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Gurdwara Management & Protocols

"Gurdwara Management & Protocols" course. This course is structured to educate sewadars, committee members, and aspiring leaders about efficient and respectful management of Sikh Gurdwaras according to Gurmat (Sikh principles), legal norms, and cultural expectations.


📘 Course Title:

Gurdwara Management & Protocols


🎯 Course Objectives:

  • Understand the spiritual, administrative, and community roles of a Gurdwara.
  • Learn proper protocols for Guru Granth Sahib Ji’s seva.
  • Gain skills in managing Gurdwara operations, events, finances, and legal obligations.
  • Develop leadership and conflict-resolution abilities within a Sikh religious context.


📚 Course Modules:

Module 1: Introduction to Gurdwara Sahib

  • Origin and evolution of Gurdwaras
  • Functions of a Gurdwara (spiritual, educational, social)
  • Gurdwara architecture and key areas (Darbar Sahib, Langar Hall, etc.)

Module 2: Maryada & Protocols

  • Sikh Rehat Maryada guidelines
  • Proper respect and seva of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji
  • Daily Maryada (Nitnem, Ardas, Hukamnama)
  • Protocols for Akhand Paath, Sehaj Paath, Kirtan programs
  • Conduct during religious services

Module 3: Gurdwara Governance

  • Structure of Gurdwara management committees
  • Roles and responsibilities: President, Granthi, Sewadar, Treasurer, etc.
  • Legal and constitutional frameworks (especially in diasporic countries)
  • Elections and accountability

Module 4: Financial & Legal Management

  • Budgeting and fundraising in Gurdwaras
  • Transparency and audits
  • Charity regulations (e.g., 501(c)(3) in the U.S. or charity registration in the UK/Canada)
  • Insurance, liability, and safety compliance

Module 5: Event & Volunteer Management

  • Planning Gurpurabs, Nagar Kirtans, youth camps
  • Coordinating volunteers and Seva teams
  • Emergency protocols and health/safety in events

Module 6: Communication & Conflict Resolution

  • Communicating respectfully with sangat
  • Mediation and conflict resolution within the committee or sangat
  • Media and public relations

Module 7: Technology in Gurdwara Management

  • Using software for accounting, scheduling, announcements
  • Live-streaming and digital Hukamnama systems
  • Social media and community outreach


🧠 Learning Methods:

  • Lectures & presentations
  • Role-playing and scenario-based learning
  • Field visits to Gurdwaras
  • Guest talks by experienced Gurdwara managers


📝 Assessment:

  • Written assignments
  • Group projects (e.g., planning a mock Gurpurab)
  • Oral presentations
  • Practical exams on Gurdwara protocol


🎓 Certification:

A certificate of completion will be awarded after passing all modules and fulfilling seva-based assessments.

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