Centre for Sikh and Panjabi Studies

Description

The Centre for Sikh and Panjabi Studies, a first in the UK, was established at the University of Wolverhampton, a city hosting the second largest Sikh population. The Centre thrives due to the support of local families, organisations, and the wider community. It operates based on the interfaith principles of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the first Sikh Guru, known for inter-religious dialogue and mutual respect.

Partnership with Wolverhampton's Interfaith Council ensures an open, inclusive research approach. Drawing inspiration from the Mayor-supported 'Inter Faith Wolverhampton', the Centre fosters cross-institution collaboration.

The Centre, envisaged as a nationally-leading research hub, will investigate Sikh history, diaspora, culture, community, identity, inter-religious dialogue, art, literature, and their place in 21st-century global society. Activities will include publishing an open access scholarly journal, hosting annual research conferences, public lectures, and research-informed exhibitions.

The Centre, aiming to be a national voice for academics in Sikh and Panjab Studies, will facilitate knowledge exchange internationally, courtesy of its global links with Sikh Studies scholars.

The Centre's researchers already focus on culturally significant disciplines like religion, philosophy, mental health, and workplace discrimination. New research areas continue to emerge, enriching the collective understanding of shared heritage.

Collaboration with the Sikh community locally, nationally, and globally is key. The Centre's objective is to promote community cohesion, engagement, and cultural understanding. To keep Sikh heritage alive for future generations, the Centre plans a yearly programme of engaging and educational events.

Offering workshops, public events, sports clubs, and workforce support initiatives, the Centre aims to solve societal problems. It also plans to acknowledge significant societal contributions through awards such as 'The Guru Nanak Prize for Interfaith Dialogue'. Collaborations with community initiatives like Jaikara and Rooh Panjabi will organise regular South Asian poetry recitals. The Centre also aspires to partner with reputable Panjabi universities to train Indian and British born Giani’s to enhance youth engagement.

Over a five-year trajectory, the Centre aims to enhance cultural understanding, offer new Sikh faith perspectives, dispel stereotypes, encourage inter-faith dialogue, and attract global academics and students.

The Centre primarily receives funding from the University of Wolverhampton, with supplementary funding from research funders, commissioning bodies and philanthropists. However, no government agencies contribute. The Centre maintains academic freedom through rigorous due-diligence checks for all funding.

Offers funding

No, this infrastructure does not provide funding.

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University of Wolverhampton
Wolverhampton