The Sikh community has long been admired for its deep-rooted values of selflessness, service, and charity. Sikhism teaches us to live by principles of honesty, integrity, and the betterment of humanity. However, recent revelations about some UK-based Sikh organizations indulging in fraud, fund misappropriation, and financial mismanagement have brought an unwelcome stain upon the community. Instead of uplifting Sikh values and fostering unity, these organizations have become a source of shame, highlighting how far some have strayed from the very tenets of Sikhism they claim to represent.
The case of Rajbinder Kaur, a former bank worker from Birmingham, is emblematic of a growing problem. Kaur, who founded Sikh Youth UK in 2016, was recently convicted of stealing funds from the charity to pay off her personal debts and diverting donations to her family members. Rather than working towards the stated goal of uplifting Sikh youth, Kaur and her brother orchestrated a scheme of deception, using more than 50 bank accounts to hide the stolen money. Her actions not only betray the trust of those who donated but also mock the very ideals that her charity purported to advance.
Kaur’s case is not an isolated one. Another charity, the Khalsa Missionary Society, was found to have been involved in illegal activities in 2017, reportedly using its platform to facilitate unlawful immigration into the UK for a fee. The mission of the charity was meant to promote Sikhism, yet it became a tool for illicit profit-making. Such activities tarnish the reputation of the Sikh community, which has historically been respected for its unwavering commitment to humanitarian causes.
It’s not just small-scale organizations that have come under scrutiny. The Sikh Federation UK (SFUK), one of the most prominent organizations claiming to represent Sikh interests, faces serious allegations of financial impropriety. According to the NSOUK, reports indicate that the SFUK has spent large sums promoting a narrow, exclusive version of Sikh identity, an agenda that directly contradicts the inclusive message of the Sikh Gurus. Worse still, gurdwaras in Wolverhampton and Southampton, which serve as spiritual and social hubs for their local Sikh communities, have reportedly seen their funds drained by the Federation.
Adding to this scandal is the accusation made by Jaswinder Singh Maloya, the son of Beant Singh, one of the assassins of Indira Gandhi. Maloya claims that the SFUK not only siphoned off funds but also failed to provide meaningful support to the Sikh community. His disillusionment underscores the troubling disconnect between the Federation’s public image and its actual conduct. When prominent figures within the Sikh diaspora are calling out these organizations, it is clear that the rot runs deep.
The Nanaksar Thath Isher Darbar charity offers yet another example of mismanagement and irresponsibility. With serious concerns raised over its financial administration and trustee conduct, the Charity Commission had to step in. The charity failed to file its accounts for multiple years and showed evidence of weak financial controls and poor record-keeping. This negligence is not just a legal or administrative failure but a moral one.
The impact of these scandals goes far beyond monetary theft or procedural misconduct. They harm the credibility of Sikh organizations, which are meant to embody the values of “seva” (selfless service) and “sarbat da bhala” (the well-being of all). Instead, they have betrayed the very people they are supposed to serve. The donations given in good faith by members of the sangat (community) are misappropriated, and trust in our institutions erodes.
As a community, we cannot afford to turn a blind eye to these scandals. The Sikh faith is built on a foundation of honesty, transparency, and community service. We must hold our charitable organizations accountable, demanding financial transparency and ethical governance. The actions of a few corrupt individuals or organizations should not define the Sikh community, but if we fail to address these issues, we risk allowing them to do so.
The Sikh teachings of “kirat karo” (earning an honest living) and “vand chhako” (sharing with others) must be reflected in the way our organizations are run. The Sikh community has been a beacon of hope and strength throughout history, known for its generosity, self-reliance, and compassion. Yet, these scandals cast a long shadow over our reputation.
It is time for introspection and reform. We must ensure that the charitable organizations that operate under the banner of Sikhism are living up to the high standards set by our Gurus. This means demanding transparency in their financial dealings, holding trustees accountable for their actions, and ensuring that every penny donated by the sangat is used for the welfare of the community.
We must also look to our own role as donors and community members. Too often, we place blind faith in organizations without questioning their practices or seeking accountability. It is our responsibility to ensure that our contributions are not being misused.
The Sikh community has always been a pillar of strength and resilience. But it is time to recognize that the actions of some within our community are tarnishing that legacy. If we are to uphold the values of Sikhism and work towards the betterment of humanity, we must first clean house, rooting out those who have brought shame upon us through fraud, mismanagement, and greed. Only then can we move forward with our heads held high, knowing that we are living in alignment with the teachings of our faith.
The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author. They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of Khalsa Vox or its members.
