Singh sabha movement

The Singh Sabha Movement was an early 20th century reform movement within Sikhism.

The movement aimed to bring back the long-awaited spirit of Gursikhi to the Khalsa Panth. Initiated by just a handful of devoted Gursikhs, in reaction to wayward practices and beliefs within the Panth, the Singh Sabha Movement sought to reform Sikh practice with the publication of numerous books, pamphlets, newspapers, and even schools; all of which focused on clearing up the misnomers in Sikh practice and instilling Gurmat values within the Panth.

"Sevadaars" of the Singh Sabha took it upon themselves to challenge their English counterparts, Hindu countrymen, as well as various other political, social, and religious groups of the time. Gurbani was researched, "Shabad keertan" was enhanced, Gurmukh traditions were renewed. It was an effort to educate and spread the word of Gursikhi.

To quote Sardar Harbans Singh in The heritage of the Sikhs

"The Singh Sabha which followed them had a much deeper impact. It influenced the entire Sikh Community and reoriented its outlook and spirit. Since the days of the Gurus nothing so vital had transpired to fertilize the consciousness of the Sikhs. The Singh Sabha by leavening the intellectual and cultural processes brought a new dimension to the inner life of the community and enlarged its heritage. Starting in the seventies of the last century, it marked a turning-point in Sikh history . It touched Sikhism to its very roots, and made it a living force once again. The stimulus it provided has shaped the Sikhs' attitude and aspiration over the past one hundred years."

Goals of the Original Sri Guru Singh Sabha:

# To propagate the true Sikh religion and restore Sikhism to its pristine glory;
# To edit, publish, and circulate historical and religious books focusing on Gurmat;
# To propagate current knowledge using Punjabi as the medium and to start magazines and newspapers in Punjabi;
# To reform and bring back into the Sikh fold the apostates.

More information on the Singh Sabha Movement

* [http://www.sikh-history.com/sikhhist/events/singhsabha.html Sikh history]
* [http://allaboutsikhs.com/events/singhsabha.htm All about Sikh website]
* [http://www.sgpc.net/glossary/Singh_Sabha.asp Singh Sabha]
* [http://www.sgsss.org/History/index.asp History]
*Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha(Southall)