Canada: Gian Singh Sandhu-led Guru Nanak Institute of Global Studies to hold International Sikh Research Conference on these dates
By Hardam Maan
Surrey (Canada), September 27, 2026: The Guru Nanak Institute of Global Studies, led by Gian Singh Sandhu, will host its 5th Annual International Sikh Research Conference on October 3 and 4, 2026, at Surrey City Hall.
The two-day conference will bring together scholars, researchers, students and Panthic personalities from different countries. In addition to in-person participation, arrangements have also been made for online participation from different parts of the world.
Dr. Kamaljit Kaur Sidhu, Co-Chair of the conference and Vice-President of Academic Affairs, said this year’s theme is “From Curiosity to Scholarship, From Voice to Impact.” The conference aims to promote research on Sikh history, heritage, society, institutions and contemporary issues, while exploring ways to connect research with social change.
On the first day, economist Dr. Manmohan Singh Kumar, Head of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Department in the United States, will be the keynote speaker. He will discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the Sikh diaspora in a changing world. Dr. Anjum Dara, Deputy Director of the Department of Archaeology in Pakistan, will also present research related to the rule of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
A special research project on comparative studies of the meanings of Gurbani will also be presented, with Dr. Gurmell Singh, Dr. Harjinder Singh Sandhu and Mandeep Singh Sajjan sharing their views.
Other topics to be discussed include the role of Artificial Intelligence in higher education, relations between Sikh and Indigenous communities, the history of Punjabi resistance, and perspectives of young people.
The second day will focus on the history, current status and future direction of Sikh institutions. A discussion led by Dr. Satvir Singh will examine the changing role of Gurdwaras and the evolving needs of the Sikh congregation.
Gian Singh Sandhu, President and CEO of the Guru Nanak Institute of Global Studies, will share his vision for developing the institution into a Guru Nanak University in the future.
The conference will also feature an open discussion on cooperation and a collective strategy for the broader objective of “Sarbat da Bhala.” The Institute has appealed to scholars, researchers, students and Panthic personalities to participate in the conference in large numbers.