Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha (GNNSJ) is an organization that commits itself to helping others in the spirit of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, who founded the Sikh religion. GNNSJ is a faith-based organization officially registered in the UK, India, and Kenya. They intend to follow and spread the core principles of the Sikh religion through selfless service.
Laying the foundation
GNNSJ was officially established in Kericho, Kenya, during the 1950s by Sant Baba Puran Singh Ji, who had moved from India to Kenya in 1917. He spent a significant part of his 57-year life in Kenya, with many years residing in Kericho, where he established Kericho Wagon Works in 1925. He earned an honest livelihood through hard work and helped others in the town. He contributed to municipal improvement schemes such as the renovation of hospitals, schools and churches. In recognition of his civic contribution, the town square was named Puran Singh Square.
Sant Baba Puran Singh Ji was lovingly called Baba Ji of Kericho. He devoted himself to a deep life of meditation, practising and propagating Sikh values, touching and transforming thousands of people´s lives. The founding vision and leadership of GNNSJ were provided by Sant Baba Puran Singh Ji. Baba Ji passed on in England on 5th June 1983. He was succeeded by Bhai Sahib Bhai Norang Singh Ji who steered the activities of GNNSJ until 3rd July 1995. Since 1995, the work of GNNSJ has been directed by Bhai Sahib Mohinder Singh.
Assisting local population
Over the years, there has been a growing understanding that Faith-Based Organizations (FBOs) play a crucial role in providing help to local communities. These organizations are becoming increasingly recognized for their important contributions. Over 75% of the world's population follows major religions. It is essential for people of goodwill in religious communities, political parties, and civil society to work together cooperatively and coordinate their efforts.
It is important for humans to develop a sense of universal responsibility, which includes values such as honesty, freedom, equality, solidarity, tolerance, and respect for nature. Achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) can significantly reduce poverty and suffering. GNNSJ, through its NSPSI initiative, has taken the first step in partnering to assist the local population of the Kericho district in contributing to the MDGs.
GNNSJ is strategically located within both donor and recipient communities in Europe, Africa, and Asia. Education, skills, and knowledge are central to achieving the MDGs, and this can be accomplished by empowering the younger generation with quality education and values at the grassroots level. This will enable them to address issues like poverty, child mortality, health, diseases, financial challenges, and environmental concerns.
Kericho Gurudwara
Kericho, often called the "Emerald of Kenya," is a stunningly beautiful place famous for its picturesque tea plantations. The name "Kericho" comes from a renowned African healer and medicine man named "Kerich." Kericho is home to Africa's largest Gurudwara, a Sikh place of worship, which stands as a living tribute to the great saint Sant Baba Puran Singh Ji. This Gurudwara has become an impressive architectural landmark in the region, including Baba Ji's humble home and workshop. The Kenyan government has officially recognized this site as a place of spiritual importance.
In the pursuit of global peace and unity, it is essential for humanity to develop a method that rejects revenge, aggression, and retaliation and instead embraces love. The vision of the Nishkam Saint Puran Singh Institute (NSPSI) is to be the top choice for education and a centre of excellence for today's professionals. NSPSI aims to provide high-quality education through a dedicated teaching staff while promoting moral and ethical values in a safe, nurturing, and inspiring environment.
Recognizing the collective need to achieve the Millennium Goals, NSPSI focuses on formal training for professionals. This institute, rooted in Sikh Dharam's values of doing good for all, has successfully built bridges between different faith communities worldwide, fostering goodwill, hope, and prosperity at the grassroots level. NSPSI was established in honour of Babaji, the Sikh Saint of Kericho, as a project dedicated to helping others beyond one's own community. The foundation of NSPSI's education curriculum is based on imparting academic knowledge firmly grounded in intrinsic values such as truth, integrity, compassion, social responsibility, morality, selflessness, and respect for diversity.
*Based on an article by Kanini Evans Kariuki, published in the American Chronicle on 29th May 2009