18th June 2016 The Sikh Council UK organised a discussion on consensus based decision making model based upon Sarbat Khalsa traditions. The Sikh Council UK was developed on this model. The Sikh Panth is at a point in its history where this concept needs to be revisited and given practical shape so that important decisions can be taken by meaningful and active participation of the global Sikh community. The discussion was held at the new offices of the Council provided as sewa by the Gursewak Trust.
Secretary General and Head of Operations of Sikh Council UK visited the Harmondsworth Prison near Heathrow Airport to meet with the detainees and the prison staff to ensure that the religious and dietary needs of the Sikhs are being fully met.
12th June 2016; an urgent meeting has been called to discuss the issue of disability discrimination case that has been brought about against Sri Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara Sahib, Wolverhampton.
14 th June 2016: a meeting took place with representatives of Gurdwaras to consider issues affecting Gurdwaras and how they may be assisted
The Sikh Council UK took part in various media debates in relation to EU referendum and took the position that Sikhs need to get fully appraised of both sides of the argument and then make an informed choice both at a personal and panthic level. Finally in the closing stages the Sikh Council UK issued the below from a panthic perspective:
Sikh Council UK Advises Vote Remain: The EU referendum will take place in the UK on 23rd June 2016. It is a decision of significant importance to the country and will affect us all in not only the short term but also impact on future generations. Sikh Council UK is advising all UK voters to vote to Remain in the EU.
In the lead up to the referendum the Sikh Council UK has supported and encouraged debate within the Sikh community so that both sides of the debate are considered including from a Sikh specific perspective in order for individual voters to make informed choices. Sikh Council UK representatives have assisted in arranging visits to Gurdwaras by leading politicians and arranged interviewees for Sikh media to engage the community on the issues.
Current polling and commentary suggests the result is likely to be extremely close. Whilst it would not be usual for us to publicise support for any one side of an argument in a national election, the vote will determine the destiny of this country and the Sikh Council UK is in a position to set out our recommendation having taken
account of the arguments on both sides and balancing what is in the longer term interest of our country and the Sikh community in the UK and the EU.
Whilst there are many legitimate concerns with the EU and its institutions and the ongoing impact on the UK of continued membership of the EU, these need to be balanced with the wider political, economic, security and human rights considerations including aspirations for religious freedoms and campaigns for justice and rights for Sikhs across the EU.
On balance the Sikh Council UK recommends a vote for the UK to remain a part of the EU. In our view the UK is a force for good in the EU and can be at the forefront of shaping the future for the betterment of Sikh and other communities across the European continent. We can most effectively do that only if we remain a part of the EU.
27th June the Sikh Council UK was represented at an event in the House of Lords to commemorate the birth of a great Sikh Misl Leader Jassa Singh Ramgarhia who was also instrumental in the capture of the red Fort in Delhi along with other Sardars. The Ramgharia Bunga adjacent to Sri harmandar sahib Complex survives to this day along with the sil (marble slab upon which once rested the Mogul Throne) that was removed by Sardar Jassa Singh
Sikh Council UK Receives Response from Mayor of Orlando; Following the massacre of innocent people in Orlando, Sikh Council UK sent condolences to the Mayor of Orlando expressing our sadness at the events and our thoughts, prayers and solidarity with the victims, their friends and families and the American people
