What is the overall purpose of this curriculum?

While there is no one overall purpose for this curriculum and course, there are several important purposes that must be mentioned: (1) To teach students the meanings of Gurbani from a multitude of perspectives including line-by-line and from an overall conceptual point of view; (2) To introduce students to basic Gurbani principles and concepts; (3) To demonstrate how relevant, practical, and helpful Gurbani is in dealing with the pressures and stresses of students’ modern-day lives; (4) To apply Gurbani to solve students’ current issues and stresses; (5) To provide students with a likeminded and supportive sangat (community) encouraging each other to become closer to Gurbani; (6) To encourage students to form a closer relationship with the Guru and form a stronger bond with their faith.

Why was this curriculum made?

This curriculum was designed to provide Sikh college students with a better framework and understanding of Gurbani. The majority of Sikhs born and raised here in the United States do not possess a solid understanding of core Gurbani concepts or principles. Often times, this lack of knowledge is not due to the individuals themselves, but due to circumstances and environment. There is currently no organized curriculum or course available to Sikh college students on campus that can provide Gurbani Veechar (learning) sessions. While Christian students are blessed with various Bible study classes on campus, Sikh students do not have any such opportunity to study Gurbani. Sikh Awakening has taken the first step to fill the void through creating this course. We are providing this course on various college campuses in order for the college Sikh community to benefit, learn, and grow. This course is the first of its kind in the Sikh community, and we hope it provides students with a better understanding of Gurbani.

Who wrote this curriculum?

This course and curriculum was created by a handful of passionate sevadaars. All of the sevadaars involved in this project possess an understanding of basic Gurbani principles and concepts, and many also have experience teaching Gurbani on college campuses and in other environments as well. Nevertheless, the sevadaars involved in creating this curriculum did not rely on their own knowledge or insert their own interpretation of Baani into the course, but rather, the sevadaars relied on the superior knowledge and interpretation contained in our sources (see below).

What sources were used in drafting this curriculum?

Numerous sources were used in creating this curriculum, including the following:

• "Santhiya" by Bhai Vir Singh Ji

•  “Gurmat Martaand” by Bhai Kahn Singh Nabha Ji

•  “Mahan Kosh” by Bhai Kahn Singh Nabha Ji

•  “Gurmat Nirneh” by Bhai Jodh Singh Ji

•  "Naveen Gurbani Nitnem Steek" by Bhai Harbans Singh Ji

•  “Teeka Dasam Granth” by Dr. Ratan Singh Jaggi 7

•  “Sri Dasam Granth: Text and Translation” by Dr. Jodh Singh and Dr. Dharam Singh

•  “The Encyclopedia of Sikhism” by Giani Harbans Singh Ji

•  “Vaaran Bhai Gurdas” and “Kabit Saveyeh Bhai Gurdas” by Bhai Vir Singh Ji

•  “Guru Granth Sahib Darpan” Prof. Sahib Singh Ji

•  "Nitnem Steek" by Giani Avtar Singh Ji Khalsa (Damdami Taksal)

Does this curriculum have some sort of point of view or “agenda” it is trying to promote?

No, this curriculum does not have a point of view or “agenda” to promote. The only “agenda” that we have is to provide students with a better understanding of Gurbani and attempt to create a greater sense of love for the Guru. We do not subscribe to one particular school of thought, but instead try to incorporate multiple opinions (when necessary) in order to provide students with diversity of thought and interpretation. However, all opinions discussed are well-accepted in the Sikh community and are not controversial in any way

How many university SSAs have hosted this course on their campus?

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, approximately 35 university SSAs across North America were hosting this course on their campus.

What is Sikh Awakening and what is its purpose?

Sikh Awakening creates Gurbani courses for Sikh college students in which they can learn not only the literal translations of important Baanis, but also their overall meanings, application to their daily lives, and practical use. Through these classes, also hopes to create a sense of Sangat or community among Sikh college students.

How should I use this workbook? What is the format?

The booklet is the workbook for the course, and students must bring it with them during every session. Students should use the empty space after each line of Gurbani to write in the translation and other notes provided by the facilitator. There are 18 lessons for the entire course spread out evenly over three quarters (or two semesters). Each lesson will last for approximately an hour, but some may be shorter or longer than the prescribed hour.

Why are there corresponding YouTube videos?

The YouTube videos provide a deeper explanation of relevant concepts discussed in the Gurbani lines assigned to that particular lesson. We encourage you to take notes during the videos, but the videos will be available for viewing online as well.

What is the purpose of the activities in each lesson?

We understand that students attend several hours of lecture every day. We do not want this course to also be a lecture for the entire hour. As a result, the activities provide an opportunity for students to engage with each other (as well as themselves) in order to discuss and think about the lesson’s Gurbani lines on a deeper level. The activities also help students connect the Gurbani lines to their daily lives, and help provide more clarity.

What is the purpose of the “Additional Baani”?

Due to the complexity and depth of the Mool Mantr, it is necessary to understand additional Baani that helps explains certain words of the Mool Mantr. The facilitators and videos will help explain the additional Baani and connect it back to the Mool Mantr.

Do I need to have any prior knowledge of Gurbani?

No, you do not need to have any prior knowledge of Gurbani. The curriculum is written for beginners with no background knowledge.

Do I need to know how to speak Punjabi?

No, you do not need to how to speak Punjabi. Every session will be conducted in English.

Do I need to know how to read Gurmukhi?

No, you do not need to know how to read Gurmukhi, as we have transliterated the Baani into the English alphabet. However, we encourage you to learn Gurmukhi because reading the transliterated Baani normally leads to wrong pronunciation.

How are facilitators at each university chosen?

Facilitators are chosen based on the following elements:

• Interest and passion for Gurbani

• Willingness to learn during intensive mandatory summer training sessions

• Background knowledge in Gurbani

• Availability during the quarter/semester

• Good communication and public speaking skills

Do I need to attend every Gurbani Study class?

While we cannot force anyone to attend, we strongly encourage students to attend as many sessions as possible. The more lessons students attend, the more they will learn and gain from the course. However, students that miss a session can still easily attend the next one and not feel like they have fallen behind. We have also taken into account students’ busy schedule during finals and midterms. We only require six weekly sessions out of the ten-week quarter (or nine weekly sessions per semester). As a result, there will be no Gurbani Study sessions scheduled the week before finals and during midterm season. Each SSA is free to schedule sessions on any day that works for the majority of its members, as long as six sessions are scheduled by the end of the quarter.

What if I have a question on the Baani that my facilitator cannot answer?

While we have thoroughly trained each facilitator, we understand that questions may arise that she or he may not be able to answer. If this occurs, please email your question to admin@sikhawakening.org, and we will respond to the message as soon as possible.

What if I don’t like my facilitator or I feel my facilitator is not doing a good job?

If a problem with the facilitator occurs, please email us at admin@sikhawakening.org, and we will respond to the message as soon as possible

How can I contact Sikh Awakening to give my feedback on the course?

We would absolutely love to receive feedback (both negative and positive). Feedback allows us to modify the course to better serve the need of the Sikh college sangat (community). Considering this is the first year of the curriculum, we are anticipating that many changes will be made for the following year. However, these changes can only be made if we receive detailed feedback from students. Please email us at admin@sikhawakening.org, and we will respond to the message as soon as possible. We will also be sending evaluation forms periodically during the year.

How can I get more involved with this course and Sikh Awakening as a whole?

Thank you for your support! We have various volunteer opportunities for both this course and other aspects of Sikh Awakening as well. Please email us at admin@sikhawakening.org, and we will respond to the message as soon as possible.