Much before the partition of the country, a section of the Sikh population had started migration to various parts of the country in search of livelihood. Sikhs came from West Punjab and East Punjab and made Mumbai their home. They never looked back. As the numbers increased, it was necessary to have a place of worship. Thus came into being the Sri Guru Singh Sabha at Bori Bunder now known as CST earstwhile Bombay V T. located strategically and easily accessible to the Sikh population which arrived in the city of opportunities.as time passed a need for a bigger and centrally location was anticipated ,the sikh population was increasing and had spread far and wide within the city as well at this juncture Sri Guru Singh Sabha extended to the heart of the city at a grand place — Dadar. . It is now the nerve centre and a guiding force for all the religious and socio cultural activities of the community.
What started of as the first place of worship, became the fulcrum of all religious, social and political activity of the Sikhs of Mumbai. The central location and the visionary role of its founders, led the organisation to play the role of coordinating Gurpurabs, Sikh festivals, Nagar Kirtans, Religious competitions and even protests on issues confronting the Sikh community and leading the Sikhs of Mumbai. Sri Guru Singh Sabha continues to play this role without let-up and without comprising Sikh doctrine or the interests of the Sikh community in any way. Various Sewak Jathas and particularly the Kendri Sewak Jathas play a vital role in all religious functions of the Sri Guru Singh Sabha.
Of late, the body has been interacting with the University of Mumbai for furtherance of Sikh studies, the establishment of the Guru Gobind Singh Bhavan at the Kalina Campus of the University, the working of the Guru Gobind Singh Endowment Chair and starting of a variety of Punjabi courses at the graduate and post-graduate level in the University. Guru Nanak Vidayak Society, run by the body, operates a number of schools and colleges.
Whether there is a need to appreciate the achievement of Sikh residents or there is a call to protest against deliberate and malicious attacks against the Sikh community, either by anti-social elements, pseudo-cultists or even Bollywood, Sri Guru Singh Sabha upholds the banner of the community aloft and fulfills all duties and responsibilities expected by the community.
The unflinching and clean record of the body enables it to maintain a clear and uncompromising liaison with the administrative and political leadership of Mumbai and Maharashtra.
Playing the historic and traditional role of a Dharamsal, as envisaged by the Gurus, the Sri Guru Singh Sabha, Dadar provides major logistic support in the form of accommodation to all people –irrespective of religion, caste, creed or nationality, who come to Mumbai for cure of their loved ones at the various specialty health centres of the city. This facility is particularly used by those who come to Mumbai for treatment of Cancer at the Tata Memorial Hospital, situated a few kilometers away from the Gurdwara. To further beef up the provision, more and better rooms –with air condition facilities and even a lift, are being added to cater to the growing needs.
The Dharamsal is not restricted to relatives of patients alone. Anybody and everyone, who visits Mumbai and wants a roof over their heads, make a beeline to Sri Guru Singh Sabha Dadar and its always-busy Musafirkhana –Pilgrims’ Inn. This facility available round the clock, makes it the most popular destination for Sikhs and non-Sikhs traveling to the dream city of Mumbai.
With the blessings of Akal Purakh and the cooperation of Sikh Sangat, all visitors to the Gurdwara partake of Guru-ka-Langar (community kitchen) throughout the day. The Baba Jiwan Singh Dispensary provides medical assistance to the poor and needy. Not to be left behind anyone, the moment there is a call for emergency relief –during disasters or tragedies, the leaders and volunteers of the Singh Sabha do not wink an eyelid and are there right in the heart of the situation rendering the role of Bhai Ghanaiya Ji. Some years back, Sri Guru Singh Sabha took a major step and has set up a state-of-the art Guru Nanak Hospital and Nursing College at Bandra.
The Guru Gobind Singh Library located within the premises stocks a good number of reference books for those inclined to satisfy their religious and literary thirst.
As a token of its contribution to clean and green environment, the body continues to maintain for the last 15 years the vast areas of the Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar Garden at Garodia Nagar in Ghatkopar suburb of Mumbai.
A news and views fortnightly newsletter in Punjabi and English is put together as Singh Sabha Mumbai Patrika highlighting achievements, forthcoming events and other happenings in the Sikh world of Mumbai, Maharashtra, Punjab and the Diaspora.
It goes without saying that all members, Sewadars, Committee Members and office-bearers of the body are dedicated to all activities and tasks oriented towards Chardikala of the Khalsa Panth.
Of late the sabha has also added activities as organizing religious competitions viz shudh path recitation, drawing competition , elocution on one hand and felicitation of Saabat Soorat Sikh Student who have performed outstandingly right from class five to graduation, post graduation, diploma in various fields.
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