The Chief Khalsa Diwan is a 117-year-old Sikh organisation, which is the central Organization of various Singh Sabhas spread across Punjab, India.[1][2] Unlike the Shiromani Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee, the Diwan is an apolitical body and only concerns itself with religious, educational and cultural issues.[3]
At present,Template:When? the Chief Khalsa Diwan Charitable Society runs
- 48 schools
- 3 colleges
- Orphanages
- Old age homes
- Khalsa Advocate - newsletter
- Hospitals and clinics
The organisation was founded with the active efforts of Bhai Vir Singh.
History
As with other Sikh organisations, the Chief Khalsa Dewan strongly opposed the partition of India, which many Sikhs thought would create an environment of possible persecution.[4]
Presidents
- S. Sunder Singh Majithia (1967-1982)
- S. Sujan Singh Sadana
- S. Kirpal Singh (former M.P.) remained the president for 17 consecutive years until his death, without any selection (through election), because of his goodwill with other members.
- Charanjit singh Chadha
- Dhanraj singh
- Dr. Santokh Singh
- S. Nirmal Singh (since 2019)
Honorary secretary
- S. Sant Singh
- S. Bhag Singh Ankhi
- S. Santokh Singh Sethi
- S. Narinder Singh Khurana
- S. Swinder Singh Kagthunangal, former M.L.A. (current)
- S. Surinder Singh, (Rumalaye Wale, current)
Local committees and presidents
The Chief Khalsa Diwan Charitable Society has numerous branches, each autonomous but directly responsible to the Diwan Headquarters at Amritsar.
References
- ↑ Chief Khalsa Diwan Charitable Society. Chief Khalsa Diwan.
- ↑ Chief Khalsa Diwan announces to set up university, Offensive, Marking Them. The Times of India(29 March 2016).
- ↑ Chief Khalsa Diwan passes Rs150 crore budget, Service, Tribune News. www.tribuneindia.com/news/amritsar/chief-khalsa-diwan-passes-rs150-crore-budget/214407.html(28 March 2016).
- ↑ The Aftermath of Partition in South Asia{{#if:|, {{{last}}}}. Routledge(2004). ISBN 978-1-134-44048-1