Permjit Singh
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  • About
  • ਪੰਜਾਬੀ
  • Contact
  • Never forget 1984
  • Feedback
  • Books on Sikhi
  • Israel's war criminal 2
  • Israel's war criminal
  • 1984 remembered - 01 Jun 25 London
  • Vaisakhi Nagar Kirtan 06 Apr 25
  • Tree-planting 03 Apr 25
  • Boycott Israel - Ealing
  • Genocide of Palestinians by Israel
  • Palestine march London 17 May 2025
  • Anti-racism rally London 26 Oct 2024
  • Alcohol addiction - resources
  • Southall Park 29 Nov 2024
  • Published books
  • EAS-Clarion Quiz
  • Feeback form
  • Questions written badly
  • Compounding 2024
  • Food Bank 26 Nov 2024
  • US financial literacy quiz
  • Published articles
  • Hollywood's racists
  • Audio
  • Autumn is here - 2025
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Of all elements, the most significant is the element of knowledge. (SGGS 152)

ਵਿਦਿਆ ਵੀਚਾਰੀ ਤਾਂ ਪਰਉਪਕਾਰੀ ॥ vidhiaa veechaaree taa(n) paraupakaaree || "Vidiaa veechaaree tan parupkaaree”. That education is good, which is used for the welfare of people. (Guru Nanak Dev Ji, 356) 

Contemplate and reflect upon knowledge, and you will become a benefactor to others. (SGGS, 356)

"There is no good in science that won't help people, and there's no good in scholars isolated from people" (Al-Khawarizmi)

I've observed over time that the Sangat, generally-speaking, shows very little interest in books on Sikhi.  On the other hand, many Sikhs (academics and ordinary folk) have written and published thousands of books on many aspects of Sikhi, and in Punjabi and in English. 
Pictureclick to watch video
Karamveer Singh appeals to Sikhs to have a library in their home to stimulate a passion for reading books to change their lives (click on the image to see and listen).  Karamveer Singh says:
"There is a weakness in our community, we are not used to reading. We can have a bar [alcoholic drinks] in our homes, but we don't have libraries in our homes. If we had libraries and books, we would have a passion for reading.
But we don't have a passion for reading. Today we have a passion to buy big cars and build a bank balance. But I would like to request the community through this channel [Satluj TV], that where you have big houses, where you have expensive houses, build a room in one of those big houses, in the form of a library, where there are thoughts of precious scholars.  And by reading those thoughts, we can make a change in our lives."  Transcribed from Punjabi to English by TurboScribe.ai.  Click on this link to view the full video interview by Satluj TV of Karamveer Singh.


Read books on Sikhi and Sikhism

Browse through the list below, of more than 480 items of literature on Sikhi.  Click on "previous" or "forward" (in the bottom left and right corners of a page) to move between pages.  Filter your selection using the Categories listed in the box below.  Each book entry provides details of the book, such as its title, author, and the gurdwara library where it's located.  Check the list regularly for new books added to it. 
The list was started on 31 Jan 2025.  Currently, only items held at the library at Sri Guru Singh Sabha Southall (category: SGSSS) are listed, and only those written primarily in English.  In time, I hope to add books held at other local gurdwara libraries, and then books written in Punjabi.  I hope other sewadars will compile similar lists so that, ultimately, anyone in any region of any country, will be able to see online what books on Sikhi are available to read at their local gurdwara libraries.  To increase the likelihood and ease of the Sangat seeing what books are available locally, local gurdwaras need to cooperate and form a "hub and spoke" network in which the central gurdwara (the "hub") publishes an online list of books held at local gurdwaras (each a "spoke").
To send a message, please click here .
Abbreviations: AG = Adi Granth; GGS = Guru Granth Sahib; DG = Dasam Granth; NS = not stated

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29/4/2025

Sikh hymns

Title: Sikh hymns
Author surname(s): Kaur and Abrol
Author forename(s): Gurdev and A S
Publisher: Harihar Devtar Publishers
Pages: 222
ISBN: 187441100x
Publn date: 1991 (original publication date: 1991)
Location: shelf 4.6 SGSSS library
Language: English
Preface: yes
Overview: The 1995 edition (second edition) is on shelf 13.2  This 1991 edition sets out 205 hymns, plus a guide to pronunciation of gurmukhi with the aim of helping "Sikh children to discover the joys of Punjabi, and to get to know the Shubuds.  More than this, I hope that children will find through the Shubuds a glimpse of God, which will encourage them to discover more."  Each hymn is shown in gurmukhi then transliterated on the opposite page (no translation nor explanation).  The two editions do not have identical Contents because the page numbers and order of hymns differs, and the 1991 edition has more hymns.

29/4/2025

Elucidation of selected gurbani hymns part 1

Title: Elucidation of selected gurbani hymns part 1
Author surname(s): NS
Author forename(s): NS
Publisher: Sikh Missionary College, Ludhiana
Pages: 56
ISBN: none
Publn date: 2003 (original publication date: NS)
Location: shelf 4.6 SGSSS library
Language: English
Preface: no
Overview: The pamphlet shows transliteration and translation and meaning of some hymns.

28/4/2025

Sikh gurus: their lives and teachings

Title: Sikh gurus: their lives and teachings
Author surname(s): Singh Duggal
Author forename(s): K
Publisher: UBS Publishers; UBSPD
Pages: 251
ISBN: '9788185674995
Publn date: 2003 (original publication date: 1993)
Location: shelf 4.5 SGSSS library
Language: English
Preface: yes
Overview: This is a later reprint of the book found on other shelves, and they appear to have identical content.  The book describes the lives of the gurus and translates some of their hymns.  It includes a bibliography, and a short glossary

28/4/2025

Life story of siri satguru Gobind Singh ji maharaj and some of his hymns

Title: Life story of siri satguru Gobind Singh ji maharaj and some of his hymns
Author surname(s): Singh Doabia
Author forename(s): Harbans
Publisher: Harbans Singh Doabia and Satwant Kaur Charitable Trust, Chandigarh
Pages: 150
ISBN: none
Publn date: NS (original publication date: NS)
Location: shelf 4.4; 18.6 SGSSS library
Language: English
Preface: yes
Overview: The book is in two parts.  Part 1 includes the principles of Sikhi and biographies of the last 5 gurus and the message of guru Gobind Singh.  Part 2 includes transliteration and translation of some of Gobind Singh's hymns.  The author also rejects writers who reject the idea of "miracles" and is also outspoken on other beliefs and behaviours he sees in some Sikhs, and on some views "wholly wrong and false version of certain historical facts." about Gobind Singh and other gurus.  I estimate the book was published around 1974.

27/4/2025

The saint-soldier guru Gobind Singh

Title: The saint-soldier guru Gobind Singh
Author surname(s): Singh Sidhu and Singh Sivia and Singh
Author forename(s): G and G and Kirpal
Publisher: Sikh Missionary Society UK
Pages: 70
ISBN: none
Publn date: 1985 (original publication date: 1974)
Location: shelf 4.3 SGSSS library
Language: English
Preface: yes
Overview: This 1985 edition is a copy of the 1996 edition.  "The life-sketch of Guru Gobind Singh presented in this book is a blue-print for such a man." The booklet covers the life and times of the guru and some of his compositions, his character; many words that characterise him; the congregational Sikh prayer in English; nitnem recitations; the Sikh anthem; and Sikh symbols (5Ks).

18/4/2025

Rehras the torch to pass through the darkness of death and Sohila the lyric that speaks of lacerations and pangs of separation

Title: Rehras the torch to pass through the darkness of death and Sohila the lyric that speaks of lacerations and pangs of separation
Author surname(s): Singh Kapoor
Author forename(s): Sukhbir
Publisher: Sterling publishers
Pages: 88
ISBN: 8120715284
Publn date: 1993 (original publication date: 1993)
Location: shelf 4.1; 5.4 SGSSS library
Language: English
Preface: yes
Overview: "The book presents "the text [in gurmukhi], translation and meaning of... [Rehras and Sohila] in a new and dynamc style."  It explains "the theme, literal translation and summary of the shabads and... narrates a Sakhi or Sakhis to highliight the teachings contained in the shabad."

28/3/2025

The saint-soldier guru Gobind Singh

Title: The saint-soldier guru Gobind Singh
Author surname(s): Singh Sidhu and Singh Sivia and Singh
Author forename(s): G and G and Kirpal
Publisher: Sikh Missionary Society UK
Pages: 70
ISBN: 'none
Publn date: 1996 (original publication date: 1974)
Location: shelf 3.5; 4.3 SGSSS library
Language: English
Preface: yes
Overview: "The life-sketch of Guru Gobind Singh presented in this book is a blue-print for such a man." The booklet covers the life and times of the guru and some of his compositions, his character; many words that characterise him; the congregational Sikh prayer in English; nitnem recitations; the Sikh anthem; and Sikh symbols (5Ks).

28/3/2025

Hymns from the Dasam Granth

Title: Hymns from the Dasam Granth
Author surname(s): Singh Mansukhani
Author forename(s): Gobind
Publisher: Hemkunt
Pages: 107
ISBN: 'none
Publn date: 1980 (original publication date: 1980)
Location: shelf 3.5 SGSSS library
Language: English
Preface: yes
Overview: "The fifty hymns…[are on]: god; the holy name; false religion; transitory world; universal brotherhood; the Khalsa; yoga; himself [autobiographical]. There are also extracts from Zafarnama and Bachitra Natak.  The booklet "has covered all the aspects of the Tenth Guru's personality and teaching...These hymns throw light mainly on the two aspects of the Guru's character.  He was not only a Prohet but also a saint warrior."  Hymns are presented in gurmukhi, transliterated then translated.  Footnotes are provided for difficult words and concepts.

28/3/2025

The Sikh gurus and Sikhism

Title: The Sikh gurus and Sikhism
Author surname(s): Singh Bhatia and Bakshi
Author forename(s): H and SR
Publisher: Deep & Deep publications, New Delhi
Pages: 387
ISBN: '8176291307
Publn date: 2000 (original publication date: 2000)
Location: shelf 3.5 SGSSS library
Language: English
Preface: yes
Overview: The book is a broad description with chapters on: the gurus; Sikh scriptures; Sikh institutions; origins of SGPC and SAD; rituals and Sikhi; Japji; Rahraas; Sohila; hymns of Nanak.  There is a bibliography.  It is entirely in English.  "This book is a comprehensive account of the Sikh gurus, holy scriptures, several reformers and institutions having a deep bearing on the life of a common man for whom they lived and worked."

28/3/2025

Guru Granth Sahib an insight into the format and design

Title: Guru Granth Sahib an insight into the format and design
Author surname(s): Singh Kapoor and Kaur Kapoor
Author forename(s): Sukhbir and Mohinder
Publisher: Hemkunt
Pages: 44
ISBN: '8170103355
Publn date: 2004 (original publication date: 2004)
Location: shelf 3.4 SGSSS library
Language: English
Preface: no
Overview: The book has the following incomplete list of chapters: language and subject matter of GGS, arrangement of hymns, sikh philosophy and values, an analysis of some of the compositions, including nit nem, rhythm, and a history of the compilation of GGS.

27/3/2025

Saint poets of Guru Granth Sahib

Title: Saint poets of Guru Granth Sahib
Author surname(s): Singh Buxi
Author forename(s): Lochan
Publisher: National Book Shop, Delhi
Pages: 202
ISBN: '8171162487
Publn date: 2000 (original publication date: 2000)
Location: shelf 3.4 SGSSS library
Language: English
Preface: yes
Overview: The author's "objective is to introduce…the treasure of devotional hymns and moral teachings of these saint-poets and mystics.  He reproduces their original text in Gurmukhi script (as given in the Adi Granth)…[plus a transliteration and translation].  His commentary attempts to throw a light on certain important aspects of the text as also on their historic, philosophic and theological background."  There is also a note on the  versions (Birs) of the GGS.  There is a bibliography.  Text is in gurmukhi and English.

27/3/2025

Japji and sohila - arti

Title: Japji and sohila - arti
Author surname(s): Singh
Author forename(s): Puran
Publisher: Chief Khalsa Diwan, Amritsar
Pages: 29
ISBN: none
Publn date: 1969 (original publication date: NS)
Location: shelf 3.3 SGSSS library
Language: English
Preface: yes
Overview: The booklet explains the relevance and purpose of Japji (which is a morning prayer).  Sohila-Arti is also included and is the bedtime prayer.  Neither prayer has gurmukhi text or transliteration; only the English translations.

27/3/2025

Kirtan sohila

Title: Kirtan sohila
Author surname(s): Singh Wahiwala and Singh
Author forename(s): Ranjit and Kulwant
Publisher: Sikh Missionary Resource Centre, Birmingham
Pages: 28
ISBN: none
Publn date: NS (original publication date: NS)
Location: shelf 3.3 SGSSS library
Language: English
Preface: yes
Overview: The book explains the purpose of the hymn and also sets out in detail the steps of a Sikh funeral service.  Text is in gurmukhi, transliteration and translation.  Ardas is also stated, and in the same format.

27/3/2025

Shabad Kirtan

Title: Shabad Kirtan
Author surname(s): NS
Author forename(s): NS
Publisher: NS (the book was presented at the Akhand Kirtani Jatha Annual Khalsa Camp)
Pages: 196
ISBN: none
Publn date: 1992 (original publication date: NS)
Location: shelf 3.3 SGSSS library
Language: English
Preface: yes
Overview: The book provides shabads in gurmukhi and transliterated and translated (most of them).  There is also a section explaining the importance and significance and meaning of kirtan, and its relation to spirituality.  The shabads are arranged according to purpose.  "We believe that those of you who truly want to be spiritually uplifted to the lofty realms of Chardi Kala will study the contents with your mind and soul and, through the Grace of our Great Guru, will become one with Him by performing 'Akhand Kirtan' throughout the rest of your lives."

27/3/2025

Gurbani kirtan book version 3 a step by step learning instruction book

Title: Gurbani kirtan book version 3 a step by step learning instruction book
Author surname(s): Singh
Author forename(s): Manmohan
Publisher: NS (might be: Jatinder Singh & InderMohan Kaur; Khalsa primary school, Slough SL2 5QR)
Pages: 118
ISBN: none
Publn date: NS (original publication date: 2011)
Location: shelf 3.3 SGSSS library
Language: English
Preface: yes
Overview: "Learn kirtan version 3 includes Punjabi Viakhia and English translation of every shabad, including anand sahib."  The book also includes details on how to play instruments (I think the harmonium) while singing the shabads.  It is a study book that is intended to be kept as a record of achievement by the student.

27/3/2025

Gurbani shabad kirtan booklet

Title: Gurbani shabad kirtan booklet
Author surname(s): NS
Author forename(s): NS
Publisher: Sikh Naujawan Sabha Malaysia
Pages: 335
ISBN: none
Publn date: 2009 (original publication date: NS)
Location: shelf 3.3 SGSSS library
Language: English
Preface: no
Overview: A collection of hymns and shabads in gurmukhi, with a transliteration and translation (no explanation).

26/3/2025

Hymns from guru granth sahib

Title: Hymns from guru granth sahib
Author surname(s): Singh Mansukhani
Author forename(s): Gobind
Publisher: Hemkunt
Pages: 119
ISBN: none
Publn date: 1984 (original publication date: 1975)
Location: shelf 3.2 SGSSS library
Language: English
Preface: yes
Overview: 50 hymns in 5 sections: each in Gurmukhi, then its transliteration then its translation into English. Footnotes explain difficult words.  The preface describes the basics of Sikh life and its goal.

26/3/2025

March 26th, 2025

Title: Japji
Author surname(s): Singh Doabia
Author forename(s): Harbans
Publisher: Singh Brothers
Pages: 79
ISBN: none
Publn date: 1980 (original publication date: 1974)
Location: shelf 3.2 SGSSS library
Language: English
Preface: yes
Overview: The book provides a glossary of how to pronounce gurmukhi characters in English.  The preface summarises the fundamentals of Sikhi.  Each line of Jap Ji is stated in Punjabi, then transliterated then translated.  Part two explains the message of Jap Ji stanzas.  The book appears to be an earlier edition of the book on shelf 9.6 by the same author, but this book on 9.6 is no longer there.

26/3/2025

Bara Maha twelve months of the Indian calendar

Title: Bara Maha twelve months of the Indian calendar
Author surname(s): Singh Kapoor
Author forename(s): Sukhbir
Publisher: Hemkunt
Pages: 72
ISBN: none
Publn date: 1996 (original publication date: 1996)
Location: shelf 3.2 SGSSS library
Language: English
Preface: yes
Overview: The book consists of 12 shabads representing 12 months plus a prologue and epilogue.  "The theme of both bara mahas as composed by Guru Nanak Dev and Guru Arjan Dev is a commentary on divinity, love, truth, relationships, union and separation." "This book is for readers who are anxious to know the meaning of the hymns they read, recite, and listen to."  For each hymn, text is provided in gumukhi, transliterated, then explained in punjabi text and in English.  There is also a glossary.

26/3/2025

Guru Tegh Bahadur divine poet, saviour & martyr

Title: Guru Tegh Bahadur divine poet, saviour & martyr
Author surname(s): Singh
Author forename(s): Ranbir
Publisher: Chief Khalsa Diwan, Amritsar
Pages: 138
ISBN: none
Publn date: 1975 (original publication date: 1975)
Location: shelf 3.2 SGSSS library
Language: English
Preface: yes
Overview: The book is a biography of the guru and includes translations of his hymns.  There is also a lot of material on his predecessors, plus material on his followers and the impact of his martyrdom.

26/3/2025

The ninth Nanak a historical biography

Title: The ninth Nanak a historical biography
Author surname(s): Singh
Author forename(s): Darshan
Publisher: K Lal & Co; Jullundur
Pages: 120
ISBN: none
Publn date: 1975 (original publication date: 1975)
Location: shelf 3.2 SGSSS library
Language: English
Preface: yes
Overview: The book is a biography of the guru's life and times and his travels and a translation of some of his hymns. The appendix compares the christian and bikrmi sambat calendars and dates.  There is also a bibliography.

26/3/2025

Guru tegh Bahadur martyr and teacher

Title: Guru tegh Bahadur martyr and teacher
Author surname(s): Singh and Singh Talib
Author forename(s): Fauja and Gurbachan
Publisher: Punjabi university, Patiala
Pages: 211
ISBN: none
Publn date: 1975 (original publication date: 1975)
Location: shelf 3.2 SGSSS library
Language: English
Preface: yes
Overview: This book is the first edition.  The book is "a useful guide to the totality of [the guru's] life and teaching" Part 1 covers his life, vision, achievements and impact.  Part II covers his compositions and notes on their interpretation.

26/3/2025

Sri guru Tegh Bahadur life history sacred hymns and teachings

Title: Sri guru Tegh Bahadur life history sacred hymns and teachings
Author surname(s): Singh Doabia
Author forename(s): Harbans
Publisher: Singh Brothers
Pages: 184
ISBN: none
Publn date: 1975 (original publication date: 1975)
Location: shelf 3.2 SGSSS library
Language: English
Preface: yes
Overview: "This book contains all the divine hymns [of the guru]…with translation in simple English of each verse, the summary of the Divine Teachings, as well as, the short life story [of the guru]…The Sloks [of the guru], given at the end [of GGS], have been included in this book, and a summary of their teachings has also been given." The introduction discusses controversy about when the hymns were composed.  Hymns are presented in gurmukhi, transliterated and translated.

25/3/2025

Hymns of guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib

Title: Hymns of guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib
Author surname(s): Chellaramji
Author forename(s): Pujya Dada
Publisher: Niraguna Balik Satsang Mandal; Dada Chellaramji Ashram Niraguna Balik; PO Saproon
Pages: 159
ISBN: none
Publn date: 1965 (original publication date: 1965)
Location: shelf 3.2 SGSSS library
Language: English
Preface: yes
Overview: The book has all the hymns of the guru, in gurmukhi and in English, with no explanations.

25/3/2025

The Sikh symbols kesh hair

Title: The Sikh symbols kesh hair
Author surname(s): Singh
Author forename(s): Kirpal
Publisher: Sikh Missionary Society UK
Pages: 28
ISBN: none
Publn date: 1996 (original publication date: 1971)
Location: shelf 2.7 SGSSS library
Language: English
Preface: yes
Overview: "[the author] has tried to explain why the Sikhs have their distinctive appearance and what importance they attach to their outward form…it will be of considerable interest to all those who wish to know and understand the Sikhs and their beliefs and practices."  The booklet includes the 5Ks, the importance of the turban, the importance of uncut hair, the Sikh anthem, Nitnem, and the mool mantra.
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