International Sikh Studies Conference 2026
Organised by: Université Bordeaux Montaigne University of Bordeaux-Montaigne, Bordeaux, France – CLIMAS (UR 4196 – Axe 2), University of Bordeaux-Montaigne, Bordeaux, France / and La Rochelle University - D2iA (UMRU 24140), University of Toulouse II Jean Jaurès – CAS (UR801)
The University of Bordeaux Montaigne, Bordeaux, the University of Toulouse II Jean Jaurès and La Rochelle University are pleased to announce a two-day conference entitled the "International Sikh Studies Conference," which will take place on Thursday 24 and Friday 25 September 2026.
This conference aims to provide an interdisciplinary platform for scholars and researchers to engage in critical discussions on Sikhs, and Sikhism, encompassing a variety of historical, social, cultural, political, and religious perspectives.
The Sikh community, despite its profound historical legacy, distinct socio-religious identity, and significant contributions to global societies, remains a relatively misunderstood and misrepresented group in contemporary discourse. Originating in the Punjab region of South Asia in the 15th century, Sikhism emerged as a spiritual and social movement that attempted to challenge entrenched caste hierarchies, religious dogma, and political oppression. Founded by Guru Nanak and institutionalized through the teachings of the ten successive Gurus, Sikhi embodies principles of equality, justice, and selfless service. However, the global Sikh experience has been shaped by challenges of adaptation, political displacement, and religious ignorance, leading to their current status as a ‘nation without a state’ (Guibernau 1999) .
Historically, Sikhs have played a crucial role in shaping the political and military landscape of South Asia. From the establishment of the Sikh Empire under Maharajah Ranjit Singh to their resistance against colonial and post-colonial oppression, Sikhs have demonstrated resilience in the face of political adversity. The events of 1947, which saw the partition of Punjab and the displacement of millions of Sikhs, and the 1984 anti-Sikh violence in India, stand as painful reminders of their struggle for identity and recognition. The Sikh diaspora has expanded globally, contributing to various societies while maintaining strong cultural and religious ties to their homeland.
Socially, Sikhs have been at the forefront of promoting egalitarian values, social justice, and community service. The institution of ‘langar’ (free community kitchens) exemplifies their commitment to feeding the needy, irrespective of caste, creed, or background (Nesbitt 2016). The turban and unshorn hair, central to Sikh identity (Singh and Singh Tatla 2006), symbolize dignity, sovereignty, and the rejection of social stratification (Singh Kalsi et al 2005). However, these very markers of identity (Shani 2008) have also made Sikhs vulnerable to discrimination (Wesley Helweg 1979), particularly in the post-9/11 global climate, where religious ignorance has led to their mistaken association with fundamentalist (or radical) Islam. In many societies, Sikhs continue to combat racial profiling, xenophobia, and misrepresentation in media and policy frameworks.
One of the most striking aspects of Sikh identity is their status as a nation without a state. While deeply connected to Punjab as their historical homeland (Singh Tatla 1999), Sikhs have been denied a sovereign state of their own, despite calls for self-determination at various different times. The notion of ‘Khalistan’ remains a contentious issue, reflecting broader debates on nationalism, identity, and political agency. This lack of territorial sovereignty does not, however, diminish their strong sense of nationhood, which is reinforced through shared religious, linguistic, and cultural traditions (Anderson 1991; Brubaker 1992).
This call for papers seeks to explore the multifaceted dimensions of Sikh identity, history, politics and religion. Scholars are invited to engage with themes such as Sikh resilience and adaptation, the impact of political upheavals on their global presence, the challenges posed by religious ignorance, and the implications of their stateless nationhood. By fostering academic discourse on these pressing issues, we aim to deepen our collective understanding of the Sikh experience and its relevance in contemporary society.
Therefore, we invite paper proposals from scholars across the globe, including established academics and PhD candidates, who are engaged in the study of Sikhi and Sikh identity.
The conference will take place both on-line and in person on the campus of Université Bordeaux Montaigne, in Pessac. The conference language will be English.
Themes and Topics
We welcome papers that explore diverse aspects of Sikhs and Sikhism, including but not limited to:
- National Identity and Diaspora: How Sikhs in the diaspora integrate into various cultures and respond to national identity frameworks.
- Caste in Sikhism: Examining the historical and contemporary implications of caste, or lack thereof, within Sikh communities.
- Sikhs as an Ethno-Religious Group: Exploring the socio-political dimensions of Sikh identity.
- Turban Campaigns: The significance of the turban in Sikhism and global movements surrounding its representation.
- Sikh Referendums and Khalistan: Political and historical analyses of Sikh sovereignty movements.
- Historical Perspectives: Investigations into the Sikh Empire and other historical facets of Sikh history.
We encourage a broad range of perspectives and methodologies, and proposals are not limited to the fields listed above but Sikh studies should always be central to the proposal.
References
Anderson, Benedict. Imagined Communities: Reflections and the Origin and Spread of Nationalism. London: Verso, 1991.
Brubaker, Rogers. Citizenship and Nationhood in France and Germany. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 1992.
Guibernau, Montserrat. Nations without States: Political Communities in a Global Age. Polity Press: Cambridge.1999.
Nesbitt, Eleanor. Sikhism: A Very Short Introduction. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2016.
Shani, Giorgio. Sikh Nationalism in a Global Age. Abingdon, NY: Routledge, 2008.
Singh Kalsi, Sewa, Bahr, Anne-Marie B., and Marty, Martin E. Religions of the World: Sikhism. Broomall, PA: Chelsea House Publishers, 2005.
Singh, Gurharpal and Singh Tatla, Darshan. Sikhs in Britain – The Making of a Community. London: Zed Books, 2006.
Singh Tatla, Darshan. The Sikh Diaspora: The Search for Statehood. London: University College London, 1999.
Wesley Helweg, Arthur. Sikhs in England – The Development of a Migrant Community. Delhi: Oxford University Press, 1979.
Submission Guidelines
Potential participants are invited to submit an abstract of no more than 300 words for a proposed paper (presentation time will be 20 minutes maximum), along with a short biographical note (100 words maximum) and institutional affiliation. The document should only be submitted in WORD format (not PDF). Kindly specify at the time of your submission whether you intend to come on site or wish to make a distance presentation.
Please send your proposals to: Dr. Andrew Milne (
Notification of acceptance or refusal will be made by 30 April 2026.
Conference Details
Date: 24-25 September 2026
Location: Remotely, on-line, via ZOOM (provided by UBM), and on-site in Bordeaux (Pessac campus)
Language: English
The conference seeks to foster meaningful discussions by bringing together experts and emerging scholars in Sikh Studies. We look forward to receiving your proposals and engaging in fruitful academic exchanges.
For any queries, please contact: