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Why have a Sikh Agenda?
The Sikh faith is the third largest in the UK and the fifth largest in the world according to the United Nations, with Panjabi being the second language of London and England. The 600,000 strong British Sikh community is keen to play a more effective part in British society as one of the most important ethnic minorities in the UK. In the global context, the British Sikh community is the largest Sikh community outside Panjab, the Sikh homeland. The Sikh community, due to its numbers and commitment to strong religious and cultural values has the potential to constitute one of the most influential lobby groups in the UK.
In recent months the UK Government has taken the unprecedented step of banning two Sikh organisations. This has strained community relations and highlighted the need to restore the good name of the Sikh community and to prevent such events from reoccurring by providing an effective framework for timely consultations. The Sikh community needs to be given greater opportunities and encouraged to play a more active and responsible part in British society.
A considerable amount of good work is being carried out by numerous Sikh organisations throughout the UK, however the Sikh community has not agreed a Sikh Agenda in the past. The Sikh community's approach to the UK Government needs to be more effectively organised and co-ordinated so as to be better able to present issues of concern to the Sikh community and to promote the unique association between Sikhs and the UK.
To improve transparency and accountability a comprehensive, coherent and achievable Sikh Agenda has been formulated and agreed by the community with the full backing of Sikh Gurdwaras and other Sikh organisations. The Sikh Secretariat started consultation with the Sikh community and prominent Sikh organisations on the contents and wording of the agenda several months ago. This was achieved through advertisements in the Panjabi press, meetings, focus groups and communication via Sikh e-groups. This culminated in the international convention held on 16 September where the Sikh Agenda was formally endorsed.
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