come to all’.  This is a term from an important Sikh prayer called the Ardas and forms an important part of Sikh philosophy.  The term establishes a new precedence set by the Sikh Gurus – It binds the Sikh to ask for the well-being of everyone in the world.   In establishing this concept, the Gurus have set a new standard for the Sikhs – not only should the Sikhs pray for their own well-being but also need to ask for blessings for all peoples of the world.

Miri Piri Concept – The concept of ‘Miri’ signifies worldly, materialist and political power.  The concept is linked to the traditional power enjoyed by kings and ruler where the might of the military resulted in the power and ability to rule or influence the people.  The concept of ‘Piri’ is linked to the power enjoyed by religious leaders, church priests, qazis, pandits, etc. to have power or influence over the devotees by way of spiritual power or religious power.  The words Miri and Piri are now frequently used together to give the concept promoted by the sixth Guru, Guru Hargobind who at the Guruship (succession) ceremony asked for two kirpans to be donned on him; one to symbolize the concept of Miri or temporal authority and the second to symbolize the concept of Piri or spiritual authority.

Sarbat Khalsa Model – Sarbat Khalsa is a combination of two words: Sarbat (the whole) and Khalsa (the Sikh nation).  Sarbat Khalsa means the whole of the Sikh nation and represents the power and the status of the conscience and will of the Sikh nation.  Sarbat Khalsa model was a system that brought Sikhs together to make effective and unified decisions for the Panth – even in the face of diverse and conflicting opinions and views.  The Sarbat Khalsa gathering used to discuss the matters of national importance.  The Sarbat Khalsa practically does not mean a gathering of all Sikhs on one day at one place.  The Sarbat Khalsa refers to representatives of Sikhs from all organisations, groups, factions etc., who are loyal to Akal Takhat Sahib are members of the Sarbat Khalsa.