Sikh Missionary College
| Sikh Missionary College | |
|---|---|
| ਸਿੱਖ ਮਿਸ਼ਨਰੀ ਕਾਲਜ | |
| Founded | 30 May 1980, New Delhi, India |
| Founders | Gursikhs from Delhi and Punjab |
| Headquarters | Ludhiana, Punjab, India |
| Type | Sikh religious and educational organization |
| Region Served | India and Abroad |
| Language | Punjabi, Hindi, English |
| President (founding) | S. Harbhajan Singh, Ludhiana |
| Website | sikhmissionarycollege.org |
Sikh Missionary College (in Punjabi: ਸਿੱਖ ਮਿਸ਼ਨਰੀ ਕਾਲਜ) is a prominent Sikh religious and educational organization dedicated to the propagation of Sikhism through education, literature, and community service. It was established on 30 May 1980 in New Delhi, India, by a group of devoted Gursikhs from Delhi and Punjab.
The institution’s mission is to spread the message of Guru Granth Sahib and promote the understanding of Sikh philosophy (Gurmat) in a practical way among the Sangat. Its head office is located in Ludhiana, Punjab, with sub-offices in Delhi, Chandigarh, and Jammu.
History
The Sikh Missionary College was founded with the goal of creating an organized body to study, practice, and spread Sikh principles. A Supreme Council of nine founder members was formed to manage the institution, with S. Harbhajan Singh of Ludhiana serving as its first President.
Although the college was newly established in 1980, most of its founders had already spent 15–20 years in Sikh missionary and educational work. Due to their dedication, the organization quickly became one of the leading Sikh missionary institutions, next only to the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) in Amritsar.
Today, Sikh Missionary College has created a strong network of more than 450 Study Circles in India and abroad, where Sikhs regularly study Gurbani, Sikh history, and philosophy. The organization remains strictly non-political and is fully devoted to Gurmat parchaar (religious propagation).
Publications
The college publishes the famous monthly magazine Sikh Phulwari, first issued in August 1980. The magazine is published from the Ludhiana head office and focuses on the teachings of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and the preservation of Sikh heritage.
Sikh Phulwari is one of the largest-circulated Sikh religious magazines, with an estimated readership of around 46,000. It is published in Punjabi and Hindi and includes articles, poems, and stories that help inspire the younger generation toward the Sikh way of life.
The magazine continues to uphold its aim — to bring the fragrance (Phulwari) of Gurbani into every home.
Educational Programmes
Sikh Missionary Correspondence Course
For Gursikhs unable to attend regular classes, the college runs a two-year Sikh Missionary Correspondence Course. The course teaches Sikh theology, history, philosophy, and the interpretation (viakhya) of Gurbani.
Course Highlights
- Objective-type questions accompany each lesson.
- Students receive additional reading lists to enhance understanding.
- The course is available in Punjabi, Hindi, and English.
- Students must submit question–answer booklets, which are graded and recorded.
- The full course lasts two years, divided into eight trimesters.
- Successful candidates receive a certificate of completion.
Through this correspondence programme, thousands of Sikhs — both in India and abroad — have deepened their knowledge of Sikhism and become active in Gurmat Parchaar.
Literature and Publications
The Sikh Missionary College has produced over 450 books in Punjabi, Hindi, and English. These works cover topics such as Sikh history, theology, Gurbani grammar, Sikh philosophy, and moral education.
The institution ensures that all literature remains authentic, affordable, and aligned with Sikh principles. Its books are widely used by Sikh scholars, teachers, and students throughout the world.
Network of Colleges
Besides the main institution at Ludhiana, the Sikh Missionary College manages affiliated colleges at:
These centres provide full-time education in Gurmat studies, preparing young missionaries who can teach and spread Sikh philosophy in various regions. The curriculum includes Sikh scriptures, history, philosophy, and public-speaking skills.
Students also participate in community projects and religious events to apply their learning in service of the Panth.
Dharmik Parikhya
Every year, the Sikh Missionary College organizes a large-scale Dharmik Parikhya (religious examination) to promote Sikh heritage among school and college students. The event, held in October or November, attracts thousands of participants from across India.
Prizes worth approximately ₹20 lakh are distributed annually to encourage youth participation. The exam helps young Sikhs connect deeply with Gurbani, Sikh history, and culture.
Contribution and Legacy
Since its foundation, Sikh Missionary College has played a vital role in revitalizing Sikh education and missionary work. Its balanced approach — combining education, literature, and practical Gurmat — continues to shape the next generation of preachers and educators.
By staying away from politics and focusing entirely on religious service, SMC has earned great respect across the Sikh world. Its mission remains the same: to live and share the message of Guru Granth Sahib Ji with dedication and humility.
