Sikhi education portal reaches £30,000 fundraising target

A project to launch an online Sikhi education portal has reached its £30,000 fundraising target.

Patishahi 6 Academy’s virtual learning environment (VLE) project will deliver structured, curriculum-based education in Gurbani Vidiya (study of Sikh scripture and history), Shastar Vidiya (study of weaponry), Raag Vidiya (study of classical devotional music), fitness and tuition in key stage and GCSE school curriculum education.

The VLE enables education to be delivered remotely to students online in an open university style, offering virtual access to ustaads (respected teachers) and tutors, with online assessments and assignments for students to chart their progress.

The curriculum of the Sikhi-focused modules (Gurbani, Sastar and Raag vidiya) will be available to students free of charge. It aims to revolutionise the way that education in Sikhi is delivered to students, making use of new technology to reach users worldwide.

“P6 Academy is humbled that through the Grace of Guru Sahib & GurSangat, the £30,000 crowdfunding target has been reached!” said Patishahi 6 Academy spokesman Santa Singh. “The academy is now working in full force, making great collaborations along the way to deliver the ambitious results we set out to achieve.”

MP Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi, who served as president for the Gatka Federation UK for several years, explained that he has recently learned about Patishahi 6 Academy and their vision to enhance one’s spiritual and temporal growth through physical and virtual programmes.

“I hope, with the support of the sangat (congregation) and the goodwill of Vaheguru (wondrous enlightener), that they will go on to achieve great things providing these services to individuals sitting in their homes.”

During the current COVID-19 pandemic and enforced lockdown, the Academy realised the urgency to deliver the VLE project and fast-tracked its development. The VLE will be beneficial for all students of Sikhi, particularly during any future enforced lockdowns, and it would also benefit students who are new to Sikhi around the world, especially in places where there are not large populations of Sikhs, or existing Sikhi educational services in their localities.

Santa Singh added: “We are grateful that the community appreciate the need for education of Sikh disciplines and values in an efficient way; through which a revolutionary VLE will play a pivotal role.”

“Current and future generations will enjoy the benefits of this infrastructural project providing a platform for high quality Sikh studies.”