The first ever international branch of Sikh’s single largest representative body in the world Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has been incorporated as Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee USA INC in the Yuba City of California and its account have been opened in Bank of America, informed SGPC president Avtar Singh Makkar while talking to media persons on Friday.
The SGPC would set up a International Sikh Center at the 13.5 acres of land donated by USA’sprominent Sikh Didar Singh Bains with an aim to create awareness about Sikh religion, Sikh’s distinct identity, Sikh turban and propagate the teachings of Sikh Guru’s especially to the younger generation.
A pro Khalistan lobbyist of USA, Didar Singh is also known as ‘Peach King’ of California for his farming business.
Makkar informed that SGPC had sent a four member delegation to visit Yuba City to complete the Incorporation formalities. The members included Senior Vice President Raghujit Singh Virk, General Secretary Sukhdev Singh Bhaur, Assistant Secretary PS Sarao and SGPC executive body member Rajinder Singh Mehta.
“They had held two meetings in Yuba City on September 26th and 28th to chalk out further plans of International Sikh Center” said Makkar while adding that the foundation stone of building of Center would be laid in February 2014. The SGPC USA INC would have seven members with a five years of term.
The International Sikh Center would have turban tying institute, weekly Gurmat classes, a preaching center besides a Gurdwara for which SGPC would send trained Ragi and Pathi from India.
Makkar informed that SGPC would send a container load of literature having insight into the Sikh religions, Sikh’s turban, Sikh’s distinct identity , Sikh culture and history etc. to Yuba City before annual Sikh parade held in Yuba City in the month of November .
“The Center will also work as base station for distribution of such literature to other countries of the world to dispel myths about Sikh’s identity ” said Makkar adding that SGPC would also explore the possibilities of printing of Sri Guru Granth Sahib at the Center.