On Tuesday, 11th June 2025, Bhai Sahib Prof. Mohinder Singh, Chairman of Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha (GNNSJ) and an internationally respected advocate for peace and interfaith dialogue, visited the BBC Global News Headquarters at Broadcasting House, London.
Hosted by Assistant Editor Amrit Singh Cheema, Bhai Sahib Ji was welcomed into the heart of one of the world’s largest newsrooms. The visit included a tour of the BBC’s 24-hour rolling news operation and its newly launched ‘News Streaming’ studio, alongside Studio B – home to the BBC’s flagship bulletins on BBC One.
During the visit, Bhai Sahib Ji met with senior editorial staff including BBC Religion Editor, Aleem Maqbool, to discuss the evolving role of media in shaping public understanding, promoting interfaith awareness, and fostering peace in a rapidly changing global landscape.
Reflecting on the experience, Bhai Sahib Ji said:
“In an age where misinformation, confusion, and polarisation are widespread, the BBC stands as a trusted public institution committed to fair and balanced journalism. Its mission to inform with integrity is more important than ever, offering a vital source of clarity for individuals and communities across the world.”
A founding member of the European Council of Religious Leaders and President of Religions for Peace UK, Bhai Sahib Ji recently returned from the Vatican, where he presented the Peace Charter for Forgiveness and Reconciliation to His Holiness Pope Leo XIV. The Charter, first shared with Pope Francis in 2018, calls upon humanity to break cycles of violence and revenge through compassion, forgiveness, and moral courage.
Quoting the Charter, Bhai Sahib reminded BBC colleagues:
“Forgiveness is an unwavering refusal to let painful experiences destroy us.”
He emphasised that the work of responsible journalism, like peacebuilding, demands courage, truthfulness, and deep moral conviction.
The BBC’s role in providing trusted news to people of all faiths, backgrounds, and nations, Bhai Sahib said, complements the spirit of Sarbat da Bhalla – the Sikh prayer for the wellbeing of all humanity.
Bhai Sahib extended his warm thanks to Amrit Singh Cheema and the BBC News team for their hospitality, and praised their commitment to thoughtful and inclusive journalism that serves the common good.
Notes for Editors:
- Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha (GNNSJ) is a faith-based organisation headquartered in Birmingham, UK, with global outreach through its work in spiritual development, education, healthcare, interfaith dialogue, and civic engagement. It operates Gurudwaras (Sikh places of worship), educational institutions, and social impact programmes in the UK, Kenya, and India.
- Bhai Sahib Bhai (Prof.) Mohinder Singh is the Spiritual Leader and Chairman of GNNSJ. He is recognised globally for his leadership in interfaith collaboration, reconciliation, and peacebuilding.
- He was awarded the Pontifical Order of Knighthood of St Gregory the Great by His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI in 2012 – the first Sikh to ever receive this honour.
- He has also been awarded the Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to faith communities and interfaith relations in the UK and globally.
- Bhai Sahib Ji is a founding member of the European Council of Religious Leaders, President of Religions for Peace UK, and Co-President of Religions for Peace International.
- The Peace Charter for Forgiveness and Reconciliation, championed by Bhai Sahib Ji, promotes healing, reconciliation, and peacebuilding across divides. It draws from the teachings of many religious and spiritual traditions, including those of Jesus Christ, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), Guru Nanak Dev Ji, Mahatma Gandhi, and Martin Luther King Jr.
First Draft: Upkar
18 June 25
Nishkam Media Centre 