Sikhism and Environmental Activism: A Comprehensive Analysis of Ecosikh and Khalsa Aid Fostering Sustainability and Justice

Sikhism, grounded in the teachings of the Gurbani, promotes a deep connection with nature, viewing it as a sacred, interconnected entity, rather than as a mere resource. Central to this belief is the responsibility of humans to act as stewards of the environment, making environmental care a core aspect of Sikh spirituality and intentionality. Sikh organisations today, inspired by the Sikh concept of Seva (selfless service), are highly active in environmental initiatives. The proposed paper explores the intersections of Sikhism and environmentalism, focusing on how two contemporary faith based organizations rooted in Sikhism, the EcoSikh and the Khalsa Aid, incorporate religious principles to address the growing environmental crisis.

EcoSikh is primarily dedicated to reforestation and climate advocacy, while Khalsa Aid addresses broader humanitarian needs but also engages in environmental justice efforts. Both organisations draw on the Sikh practice of Dasvand (donating a tenth of one's income), to encourage communal participation in their projects, weaving together spiritual duty and sustainability. Through an ethnographic analysis of the approaches employed by the EcoSikh and the Khalsa Aid, this paper highlights how Sikh environmentalism adapts to diverse socio-cultural contexts, while remaining rooted in its spiritual ethos. It thereby attempts to understand how spirituality can drive positive environmental change and inspire collective responsibility for sustainability in the Anthropocene, both within and beyond the Sikh community.