ABSTRACT
There is a large number of Sikh sants and babas who are 'bound together by common (Sikh) values and foster close communal bonds'. Their values and bonds spring from Sikhism and its tradition of seva and simran. They define and propagate Khalsa traditions, modes of initiation and maryada in their own perspectives. They attach great importance to the Sikh community and provide spiritual and temporal services to it. This chapter examines the founding of these establishments and the main attributes of their distinct beliefs and practices, codes of conduct, dress codes, eating taboos and their concern for health and educational institutions. It explores issues and considerations which determine their relations with the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbhandak Committee (SGPC) and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD). Right from their inception, the SGPC and SAD have been recognizing and appreciating the sants and babas for their services rendered to the Panth.
