By Manjit Kaur | Opinion |
We’re living in a time of rapid change. The rise of the internet, smartphones and global connectivity has transformed how people think about faith and community. Traditional religious authority is weakening, and while storytelling remains central to human culture, increasing levels of education mean many people now value scientific reasoning over blind faith.
For many young Sikhs—especially those born and raised outside India—the Gurdwara feels increasingly distant. With their secular and rational outlook, many find that traditional forms of preaching, often delivered by parcharaks (preachers) trained in seminaries (deras) in India, hold little relevance to their lives. If we want Sikh Parchar to remain meaningful, we need to radically rethink what it means to be a Sikh parcharak today.
Here are 10 qualities that I believe are essential for the modern Sikh parcharak. As you read through them, ask yourself: how many of these qualities are present in the Gianis or travelling preachers who visit your local Gurdwara?
- Rooted in Gurbani
Too many Parcharaks rely solely on rote learning. While they may be skilled in reciting Gurbani or telling Sakhis, they often struggle to connect these teachings to the realities of modern life. A true Parcharak must internalise the wisdom of Guru Granth Sahib—not just recite it. This means living the values of humility (nimrata), compassion (daya), and truth (sat), not just speaking about them. Today’s youth can spot hypocrisy a mile away—they’re not looking for moral lectures but for genuine role models.
- Rational Thinking
Guru Nanak openly challenged superstition, ritualism and blind faith. He encouraged critical thinking and dialogue. In the same spirit, today’s parcharaks should be comfortable engaging with difficult questions and should be able to communicate ideas through logic and reason. They must show that Sikhi is not opposed to science but celebrates curiosity, reflection, and a sense of awe at the natural world (kudrat). They should also be able to distinguish clearly between myths, which have their purpose, and reality and help others do the same.
- Generational Sensitivity
Young people today are grappling with issues like mental health, identity, climate change and social justice. A modern parcharak must be able to understand and speak to these concerns. That means being fluent not just in Punjabi and English, but also in the language and cultural references of the local context. Guru Nanak’s message is for all of humanity not just Punjabis and our Parcharaks should reflect that.
- Digital Fluency
Today’s youth live online. To connect with them, parcharaks need to use social media, not just to keep up with trends or promote themselves, but to present Sikh values in engaging and accessible ways.
- Non-Judgmental Attitude
Many people, especially the younger generation, feel judged at Gurdwaras, particularly around issues of gender, caste, race, or personal lifestyle. A good parcharak must be inclusive and compassionate. They should embody the Sikh principle of Sarbat da Bhalla—working for the well-being of all—and meet people where they are, offering support and compassion instead of condemnation.
- Worldly Awareness
We live in an increasingly diverse and interconnected world. Parcharaks must be capable of engaging in interfaith dialogue and understanding other worldviews. This requires a deep knowledge of Sikh values and the ability to respectfully communicate them. In today’s society, it’s dialogue, not dogma that opens hearts and minds.
- Critical Thinking
Young people crave honesty and transparency. They don’t want fairy tales; they want the truth. A good parcharak should have a clear and well-researched understanding of Sikh history, free from exaggeration or glorification. They should encourage the Sangat to read, reflect, and engage critically with Sikh texts, history, and philosophy. After all the literal meaning of a Sikh is to be a learner and to engage in Gurbani Vichar (thinking)
- Commitment to Social Justice
Sikhi is a faith of action. Parcharaks should not only talk about the historical legacy of seva and sacrifice, they should be active in causes that matter today, such as, fighting poverty, standing up for human rights, addressing climate change, and supporting local communities. This is how spirituality becomes meaningful and alive.
- Mentorship and Emotional Intelligence
A parcharak should not only preach but also listen. Many young people need guidance, not from someone lecturing from a stage, but from someone who will walk beside them. Emotional intelligence, the ability to empathise, uplift, and genuinely care, is more important now than ever in a world full of anxiety, loneliness, and identity struggles.
- Lifelong Learning
Lastly, a Sikh parcharak must remain a student. Guru Nanak described himself as a seeker, and modern Parcharaks should follow that example. They should constantly learn from Gurbani, from Sangat, from books, from experience, and from Simran. This humility and openness will keep the Parcharak grounded and spiritually alive.
Final Thoughts
The Sikh parcharak of the 21st century must be more than a religious speaker; they must be a guide, a thinker, a community leader, and above all, an example. If we want our Gurdwaras to thrive and our youth to reconnect with Sikhi, we need preachers who are rooted in the Guru’s message and who understand the world their audience is living in. The question is: are we ready to embrace this transformation?
Manjit Kaur, a UK-based therapist and counsellor, is a presenter at the 1 Show Live at Panjab Broadcasting Channel, UK. She can be contacted via email at manjitkaur1show@gmail.com
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Manjit ji nice article, what lacks it solutions along with suggestions. Many can suggedt but what is most required is what solutions can we provide as thinker and an observer. I have some suggestions here with examples to few of your points :
I must say they are Excellent points and are deeply relevant for making Sikhi meaningful in today’s world.
1. Fighting Poverty
Sikh Context:
-The concept of *Vand Chakna* (sharing with others) is already embedded in Sikh teachings.
Example: A Gurdwara could go beyond *Langar* by organizing skill training workshops for single mothers, refugees, or the unemployed — teaching sewing, basic computer skills, or English — helping them stand on their own feet, not just feeding them for a day.
-Sikh entrepreneurs could set aside a percentage of their business profits to support microloans or scholarships for underprivileged Sikh and non-Sikh children, in the spirit of Sarbat da Bhala.
2. Standing Up for Human Rights
Sikh Context:
-Guru Tegh Bahadur sacrificed his life for the freedom of religion — this is the highest example of human rights advocacy.
Example: Modern Sikh Parcharaks and Gurdwaras could actively participate in campaigns against discrimination, whether it’s raising voice against racism, casteism, or oppression of minority groups, not just within Sikh spaces but in global forums.
3. Addressing Climate Change
Sikh Context:
Gurbani emphasizes the sacredness of nature (*Pawan Guru, Pani Pita, Mata Dharat Mahat* — air is the teacher, water the father, earth the great mother).
Example: Gurdwaras can install solar panels, switch to reusable plates instead of disposables for *Langar*, plant community gardens, and encourage *tree-planting drives* as a Seva.
– Parcharaks can incorporate environmental consciousness into their Katha and Sikhi classes.
4. Supporting Local Communities
Sikh Context:
– The Sikh principle of *Seva* isn’t limited to Sikhs.
Example: Organize blood donation camps, disaster relief drives, mental health first-aid workshops, or tuition classes for struggling students, whether they are Sikh or not.
– Gurdwaras should become local *help centers* beyond Sunday prayer services.
Mentorship & Emotional Intelligence
Example: A Parcharak or community elder could “adopt” 3-5 young people, not to lecture them, but to meet regularly, offer guidance on personal struggles, career choices, faith questions, and be a listening ear — just as Guru Nanak walked with his companions rather than sitting above them.
– Emotional intelligence means creating spaces where people feel safe to share — not judged.
Lifelong Learning
Example: A Parcharak or Granthi could set a personal example by attending new courses (in psychology, philosophy, history, or modern social issues) and sharing that learning with the Sangat.
– Quoting from recent books or scientific findings during a Katha shows humility and relevance — just as Guru Nanak engaged in dialogue across cultures and beliefs.
Final Thought:
If Sikhi is lived like this — as service in action, as emotional presence, as continuous learning — young people will stop seeing Gurdwaras as “ritual centers” and start seeing them as homes for both personal and social transformation.