RSS Infiltration into Punjab’s Educational Institutions: An Attempt to Undermine Sikh Philosophy and Threaten Cultural Identity

Amritsar, July 31, 2025: The student organization Sath issues this press note to alert Punjab and the global Sikh community about the centralization of the education system and the subsequent threat it poses to Punjabi culture and Sikh philosophy. With the central government’s direct control over education policies, states have been stripped of the autonomy to design independent curricula and policies. Since 1947, the core objective of educational institutions has been to forge a singular “national identity”—a project aimed at subsuming distinct identities into Indian nationalism. This strategy has now reached its most dangerous phase.

Under its anti-Sikh agenda, the RSS is influencing research and curricula within educational institutions in such a way that Sikh identity is projected as a subset of Sanatan (Hindu) ideology. Aligned with this agenda, the Aam Aadmi Party government in Punjab is reportedly appointing heads of educational institutions in accordance with RSS directives—an alarming and distressing development.

The most glaring example of this is evident at Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU). Recently, the university’s Vice Chancellor participated in an RSS event attended by top RSS leadership. At this event, the VC publicly declared that RSS policies are being implemented within the university. Specifically, he announced:

The inclusion of “Bharatiya Gyaan” (Indian Knowledge Systems) in the pre-PhD coursework—a move that deviates from the core principles of Sikh philosophy and aims to saffronize higher education.

Through the Guru Nanak Chair, an effort is being made to connect Vedic teachings with the message of Guru Nanak Sahib—an initiative that directly contradicts the Guru’s teachings. Guru Nanak vehemently rejected ritualism and Brahminical ideologies in his own writings.

The infiltration of RSS ideology into a university founded in the name of Guru Nanak is a profound tragedy. It will pave the way for research and narratives that work to establish Sikhs as part of the Hindutva fold.

Sath, as a student organization, appeals to the entire Sikh community: the time for silence has passed. After our land and waters, our institutions are now being taken from us. This grave situation demands a united and collective response. Sikh scholars and the community at large must awaken to this threat and take decisive action.

Issued by:
Sath (Student Organization)