Sikh Missionary College
Sikh Missionary College (SMC) is a Sikh religious and educational organization established on 30 May 1980 in New Delhi, India, by a group of Gursikhs from Delhi and Punjab. The institution is dedicated to the propagation of Sikhism through education, literature, and community initiatives. Its head office is located in Ludhiana, Punjab, with regional offices in Delhi, Chandigarh, and Jammu.
History
Sikh Missionary College was founded with the objective of creating a structured organization for the study and dissemination of Sikh philosophy. A Supreme Council of nine founder members was constituted to oversee its activities, and S. Harbhajan Singh of Ludhiana was appointed as the first President.
Although formally new at the time of its inception, many of its founding members had already been associated with Sikh education and missionary work for nearly two decades. Within a few years, the organization became one of the leading Sikh missionary bodies, second only to the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) in Amritsar.
The organization maintains over 450 Study Circles across India and abroad, promoting Sikh teachings, history, and culture. Sikh Missionary College remains strictly non-political, focusing solely on religious and educational service.
Publications
The college publishes Sikh Phulwari, a monthly magazine launched in August 1980, aimed at spreading the teachings of the Guru Granth Sahib and Sikh heritage. Published from the Ludhiana head office, Sikh Phulwari is one of the largest-circulating Sikh religious monthlies, with an estimated readership of around 46,000.
The magazine is issued in Punjabi and Hindi and includes poems, essays, and stories promoting Sikh culture, particularly among the youth. Its content emphasizes moral education, Gurbani interpretation, and contemporary Sikh discourse.
Educational initiatives
Sikh Missionary Correspondence Course
Sikh Missionary College offers a two-year correspondence course in Sikh studies, designed for individuals unable to attend regular classes. The course provides systematic education in Sikh theology, history, philosophy, and the interpretation (viakhya) of Gurbani.
Key features
- Objective-type question papers accompany each lesson.
- Students receive recommended reading lists for deeper study.
- The course is offered in Punjabi, Hindi, and English.
- Each Question–Answer booklet submitted by students is evaluated, and a record of marks is maintained.
- The course is divided into eight trimesters over two years.
- Successful candidates are awarded a certificate of completion.
The programme aims to equip learners to serve the Sikh community as preachers and educators, while deepening their own understanding of the faith.
Literature and research
The Sikh Missionary College has published over 450 books in Punjabi, Hindi, and English on Sikhism’s history, philosophy, and ethics. These publications are known for their authenticity and academic rigor, intended to make Sikh teachings accessible and understandable to a global audience.
The organization emphasizes the accuracy and affordability of its literature, enabling widespread access to well-researched materials. Its publications are widely used by scholars, religious teachers, and laypersons interested in Sikh studies.
Sikh Missionary Colleges network
In addition to the main institution at Ludhiana, full-time Sikh Missionary Colleges operate in:
These colleges offer in-depth courses on Gurmat, including Sikh scriptures, theology, history, and philosophy. The curriculum aims to produce trained Sikh missionaries equipped with knowledge, critical thinking, and communication skills necessary for religious service and community leadership.
Students also engage in community service projects as part of their training, combining practical experience with spiritual education.
Dharmik Parikhya
The organization conducts an annual Dharmik Parikhya (religious examination) across India to promote Sikh heritage among the youth. Held typically in October or November, the event attracts participation from schools and colleges nationwide.
Prizes worth approximately ₹20 lakh are awarded each year. The examination encourages young Sikhs to study their history, culture, and scriptures, fostering a connection with their religious roots.
Role and impact
Sikh Missionary College has played a pivotal role in revitalizing Sikh education and missionary work since the 1980s. Through its courses, publications, and outreach programs, it continues to influence religious education across Punjab and other regions of India, as well as among Sikh communities abroad.
Its commitment to non-political service, educational excellence, and authentic propagation of Gurmat principles has earned it a respected position among Sikh institutions.
See also
References
External links
- [Official website]
- [Sikh Phulwari magazine archive]
