Sikhinstitute.org

The Institute of Sikh Studies (IOSS) was established and registered in 1989 by some learned individuals who felt concerned over the large scale misrepresentation of Sikh doctrines, misrepresentation of Gurbani and the lake of understanding of the message of the Gurus, its import on history and its contribution towards the development of mankind. Intellectual stalwarts like Sardar Daljit Singh, Sardar Jagjit Singh and Dr Kharak Singh were the founder members of the Institute.

• Official website
• Journals

Founder Members

Founder Members of the Institute of Sikh Studies:

IOSS is non-political and voluntary international organisation dedicated to the correct interpretation of Gurbani and Sikh philosophy as also of propagation of Sikh religion and culture.

Aims of the Institute

Specific aims and objects of the Institute are :-

• To interpret the basic philosophy / theology of Sikhism enunciated in the original writings of Guru Nanak and the succeeding Gurus.
• To study the history of development of Sikh religious thought, society, traditions and polity, and to bring out the contribution of Sikhism towards advancement of universal religious thought and human welfare.
• To prepare and publish suitable literature on the above aspects, and to disseminate information on Sikhism through common media, meetings, seminars, talks, discussions, etc.
• To watch and to counter any attempts to misinterpret Sikhism, or any hostile propaganda against religious philosophy, doctrines, traditions and history of Sikhs or the Sikh way of life.
• To encourage establishment of centres / groups / fora of Sikhs at suitable places in India to promote the aims and objectives of the Institute.
• To maintain close liaison with affiliated centres through visits, periodical newsletter exchange, and supply of literature published by the Institute from time to time.
• To establish and maintain contact with existing religious organisations and institutions interested in the aims and objects of the Institute, and to extend co-operation to, as well as seek co-operation and assistance from them on specific projects.
• To set up a Reference Library for the benefit of members and scholars working for the Institute.
• To prepare and introduce courses of instruction on Sikhism in schools and colleges, willing to participate.
• To cater to the needs of the masses and religious groups of Sikhs in their missionary pursuits, mainly through supply of literature.
• To co-operate with non-Sikh organisations, genuinely interested in the study of Sikh religion.

Present members (2012)

Present Members of the Institute of Sikh Studies:

Activities undertaken

To achieve its various objectives, the IOSS has taken up the following activities in hand:

Books

The Institute has made publishing its main activity. Measures have been taken to publish relevant and authentic quality literature to create understanding of the basic concepts of this youngest and the most modern and practical religion of the world. Till date the Institute has published more than 50 quality books by world reknowned authors like S. Kapur Singh, S. Daljeet Singh, S. Jagjit Singh, Dr. N. Muthumohan, etc. For a detailed listing of IOSS publications and to read some of them online, please visit the Publications section of the website.

Journal

A journal, Abstracts of Sikh Studies was started in 1991. It is now issued quarterly in January, April, July and October every year. It is counted amongst the top research journals with a global readership, and is known for its high academic standard. The journal deals with current academic issues relating to Sikh religion and history, besides exposition of basic Sikh doctrines and interpretation of Gurbani. To read current and back issues of the Abstracts of Sikh Studies, please visit the Journal section of the website.

Seminars and Conferences

In 1990-91 seven International Sikh Conferences were organised in U.K., Canada, and U.S.A., at London, Toronto, Vancouver, Berkeley, Chicago, Washington D.C., and New York, to promote understanding of Sikh Thought. Such conferences are now an annual feature and since 1995 the Institute has been holding annual seminars. Top scholars from India and abroad participate in these seminars. Papers presented at these seminars are brought out in a book form, and the issues discussed are pursued further to achieve tangible results. Besides annual seminars, additional mini-seminars, are also organized from time to time. The IOSS members meet regularly every month to discuss current issues confronting the Panth (community). For further details on past and forthcoming seminars, please visit the Seminars section of the website

Library

The Institute has its own library in its headquarters - Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha, Kanthala, (Opp. Tribune Chowk), Indl Area Phase 2, Chandigarh. The Institute is indebted to Late Sardar Amar Singh Chhatwal who donated funds for the construction of the library building. The library is named after his late wife, Sardarni Sita Chhatwal. More than Four thousand books, including several rare titles are available in the Institute's library. A few years back, the family of Late Dr Sher Singh Sher, International Professor of Sikhism donated his entire library to the Institute. These books form part of the Dr Sher Singh Sher Research Section of the library. The library is open between 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on working days and between 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Saturdays.