In a deeply moving and historic gathering at the House of Commons, Parliamentarians, interfaith leaders, and members of the Sikh community came together to honour Bhai Sahib Professor Mohinder Singh Ahluwalia OBE KSG for his lifelong selfless service to humanity. Bhai Sahib Ji was accompanied by his wife Mata Baldev Kour and loving family. Hosted by Gurinder Singh Joshan CBE MP. The event started with Keertan, spiritual music of sacred Sikh scripture by selfless volunteers. This was followed by the MPs bestowing a “Siropa” to Bhai Sahib Ji as a Sikh traditional gesture of welcome and respect. This set the scene for a deeply emotional, spiritual gratitude and reverence inspired ceremony.
The event was an opportunity for parliamentarians and distinguished guests to pay their personal tributes and share their reflection on Bhai Sahib Ji’s work and achievements. Gurinder Josan MP said “Bhai Sahib Ji’s lifetime dedication and leadership has enabled the Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha (GNNSJ- Sikh Faith Charity) to go from strength to strength across the world. The impact of his Selfless Service is felt not just within the Sikh community but also across all communities. Long May it continue”.
Bhai Sahib Ji, internationally revered for advancing Nishkam Sewa (selfless service), attributed all credit for his life’s work to the Divine, the Sikh Gurus, his visionary mentors, his parents, and the global Sangat [congregation] of GNNSJ. He reminded all present that true leadership flows from humility, service, and love for humanity, echoing the Sikh teaching that “those who love, truly find the Divine.”
In his keynote address, Bhai Sahib Ji offered a spiritual and values-based reflection on the urgent need for:
- Unity and humility within the Sikh Panth (Spiritual Brotherhood) to overcome divisions and uphold the true sovereign identity of the Khalsa.
- The development, delivery and application of values-led education, where virtues form the foundation of human flourishing.
- Revitalising Gurudwaras as spaces of intergenerational learning, engagement, and genuine practice of Dharam.
- Living the teachings of Gurbani not just in word but through disciplined, daily action.
- Serving the whole of creation to connect with the Creator, embodying Nishkam (selfless) spirit through action, reflection, and prayer.
Bhai Sahib Ji’s call to action was clear: “Let us rise together, aligned with the Divine Command, to be beacons of unity, humility, and compassion—serving all of humanity through the rich legacy of our Gurus.” Please read full speech below.
The event marked a historic affirmation of Bhai Sahib Ji’s global role in interfaith peacebuilding, civic leadership, education and spiritual renewal—and served as a timely reminder of the transformative power of selfless service in today’s world. This was further amplified by the following words of wisdom from some of the attendees at the event.
Patricia Whitney, from Birmingham RC Diocesan Commission for Inter religious Dialogue and Chair of Birmingham Faith Leaders’ Group stated: “I was privileged to be one of the Christians present in the Houses of Parliament yesterday for the event honouring Bhai Sahib Ji for a “life of selfless service”: a timely award and a sign of hope in an increasingly polarised world.
I was deeply struck by the cross-party appreciation by many MP’s and others for his humble, loving and inspirational leadership which has led to a of broad range of initiatives that demonstrate the impact of faith upon civic engagement. I am impressed by the resonance between Nishkam and the Focolare community to which I belong: although we are different, we travel towards God together+. For me, Bhai Sahib Ji is a contemplative with his feet firmly on the ground and yesterday’s event acknowledged the impact one individual like him can make upon the world”.
Preet Shergill MP, with deep emotions said, “True greatness lies not in how high we rise, but in how humbly we walk. This exemplifies Bhai Sahib and his leadership. I want to thank him for his vision and Sewa, in setting up Nishkam schools. It gave my daughters more than an education. It gave them a way to live. Man neeva, Mat uchi – stay humble in heart, high in thought. That school motto shaped their character in ways no textbook ever could.”
Recognising the immense contribution of Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha, the MPs presented GNNSJ trustees, Sucha Singh, Parminder Singh Jhutti and Jaswinder Pal Singh Chandan with a Parliamentary Recognition Award.
Jaswinder Pal Singh Chandan, a GNNSJ Trustee, echoed the sentiments of many present by sharing, “It is truly an honour to attend the remarkable event at the Houses of Parliament, hosted by honourable Members of Parliament, in celebration of Bhai Sahib Bhai Mohinder Singh Ji’s lifelong, selfless service to humanity. Bhai Sahib Ji is a globally respected faith leader and humanitarian, whose tireless efforts in interfaith dialogue, community service, and the preservation of Sikh heritage have inspired countless individuals across the world. Bhai Sahib Ji’s unwavering dedication, compassion, and commitment to Guru Ji’s Sangat is deeply appreciated. May Guru Ji bless Bhai Sahib Ji with continued good health and a long, impactful life.”
End.
Notes for Editors:
Bhai Sahib Professor Mohinder Singh is the Chairman of Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha (GNNSJ), a faith-based charitable organisation headquartered in Birmingham, UK, with global outreach across education, health, civic engagement and interfaith work.
In recognition of his tireless efforts to promote peace, reconciliation and interreligious harmony, Bhai Sahib Ji was awarded the Pontifical Order of Knighthood of St Gregory the Great (KSG) by His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI in 2012 – becoming the first Sikh in history to receive this honour. Bhai Sahib Ji received the Papal knighthood with humility, dedicating it to the Guru’s message of selfless service and unity among all humanity.
Parliamentarians present
- Seema Malhotra MP and Minister for Justice
- Jas Athwal MP
- Warinder Juss MP
- Preet Kaur Gill MP
- Tan Dhesi MP
- Gurinder Joshan CBE MP
- Sureena Brackenridge MP
- Sarah Coombes MP
- Lord Mcabe
- Lord Russell Rook
- Lord Sahota
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