Over the last year, we have begun work on a major project to celebrate the tri-centenary of the establishment of the Khalsa Republic by Baba Banda Singh Bahadur. This project was publicly launched with a seminar in June 2009, the first of a series that is set to span the entire project duration. Over 100 people visited the Wills Memorial Building in Bristol to hear learned speakers such as Richard Reddie and Madge Dresser highlight the achievements of Banda Singh and the Khalsa Republic in contrast to the abolition of slavery in the UK.

Our next seminar has been arranged for November and will focus on the Sikh concepts of Truth, Equality & Justice in the socio-political and legal Khalsa Republic of the early 18th century, showing how these policies and concepts were unprecedented at that time. Particularly, this seminar will be examining the rule of law as imposed by the Mughal Empire and contrasting it to that of the Khalsa Republic which succeeded it in The Punjab. This will be expanded upon with an insight into analytical jurisprudence and ethics from a Sikh perspective. Further, Banda Singh’s battle of Sirhind, which was a key strategic victory in the establishment of the Khalsa Republic, will be examined from a historical perspective.

Hosted in the historic Cabinet War Rooms in London, we have arranged for each ticket-holder to have inclusive access to the war rooms and Churchill Museum, in addition to enjoying the fascinating insights from our learned speakers during the seminar. This is a valuable opportunity to explore a unique location that was of immense importance during the Second World War and is steeped in history. Ordinarily the cost of entry is almost thirteen pounds, but as a ticket-holder it is included as part of your seminar ticket.

The event will be held on Saturday 28th November, 2009 at the Harmsworth Room, Cabinet War Rooms. It will begin at 1pm and last approximately 4 hours. Light refreshments will be provided during a mid-afternoon comfort break.

The Harmsworth Room has limited capacity seating; to avoid disappointment you are advised to book early. Tickets for the seminar are on sale now at £20 each and can be bought online here. All proceeds from ticket sales will go towards the Baba Banda Singh Bahadur Project.

If you are interested in becoming involved with the Banda Singh Bahadur Project as a volunteer or have any other queries then please email us in the first instance via the Contact page.