THE ASIAN INDEPENDENT UK
Bal Ram Sampla
Geopolitics
The story of the Sikh community is built on a simple but powerful idea: sewa, which means selfless service to humanity. From their origins in Punjab, India, to their thriving communities all over the world, Sikhs have made remarkable contributions to modern society. Guided by the belief that everyone is equal and deserves to be treated with dignity, individual Sikhs and the community as a whole have left a lasting mark on history, science, human rights, and public service.
Standing Up for Freedom and Equality
One of the most important values in the Sikh faith is standing up against injustice. Historically, Sikh leaders laid down their lives to protect the religious freedom of not just their own people, but other communities as well.
This brave spirit carried over into modern history. During World War I and World War II, over 83,000 Sikh soldiers died fighting alongside Allied forces. Known for their fierce bravery and loyalty, they left their homes to defend global peace. Even today, Sikhs continue to serve honorably in the military, police forces, and public sectors of countries like the United Kingdom, Canada, India, and the United States.
Feeding the Hungry and Helping in Crises
The Sikh community is perhaps best known globally for its incredible charity work. Every Sikh temple, or Gurdwara, runs a free community kitchen called a langar. In a langar, volunteers cook hot, nutritious meals for anyone who walks through the door—regardless of their race, religion, or background. Everyone sits on the floor together to eat, showing that all people are completely equal. Millions of people are fed through langar every single day worldwide.
When disasters strike, Sikhs are often the first to help. Global organizations like Khalsa Aid go directly into war zones, earthquake sites, and flood areas to provide clean water, food, and medical supplies to people in desperate need.
During the global COVID-19 pandemic, Sikh communities worldwide stepped up by delivering oxygen tanks and cooking meals for healthcare workers and isolated neighbors.
Pioneering Minds and Trailblazers
Individual Sikhs have also changed the world through their brilliant minds and talents. In the realm of science, Narinder Singh Kapany is widely celebrated as the “Father of Fiber Optics.” His groundbreaking research made high-speed internet and modern medical imaging possible. In sports, athletes like Milkha Singh (known as the “Flying Sikh”) inspired generations through his incredible speed on the track, while Fauja Singh became a global symbol of health by running full marathons well past the age of 100.
Modern Recognition: The 2026 Honours List
This long tradition of service and excellence continues to be recognized on the world stage today. In the United Kingdom’s 2026 New Year Honours List, a stellar group of British Sikhs were formally celebrated for their immense contributions to modern society, showing how the core values of the community translate into professional excellence:
Preserving Heritage and the Arts: Dr. Harjinder Singh Lallie (OBE) was honored for spending three decades preserving Sikh musical traditions. As the founder of the Gurmat Sangeet Academy, he helped create the world’s first globally recognized Sikh Sacred Music exams, ensuring traditional stringed instruments like the dilruba and taus are taught to future generations.
Similarly, artist Balbir Singh (MBE) was recognized for outstanding contributions to community culture and creativity.
Business, Fashion, and Finance: Neeta Avnash Kaur Atkar (CBE) received top honors for her over 30 years of expert leadership in risk management and her dedication to supporting small business finance through the British Business Bank.
In the creative sectors, Mani Kohli (MBE), a pioneering fashion designer and founder of the Khubsoorat Collection, became the first South Asian female designer to receive an MBE for her 40-year career bringing South Asian heritage crafts and fashion into mainstream British culture.
Education and Academia: Professor Gurpreet Singh Jagpal (OBE), Chief Commercial Officer at Aston University, was recognized for successfully bridging the gap between academic research and corporate innovation.
Meanwhile, Professor Avtar Singh Matharu (MBE) was honored for his brilliant scientific advancements in green chemistry and sustainable university education.
Bhajan Matharu (BEM) was awarded for her grassroots dedication to early years primary education.
Technology and Public Service: High-level leadership in government was celebrated through Daljit Singh Rehal (CB – Order of the Bath), who drove massive technological transformations as the Chief Digital Information Officer for HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).
Public safety and justice were further championed by Narinder Kaur Shergill (MBE) for her vital work with the Serious Fraud Office.
Manjinder Singh Kang (BEM), who beautifully blended his professional career as a Community Safety Manager at Network Rail with extensive charity fundraising.
Healthcare and Fitness: Kulwant Singh Sehmi (MBE) was recognized for his long-standing lifetime service to NHS patient care as the Head of Ophthalmic Diagnostic Imaging at Moorfields Eye Hospital.
In sports, Sabhijinder Singh Hayer (BEM) was celebrated for his years of mentoring youth through weightlifting coaching in the West Midlands.
Conclusion
Whether they are running a free kitchen down the street, spearheading green chemistry research, or transforming public technology, the contributions of the Sikh community come from a place of love, duty, and humility. Through hard work, a commitment to equality, and a deeply ingrained desire to help others, Sikhs continue to make the world a kinder, safer, and more welcoming place for everyone.
Source:
Press Release by City Sikhs
http://www.citysikhs.org.uk
