The Council of Sikh Gurdwaras in Birmingham donate a collection of items relating to the recent history of the Sikhs in Birmingham

During 2000 the Council of Sikh Gurdwaras in Birmingham donated a collection of items relating to the recent history of the Sikhs in Birmingham. These included annual reports, information packs and booklets relating to community activities, the Sikh Women's Forum, young people and capacity building. An important part of the material relates to Vaisakhi 1999, the celebration of 300 years of the Sikh nation and includes photographs, videos, booklets, tickets and commemorative material relating to activities in the city. These are held in Birmingham City Archives. Objects relating to Vaisakhi 1999 and Sikh culture have also been secured by Birmingham Museum.

The Sikh religious community originated in the Punjab and Punjabi is the second most widely spoken language in Britain, the native language of the Sikh community and others who can trace their origins to the Indian subcontinent. Many Sikhs served in the Indian Army when Britain ruled India and fought in both of the two World Wars. Sikhism has developed its beliefs from the major world religions and the teachings of Gurus over several hundred years. Committed to the principles of tolerance and equality, Sikhs believe that "all are children of the same divine light. God resides in every living being".

Sikhs were resident in Birmingham before and during World War II, but most migration occurred in the late 1950s and early 1960s. At the start of the 21st century, the community comprises about 40, 000 people in Birmingham. Though Sikhs see the Punjab as the source of their spiritual identity, most local Sikhs identify Birmingham as home and not just their place of residence.

The key event in the modern history of the Sikhs was the raid on the Golden Temple in Amritsar in 1984, their most important holy site in the Punjab. This convinced them that they had to organise and develop community organisations to promote their interests.

The Council of Sikh Gurdwaras in Birmingham was established in 1989 as a consultative forum linking the Sikh community and Birmingham City Council. It now operates as a representative structure for 13 Gurdwaras in the City and promotes community activities and local regeneration.

The Council has developed its work since 1989. Key activities include the organisation of Vaisakhi. Originating in a harvest festival, Vaisakhi marked the birth of the Khalsa, the Sikh nation, in 1699. In 1999 Birmingham hosted Vaisakhi 1999 celebrating 300 years of the Sikh religion. The event was addressed by Tony Blair and attracted 120,000 people, the biggest celebration of Vaisakhi outside of the Punjab.

In 1993 a major conference launched an analysis of the current situation and the needs of local Sikhs. Strategies were developed for education, women, economic development, community care, leisure and advice and information. Subsequently, organisations such as the Sikh Women's Forum and youth groups have emerged and a help line has been established. A radio station was launched in October 2000, Radio Nankana, operating from 16 October to 12 November on 106.6 FM. The Sikh Council has also accessed lottery money to orchestrate projects promoting health care (diet, diabetes and coronary disease are significant issues) and capacity building to enhance the roles of Gurdwaras as community centres.

Mohan Singh is elected President of the Guru Nanak Gurdwara in Sparkhill and General Secretary of the Council of Sikh Gurdwaras in Birmingham. He was born in the Punjab and came to England at the age of 2 in 1964. His grand father had toured the world and settled in England in 1947. His father migrated in 1963. He progressed through the school system and worked within the family textile business. As President of his Gurdwara he is responsible for the strategy of the organisation and as General Secretary of the Council he oversees the organisational work of the body.

Mohan Singh has seen changes in Birmingham since he was growing up in the 1960s. There are more facilities and people are generally respected. Overt racial abuse or violence are rare, but there are incidents which reveal a lack of understanding and members of minority communities do not always find it easy to reach positions at the top of organisations.

Mohan has hopes for the future. Everybody should gain an understanding of different cultures and this should be promoted in education and the media. Often people in important positions know nothing about the cultures of communities operating in Birmingham for over 40 years. Charities, health and the prison and probation services should understand the particular religious requirements of Sikhism.

Times are changing, problems relating to policing and education can usually be solved through talking. The army is responsive to Sikh cultural needs in areas such as diet. Birmingham, he believes, as in so many things has taken a national lead, but it would help when analysing the needs of minorities if Sikhs were seen as a distinct racial group and not grouped as Indians who are people coming from diverse cultures and backgrounds. This sensitivity will help in identifying local community achievements and targets.

The Millennibrum Project is grateful to The Sikh Council of Gurdwaras in Birmingham for providing the archive for the use of local people and researchers. The author is grateful to Mohan Singh and Raj Singh for their assistance in supplying information.

For more information: Telephone: 0121 773 0399

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