SGPC to set up its first overseas branch in Yuba city in US

Amritsar, October 7, 2013 : The first ever international branch of Sikhs single largest representative body in the world Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has been incorporated as Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee USA INC in the Yuba city of California, and its account have been opened in Bank of America, informed SGPC president Avtar Singh Makkar .

The SGPC would set up an International Sikh Centre on the 13.5 acres land donated by USA's prominent Sikh Didar Singh Bains with an aim to create awareness about the Sikh religion, the distinct identity, turban and propagate teachings of Sikh Gurus, especially to the young generation. Didar Singh is also known as "Peach King" of California for his farming business. Makkar said that SGPC had sent a four-member delegation to Yuba city to complete Incorporation formalities. The members included senior vice president Raghujit Singh Virk, general secretary Sukhdev Singh Bhaur, assistant secretary P S Sarao and SGPC executive body member Rajinder Singh Mehta.

"They had held two meetings in Yuba city on September 26 and 28 to chalk out further plans of the International Sikh Centre," said Makkar. The International Sikh Centre would have a turban tying institute, weekly Gurmat classes, a preaching centre besides a gurdwara for which SGPC would send trained Ragi and Pathi from India.