About Us

 

 

The World Punjabi Organisation is a non political International Body of renowned Punjabis launched by Shri I K Gujral, Former Prime Minister of India in 1998 to foster social, economic and cultural links among Punjabis spread over more than one hundred countries
The World Punjabi Organisation (European Division) – WPO – was established in 2001 and promotes the rich Punjabi heritage and cultural values, and enhances socio-economic links among Punjabis globally. In the UK, we work jointly with the large Sikh & Punjabi community in promoting greater harmony, economic growth and prosperity.  Internationally, the Organisation works towards building stronger Indo-British ties.
To celebrate the successful launch of the European Division, a Dinner was held at the Dorchester Hotel, London, attended by over 400 guests, including more than 100 visiting delegates from India – amongst them Ministers from the Indian Government. Our Chief Guest was Mr. Mike O’Brien, Minister of State for Foreign & Commonwealth Affairs.
Over the last 10 years, The World Punjabi Organisation (European Division) has worked very closely with the Punjabi & Sikh Community in the UK to further the aims & objectives set out above.

WPO HIGHLIGHTS 2001-2010

During this period there has been a number of important highlights as follows:-

    • The presentation of 2 major sound & light shows focusing on Sikh heritage & culture:
      • - Bole So Nihal held at Wembley Conference Centre in 2003, attended by 2,500 people.
      • - Guru Maneo Granth held at Her Majesty’s Theatre in 2007, attended by 1,000 people.
  • We have established an Education Scholarship at the University of East London to support post-graduate education for visiting students from India.
  • WPO holds an Annual Dinner to welcome leading Punjabis, to which also we have welcomed many Parliamentarians across all parties. At these Dinners we present a Special award (The Jewel of Punjab) to a distinguished Punjabi for lifetime achievements. Amongst the recipients so far are:-
      • Mr. Dev Anand, the 80 year old legendry Bollywood star who has been making films since the 1950s.
      • Lord Swaraj Paul, in recognition of his contribution and association with the Punjab, where he has established educational centres and made substantial investments in industries.

 

  • We have launched a series of bi-annual lectures (the Guru Nanak Lectures), aimed at promoting a good Civil Society. The first of these lectures was delivered by Lord N Dholakia, titled “Citizenship and Identity”, at a Dinner at the House of Lords in November 2008.
  • Further lectures relating to the Environment, Climate Change, Global Economic issues and Health & Education are also planned.
  • In 2009 at a reception for some 70 people, hosted by the President, R. S. Baxi at the Institute of Directors, we received Mr. Suresh Kalmadi, Chairman of the Commonwealth Games Committee to preview sponsorship opportunities for UK companies.
  • WPO was also one of the Sponsors at the Baton Relay launched from Buckingham Palace.
  • The President, R. S. Baxi hosted a Dinner at the Ritz Hotel, London in 2009, attended by 50 leading members of the WPO & the Punjabi community in honour of Mrs. Preenet Kaur, Minister of State External Affairs, Government of India.
  • In 2009, WPO supported the Safer London Foundation with a donation presented to Sir Paul Stephenson, Metropolitan Police Commissioner.
  • In 2008 the President, R. S. Baxi hosted a reception for the visiting Minister of Sports Mr. M. S. Gill, Government of India.
  • In 2008 the President, R. S. Baxi hosted a reception for leading Sikhs to welcome Dr. P. S. Pasricha, ex Director General of Police, now Chairman of Maharastra Sikh Temples Managing Committee, to brief the UK Sikh/Punjabi community on the forthcoming Tercentenary celebrations of the Khalsa.
  • In 2007, the President, R. S. Baxi hosted a reception for the visit of Mr. Ashwini Kumar, Minister of State for Commerce & Industry – Industrial Policy & Promotion.