In October 2023, Mr. Harbinder Singh Sethi was appointed as the trustee of the Sikh Council of Africa. He felt elated and grateful to take up the mantle of the trustee of the SCOA.
The Sikh Council of Africa, as the name suggests, is a unifying body for Sikh places of worship and organisations based in South Africa. It operates based on the teachings of Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji to bring unity among its members.
Harbinder Singh Sethi: His Mission and Vision
It won’t be an understatement to say that Mr. Harbinder Singh Sethi is a light that is dedicated to fostering a sense of peace and harmony in society. As a philanthropist, he aims to inspire spiritual growth among people.
With his years of wisdom, he is committed to extending his hands to the needy and positively impacting people’s lives. He has successfully touched hundreds of lives with his altruistic endeavours till now. His vision extends across borders, assisting the Gurudwaras across Africa in community-building activities.
Mr. Harbinder Singh Sethi epitomises unity and compassion. His journey, guided by his father’s teachings, has transcended boundaries, fostering goodwill and harmony. His legacy of service and leadership radiates across South Africa, Tanzania, and Kenya; a testament to his unwavering commitment to uplifting communities and paving the path for a brighter future.
Today, Mr. Harbinder Singh Sethi has become a towering symbol of unity and compassion. His journey, professional and otherwise, is dedicated to the service of Sikhism and local communities.
Mission Statement of Sikh Council of Africa
The Sikh Council of Africa is a multi-faceted organisation. Its higher purpose is to provide a unified platform for the Sikh people living in Africa. Its razor-sharp focus is on the betterment of the educational, economic, and social well-being of the people. The council is dedicated to practising and propagating teachings of Sikhism, fostering faith, and encouraging interfaith cooperation among the people.
The Fundamental Objectives of the Sikh Council of Africa
SCOA operates upon a diverse set of objectives. It reflects its commitment to the Sikh community and broader societal goals. Here is a quick snapshot of the same:
- Representing Sikhs in international dialogues on humanitarian and Sikh-related issues in Africa.
- Promoting Sikh solidarity and Sikhism throughout the continent.
- Engaging in the African Union Interfaith Dialogue Forum and other interfaith platforms.
- Fostering interfaith harmony and peaceful coexistence through dialogue.
- Participating in the global discourse on Sustainable Development Goals post-2015.
- Cultivating peace-building through forgiveness and reconciliation.
- Partnering with indigenous religious traditions to address environmental concerns, counter extremism, and combat climate change.
- Upholding non-political objectives and adhering to the “Maryada” as prescribed by Sri Akal Takht Sahib.
- Safeguarding the rights of Sikhs, particularly regarding religious symbols and attire.
- Promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment.
- Empowering youth and endorsing strong family and moral values.
- Fundraising and administering resources to further the society’s interests, including charitable donations for public welfare.
- Managing properties and investments to support the society’s objectives, ensuring that activities transcend caste, community, or colour, and are not for profit.
Harbinder Singh Sethi’s Role as Trustee of Sikh Council of Africa
As the trustee of the Sikh Council of Africa for the next six years, Mr. Harbinder Singh Sethi will have a very crucial role to play. He will be responsible for managing the fixed assets and allocating expenditures and investments of the Sikh Council of Africa. His decisions will be pivotal in directing the entire SCOA towards serving the Sikh community and the locals in South Africa.