Page 20 - Untitled-1

Brief History of Guru Nanak Khalsa School San Jose

Sikh Gurdwara San Jose was

established in 1986 and
soon after the need for a
Khalsa School was felt to
engage younger Sangat

members. In 1989, the Guru
Nanak Khalsa School was
established with about 40-
50 students and 6-7

teacher sevadaars. Now it
engages hundreds of
families every week.

This year GNKS completed
th
its 35 year with an enrollment of 554 students, about 129 volunteer sevadaars. Children learn
Gurmukhi, Punjabi, Sikh history, Guru History, Gurmat and Gurbani through systematic, comprehensive and
engaging curriculum designed by a local California educated educator. Children have to study 7-8 years

and they then graduate by developing knowledge, the wisdom and skills to practice Sikhi. Graduation
ceremony is called Charni Lagna Ceremony. Students have to meet the criteria for graduation- reading
fluency Punjabi, and Gurbani, memorization of Japuji Sahib, able to read Anand Sahib, Chaupaee Sahib
and do Ardas.

Additionally, children can learn to sing Keertan, play Tabla or other string instruments. They can
advance into Gurmat Sangeet classes and learn to do Keertan in 31 Raags. In order to graduate from
Keertan Program, students need to learn to do Keertan in at least 16 Raags. Students also have an
option to join Sikh Symphony program where they learn to play heritage musical instruments as well.

Additionally, GNKS launched the first every Sikh Scouts Troop 600 here about 20 years ago. Now there
are tens of students enrolled in Boy and Girl Scout programs.

Last year, Sikh Gurdwara San Jose debuted the College Prep Program to enable high school
students to learn college ready skills and fill any gaps in English and Math skills.

Not only that, volunteer and dedicated doctors run the Guru Nanak Medical Clinic every Sunday
at Gurdwara Sahib where patients can get guidance and help to manage medical conditions.

All these programs are possible with the Grace of Waheguru, the devoted and committed seva
team, an enlightened Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee and support of Sangat.