Organised by Virasati Asthan SevaSupport the conservation of the historical Haveli of Kavi Santokh Singh, the esteemed author of the Sri Guru Pratap Suraj Granth; a text that is of huge importance as the record of Sikh History. Help Virasati begin the campaign to save Sikh Heritage.
Sikh heritage is disappearing at an alarming rate. In the past 50 years we have seen an acceleration in the loss of invaluable Sikh historical buildings, artworks and wall frescos across the Indian Subcontinent.
Virasati Asthan Seva, a UK registered charity, was established to address this. We are dedicated to the preservation and conservation of Sikh sites of historical and architectural importance. Our aim is to extend the life of heritage sites, through careful conservation, to preserve our history for future generations to enjoy.
Our current project is restoring and conserving the Haveli (townhouse) of Kavi Santokh Singh Ji. It was at this Haveli, that Kavi Ji composed the Sri Guru Pratap Suraj Granth, between 1824 - 1843. It is the most detailed written account of the history of the Ten Sikh Gurus - its Katha (exegesis) is performed daily at many of the major Sikh Gurdware worldwide.
Picture: View of the front entrance of the Haveli showing its ornate facade, with original features and intricately carved wooden doors.
The Haveli was purchased by Kavi Santokh Singh Churamani Trust (KSSCT), a charity in India, a few years ago. Virasati is partnering with KSSCT to fund the conservation of the Haveli. The conservation work will be carried out by CRCI, a conservation architectural firm, led by UNESCO awarded conservation architect, Gurmeet S Rai. Virasati is liaising directly with both partner organisations with funds being paid directly to the architectural firm, CRCI.
If you would like to explore more of Gurmeet’s work, check out this insightful talk on the heritage of Amritsar. A summary of her career achievements can be read here.
This timeline video summarises the progress and milestones achieved for this project. Virasati has played a leading role in raising nearly £15,000 for the production of the conservation report, which was produced over 3 months. The report provides immense detail about the Haveli’s structure, construction materials, stability and unique architectural and artistic features. This report has been the basis for the detailed estimated costs, required to restore the Haveli.
You can read the conservation reports here.
(Left) View of the inner courtyard of the Haveli before any conservation interventions.
(Right) 3D Visualisation of the courtyard after conservation is complete.
Phase 2 has started, with conservation work having commenced in November 2024. But to complete this phase, we need to raise a total of £250,000 over the next 18 months. This equates to around £15k each month. To put this context, there are 144,543 Sikhs in London alone. If just 10% of those donated £1 a month, this project would be fully funded.
Phase 3 will take place at the end of the conservation work.
The site will continue to be run by the Kavi Santokh Singh Churamani Trust, a charity registered in India. This charity already provides Gurmat classes to Sikh students instructing them in Santhia (correct pronunciation of Gurbani) and Itihaasik Katha (historical exegesis), primarily of the Sri Gur Pratap Suraj Granth. The Haveli will also serve as a Gurdwara and will house a separate museum space focusing on the life and legacy of Kavi Santokh Singh. The Haveli will once again become a home for Sikh learning.
This essential Seva is only possible with the support of the community. Unfortunately this may be our last chance to preserve the building before it deteriorates beyond repair. The time to save our Sikh heritage is now - your donations will help start a new wave of conservation that we hope will preserve our heritage for the future.
If you have any questions about the project, please see our website for more information, follow us on Instagram @virasatiorg or email us at admin@virasati.org
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