The University played host this week to a group of eminent Sikhs from Punjab, who gathered to mark the signing of a scholarship agreement between the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee and the Cambridge Commonwealth Trust.

The agreement, which will commence in 2010, will enable up to five outstanding Sikh students to pursue a Masters degree or PhD at Cambridge, in subjects relevant to the development of higher education in Punjab.

The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) is an elected Sikh body, established in 1925 with responsibility for oversight of gurdwaras (holy shrines), including the Golden Temple at Amritsar, and for management of educational institutions in Punjab and other states in India.

The visitors were welcomed by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Alison Richard, who then witnessed the signing of the agreement by Avtar Singh Makkar, President of the SGPC, and Michael O’Sullivan, Director of the Cambridge Commonwealth Trust (CCT).

CCT is a charity established for the University of Cambridge in 1982, with the purpose of enabling outstanding international students from Commonwealth countries to study here.

Before the signing ceremony, a number of Sikhs from both Cambridge and further afield participated in a traditional prayer meeting (Sehaj Path, Shabad Kirtan and Bhog) in Trinity Hall.

It is believed that this is the first time in the University’s 800 years that the Sikh Holy Book has visited the University, brought for this occasion by Sikhs visiting from London.

Professor Richard said that the University looked forward to welcoming these new Sikh students, and that they would add to the richness of the community in Cambridge. She noted with respect and deep satisfaction the visit of the Holy Book to the University, which was honoured by this symbolic act.

Avtar Singh Makkar congratulated the University on its 800th year, and on its history of producing intellectual leaders and thinkers who changed the face of the world. He looked forward to doors opening for outstanding Sikh students in Cambridge, who would return to their native country and work to promote education there at all levels.

The Cambridge Commonwealth Trust is grateful to Indi Seehra, the University’s Human Resources Director, for effecting the introduction to the SGPC, and for facilitating the event in Cambridge in many ways.

The Master of Trinity Hall, Professor Martin Daunton, kindly played host to the visitors from the Punjab during their stay in Cambridge.

 

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