University of Birmingham Sikh Society
Discover Sikhi. Find your Sangat. Make a Difference.
Welcome to the University of Birmingham Sikh Society (UoB Sikh Society), a student-led community dedicated to supporting Sikh students, sharing the teachings of Sikhi (Sikhism) and bringing people together from all backgrounds.
Whether you're a practising Sikh, looking to reconnect with your faith, curious about Sikhism or simply hoping to meet new people, there's a place for you here. We aim to provide a genuine home away from home, where students can build lifelong friendships, develop their understanding of faith and contribute to something meaningful beyond their degree.
You don't need to be Sikh or have any previous knowledge of Sikhi to get involved. Everyone is welcome!
Supporting and Representing Sikh Students
The Sikh Society is more than a place for events and socials. We aim to be a strong, positive voice for Sikh students at the University of Birmingham, ensuring their experiences, concerns and religious needs are heard and understood across campus.
Through engagement with the Guild of Students, the University, fellow student societies and external organisations, we work to promote greater awareness of Sikh beliefs, practices, identity and history, while encouraging equality, inclusion and mutual respect.
We also maintain strong relationships with local Gurdwaras (Sikh places of worship), Sikh institutions and community organisations across Birmingham and the West Midlands, connecting students with the wider Sikh community.
Above all, we want Sikh students to feel confident, supported and represented throughout their university experience.
Discover Sikhi: Talks, Discussions and Education
Learning and sharing knowledge are central to our Sangat (community). Throughout the year, we organise educational talks, interactive discussions, guest speaker events and workshops exploring Sikh history, philosophy, traditions and the teachings of the Sikh Gurus.
Our Society has a history of welcoming respected speakers, including Bhai Jagraj Singh, the founder of Basics of Sikhi, alongside opportunities to explore Punjabi language, Gurmukhi calligraphy, Sikh heritage and visits to local Gurdwaras.
Our discussions encourage students to ask questions, share perspectives and learn together, whether they're discovering Sikhi for the first time or looking to deepen their understanding.
Kirtan, Simran and Spiritual Development
University can be a busy and challenging time, so we provide regular opportunities to reconnect with faith, reflect and find peace alongside your studies.
Our spiritual activities include weekly Kirtan sessions, Rehraas Sahib (evening Sikh prayers), Simran (meditative remembrance of God) and larger Kirtan Darbars, bringing students together through Sikh devotional music and prayer.
These gatherings help create an uplifting environment where students can grow spiritually, experience the value of Sangat and develop a stronger connection with the teachings of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.
Whether you've attended Kirtan all your life or have never experienced it before, you're welcome to join us.
Seva, Volunteering and Langar on Campus
A fundamental principle of Sikhi is Nishkaam Seva, meaning selfless service without expectation of reward.
Our Society encourages students to put this teaching into practice through charitable initiatives, volunteering and community outreach, including food drives supporting people experiencing homelessness in Birmingham.
Our flagship initiative is Langar on Campus, one of the University's most established student-led community events. First held at Birmingham in 2004, the event has continued for over 20 years and helped inspire similar initiatives at universities across the UK.
Langar is the Sikh tradition of preparing and serving free meals to everyone, regardless of religion, caste, ethnicity, gender, age or social background.
Each year, Sikh Society volunteers come together to serve freshly prepared vegetarian food to the University community, with recent events aiming to serve more than 2,000 people.
Langar on Campus gives students the opportunity to experience the Sikh values of equality, compassion, humility and selfless service through practical action. It also provides an opportunity for people unfamiliar with Sikhism to learn about the faith directly from Sikh students.
Socials, Sports and Student Life
Being part of Sikh Society isn't just about attending religious events. It's about meeting people, building friendships, trying new activities and enjoying university life together.
We organise regular Wednesday socials, informal discussion groups and a range of activities throughout the year, including bowling, ice-skating, hiking, games nights and collaborations with other university societies.
Our sporting activities, including football and badminton, offer opportunities to stay active, make friends and participate in friendly competitions with students from Birmingham and other universities.
Whether you're looking for something meaningful, something social or simply somewhere to unwind after lectures, our events offer a friendly, welcoming and non-judgemental space to get involved.
Join Our Sangat!
The University of Birmingham Sikh Society brings together faith, friendship, education, service and community.
We're here to help students feel connected, support one another, share the principles of Sikhi and make a positive difference both on campus and beyond.
Whether you want to deepen your faith, discover Sikhism, volunteer through Seva, attend Kirtan, play sports or simply make new friends, there is a place for everyone within our Sangat.
Come along to an event, meet the committee and become part of our community!
Contact Us: sikh@guild.bham.ac.uk
Instagram: @uobsikhsociety