The Need for Apex Body
The doctrine of ‘Guru Granth - Guru Panth' proclaimed by Guru Gobind Singh demands the setting up of such a body without which the Panth cannot discharge its responsibilities or exercise its authority. This was eleborated in the keynote address delivered in the Institute of Sikh Studies (IOSS) seminar referred to earlier, which is, therefore being partly reproduced as an Appendix
Aim
To provide guidance and direction in the Sikh community's march towards its ordained mission to spread the effulgent message of the Gurus and to ensure a rightful place for the community, nationally as well as internationally.
Objectives
4 The ISC will reflect the status of Guru Panth, and in due course, will decide its own functions. However, it must inter alia , encompass the following:-
a) To share the ideology of the Guru Granth Sahib with all humanity for evolving a harmonious social order.
b) To articulate short- and long-term goals of the Panth.
c) To promote the cause of the Sikh community in national and international forums.
d) To articulate and express the views on behalf of the Sikh community in the above forums, and thus to represent the Panth in all domestic and international spheres.
e) To co-ordinate activities of various Sikh organisations.
f) To help resolve and work towards settlement of all philosophical and other issues affecting the Panth as a whole.
g) To deal with problems of existing or potential schisms in the Panth.
h) To rebut academic and other attacks on Sikh religion, culture, tradition and history.
i) To promote education and economic development of the Sikh community.
j) To promote research and publication of literature on Sikh religion, tradition, culture and history.
k) To take vigorous and sustained measures to promote Punjabi language.
l) To initiate and help promote national and international effort, for humanitarian causes in pursuance of the basic Sikh tenet of Sarbat da Bhala (well being for all).
