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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Photo by Fabio Pellegrini; Photo by sandeep gill  
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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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27/4/2025

The prophet of hope the life of Guru Gobind Singh

Title: The prophet of hope the life of Guru Gobind Singh
Author surname(s): Singh
Author forename(s): Gopal
Publisher: Sterling publishers
Pages: 80
ISBN: none
Publn date: 1967 (original publication date: 1967)
Location: shelf 4.2 SGSSS library
Language: English
Preface: yes
Overview: The book "gives a glimpse of his great life and works." It is aimed at children, but not exclusively.  The book ends with the guru's prayer.

28/3/2025

Illustrated life stories of Guru Sahibs

Title: Illustrated life stories of Guru Sahibs
Author surname(s): Singh Aulakh
Author forename(s): Ajit
Publisher: B Chattar Singh Jiwan Singh
Pages: 486
ISBN: '8176014931
Publn date: NS (original publication date: NS)
Location: shelf 3.5 SGSSS library
Language: English
Preface: no
Overview: An illustrated book on the ten gurus' lives and times.  Appears suitable for children especially but useful to all ages.

25/3/2025

The Sikh martyrs

Title: The Sikh martyrs
Author surname(s): Singh
Author forename(s): Sawan
Publisher: International institute of gurmat studies, USA
Pages: 82
ISBN: none
Publn date: 1997 (original publication date: NS)
Location: shelf 2.7 SGSSS library
Language: English
Preface: yes
Overview: "This booklet contains brief life stories [15] of the Sikh martyrs uptill 1762.  Each story is followed by a set of questions pertaining to it.  The answers to all the questions are given at the end."  There are around 200 Q&As.  "[This booklet] is an effort to draw the attention of our coming generations to the foot-prints of our great ancestors"  "I have deliberately avoided details, city names and dates to keep it simple and interesting to the young readers."  The list includes the gurus, women martyrs, Sikh holocausts, and other Sikhs.

21/3/2025

Childhood of the gurus

Title: Childhood of the gurus
Author surname(s): Singh
Author forename(s): Jagdish
Publisher: Punjab & Sind bank or Punjabi Press
Pages: 4
ISBN: none
Publn date: NS (original publication date: NS)
Location: shelf 2.4 SGSSS library
Language: English
Preface: yes
Overview: Most of the book has been lost and only a few pages remain.  The book is (was) a collection of 63 paintings (missing) plus text (missing), portraying the birthplace and other places, where the gurus spent their childhoods.  The book is aimed at children. "I dedicate this book to our children with the hope that it strengthens further their devotion to the Gurus and develops an abiding faith in them."

14/3/2025

The Sikh religion: an introduction

Title: The Sikh religion: an introduction
Author surname(s): Kaur Vaid
Author forename(s): Haribala (Rani)
Publisher: Star Publications
Pages: 48
ISBN: 8176502306
Publn date: 2012 (original publication date: 2007)
Location: shelf 1.7 SGSSS library
Language: English
Preface: no
Overview: The book is pictorial with some text, and covers many aspects of Sikhi, including 5Ks, travels of Nanak, his life, and message Khalsa, and has a Q&A section on many aspects of Sikhi.  There is a glossary.  It is aimed at children but is useful to all readers.

13/3/2025

Biography of guru Nanak

Title: Biography of guru Nanak
Author surname(s): Singhi
Author forename(s): Kartar
Publisher: Hemkunt
Pages: 124
ISBN: not visible
Publn date: 1991 (original publication date: 1986)
Location: shelf 1.6 SGSSS library
Language: English
Preface: no
Overview: A book that describes the life of the guru; suitable for children

13/3/2025

The story of guru Nanak

Title: The story of guru Nanak
Author surname(s): Banerjee and Singh Bedi
Author forename(s): PK and Gurjeet
Publisher: Arora Book Company
Pages: 64
ISBN: 8187349611
Publn date: NS (original publication date: NS)
Location: shelf 1.6 SGSSS library
Language: English
Preface: no
Overview: A  book that describes the life of the guru; suitable for children

13/3/2025

The story of guru Nanak

Title: The story of guru Nanak
Author surname(s): Singh
Author forename(s): Mala
Publisher: Hemkunt
Pages: 64
ISBN: 8170101603
Publn date: 1995 (original publication date: 1969)
Location: shelf 1.6 SGSSS library
Language: English
Preface: no
Overview: A pictorial book that describes the life of the guru; suitable for children

13/3/2025

Life stories part 2: guru Angad Dev ji guru Amardas ji guru Ramdas ji

Title: Life stories part 2: guru Angad Dev ji guru Amardas ji guru Ramdas ji
Author surname(s): Singh Aulakh
Author forename(s): Ajit
Publisher: B Chattar Singh Jiwan Singh, Amritsar
Pages: 95
ISBN: 817601270x
Publn date: 2005 (original publication date: NS)
Location: shelf 1.6 SGSSS library
Language: English
Preface: no
Overview: A pictiorial book that describes the lives of the gurus; suitable for children

5/3/2025

Guru Nanak of Talwandi

Title: Guru Nanak of Talwandi
Author surname(s): Singh Kalra and Mills
Author forename(s): Surjit and Maeve
Publisher: Third World Publiocations, Birmingham
Pages: 106
ISBN: none
Publn date: 1981(original publication date: NS)
Location: shelf 1.5 SGSSS library
Language: English
Preface: yes
Overview: A book of 12 stories about guru Nanak: his life and times, and his wisdom.

26/2/2025

Stories from Sikh history: books 1 & 2

Title: Stories from Sikh history: books 1 & 2
Author surname(s): Singh and Singh Dhillon
Author forename(s): Kartar and Gurdial
Publisher: Hemkunt
Pages: various
ISBN: various
Publn date: various (original publication date: 1971)
Location: various SGSSS library
Language: English
Preface: yes
Overview: Book 1 (published 1980; no ISBN; shelf 13.7) presents stories of the life of Guru Nanak.
Book 2 (published 2008; ISBN 817010016x; shelf 15.6) presents stories of the lives of gurus: Angad, Amar Das, Ram Das, and Arjan Dev. There are seven books in the series.

24/2/2025

Guru Nanak (for children)

Title: Guru Nanak (for children)
Author surname(s): Singh Sidhu, Singh Sivia, Singh Rai
Author forename(s): Gurbachan, Gurbaksh, Kirpal
Publisher: Sikh Missionary Society UK (Southall)
Pages: 28
ISBN: none
Publn date: 1996 (original publication date: 1969)
Location: shelf 12.4 SGSSS library
Language: English
Preface: yes
Overview: A short introduction of the birth, life and travels of guru Nanak, including his message.  A later edition is held on shelf 10-A

24/2/2025

Mini encyclopedia of Sikhism: illustrated

Title: Mini encyclopedia of Sikhism: illustrated
Author surname(s): Singh Singha
Author forename(s): H
Publisher: Hemkunt
Pages: 107
ISBN: 8170102006
Publn date: 1993 (original publication date: 1989)
Location: shelf 12.4 SGSSS library
Language: English
Preface: yes
Overview: "This mini encyclopedia is aimed at giving easy interpretations about various terms, concepts, places, principles and personages connected with Sikhism."  Terms are described entirely in English and arranged alphabetically.

20/2/2025

In the Guru's footsteps

Title: In the Guru's footsteps
Author surname(s): Singh Sidhu, Singh Sivia, Singh
Author forename(s): G, G, and Kirpal
Publisher: Sikh Missionary Society UK (Southall)
Pages: 56
ISBN: none
Publn date: 1984 (original publication date: 1971)
Location: shelf 11.1 SGSSS library
Language: English
Preface: no
Overview: The book describes stories from the lives of some of the Gurus and their devotees.  It also has a table of guruships and the compositions they contributed.  It also has a page each on the 5Ks, daily prayers (nitnem), Mool Mantra, and the Anthem of Guru Gobind Singh.  The book is simple in language and aimed at children though its content will appeal to all ages.

20/2/2025

Glimpses of the Sikh gurus for children

Title: Glimpses of the Sikh gurus for children
Author surname(s): Singh Goraya
Author forename(s): Mukhtar
Publisher: Inderjit Kaur
Pages: 80
ISBN: none
Publn date: 2014 (original publication date: 2013)
Location: shelf 10.7 SGSSS library
Language: English
Preface: yes
Overview: The book aims to present "facts and some important events connected with Guru Nanak Dev and his successors…[with the] purpose of making them [readers] conversant with their rich heritage and unparalleled history."  The book is an abridged version of the first edition (published in 2010), to increase the likelihood it will be read by younger people.  It summarises the lives and times of the gurus, the composition of GGS, and includes: mool mantra, nitnem, takhts, 5Ks, Rehat, and a bibliography.

20/2/2025

The lives and teachings of the Sikh gurus

Title: The lives and teachings of the Sikh gurus
Author surname(s): Dhillon
Author forename(s): Harish
Publisher: UBS Publishers
Pages: 308
ISBN: none
Publn date: 1997 (original publication date: 1997)
Location: shelf 10.7 SGSSS library
Language: English
Preface: yes
Overview: "This book is an attempt to relate the birth and growth of this great religion [Sikhism] during the first two hundred years of its life through the life-stories of its ten Gurus…It has been written solely for the young readers in a simple narrative form...[and] carefully eschews all those elements considered supernatural and miraculous in nature,"  It includes a bibliography.  It is entirely in English.  The book begins with a brief overview of the evolution of Punjab and its inhabitants people, going back 2500 years.

19/2/2025

The immortal story of Chamkaur Sahib: the martyrdom of elder Sahibzadas

Title: The immortal story of Chamkaur Sahib: the martyrdom of elder Sahibzadas
Author surname(s): Singh
Author forename(s): Jagdish
Publisher: SGPC, Amritsar
Pages: 36
ISBN: none
Publn date: 1979 (original publication date: 1979)
Location: shelf 10.5 SGSSS library
Language: English
Preface: yes
Overview: The book begins with the creation of the Khalsa, then describes the attack on Anandpur, and the battle of Chamkaur and its aftermath including the Zafarnama.  The book would appeal to younger readers, but is relevant to all readers.

17/2/2025

Bed time stories about the Sikh gurus: book 2

Title: Bed time stories about the Sikh gurus: book 2
Author surname(s): Singh Jagdev
Author forename(s): Santokh
Publisher: Sikh Missionary Resource Centre
Pages: 136
ISBN: none
Publn date: 2011 (original publication date: not stated)
Location: shelf 10.4 SGSSS library
Language: English
Preface: no
Overview:  A collection of 62 stories about Sikhi

17/2/2025

Guru Nanak (for children)

Title: Guru Nanak (for children)
Author surname(s): Singh Sidhu, Singh Sivia, Singh Rai
Author forename(s): Gurbachan, Gurbaksh, Kirpal
Publisher: Sikh Missionary Soc, UK
Pages: 28
ISBN: none
Publn date: 2008 (original publication date: 1969)
Location: shelf 10-A; 1.4; 1.5 SGSSS library
Language: English
Preface: yes
Overview:  A short introduction of the birth, life and travels of guru Nanak, including his message.

5/2/2025

Sakhian from Sikhism

Title: Sakhian from Sikhism
Author: Harmandar Singh Thind
Pages: 100
ISBN: none
Publisher: none
Publn date: 2004 (original publication date: 2004)
Language: English
Location: shelf 6.6 SGSSS library
Preface: yes
Overview:  A collection of stories for children of Sikhi, plus nanakshahi calendar of dates of guruship, birth and death; a page of three memorable events and their dates from 2004 to 2020 using the Gregorian calendar; a couple of pages about the Golden Temple; a list of the 5 Takhts; a page listing the contributions made by Sikhs to achieving freedom from the British; a page on key dates and details of the Gurus - their guruship, parents, birth, death, place of birth.

5/2/2025

Glimpses of sikh history for children: book 2: life of Guru Angad Dev Ji

Title: Glimpses of sikh history for children: book 2: life of guru angad dev ji
Author: students (several)
Publisher: Khalsa School; Satnam Education Soc of BC; Canada
Pages: 60
ISBN: none
Publn date: 1991
Language: English
Location: shelf 6.2 SGSSS library
Preface: none
Overview: A series of books on sikh history followed by correspondinbg test questions, but no answers.

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