On 20 August 2025, Bhai Sahib (Prof.) Mohinder Singh Ji OBE KSG MGH, Chair of Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha (GNNSJ-UK), and delegation, were received by His Excellency, Hakainde Hichilema, President of the Republic of Zambia, at State House in Lusaka.

The courtesy call formed part of Bhai Sahib Ji’s ongoing Africa mission, which brings together over 300 Sikh volunteers from six continents in a month-long programme of peace, service, and interfaith dialogue across Botswana, Kenya, Zambia, and South Africa. During the meeting, President Hichilema commended GNNSJ’s work in education, interfaith dialogue, and humanitarian service. In his remarks, the President said: “You are doing a lot of noble work.

“Education is very important… I consider education as the best investment, inheritance, and equaliser. Three in one, it is the best we can give to our children, our grandchildren, and generations not yet born.

“But with education, I think there is no limit to what they aspire to do. We’re a government focusing on economic growth — growth and more growth…”

The President went on to express appreciation for Bhai Sahib’s contribution to Zambia’s development during his years of service with the National Housing Authority (1969–1989), as well as his continuing global efforts in peacebuilding. The President also shared his fond memories of living in Edgbaston, Birmingham UK, and his frequent visits to the Bullring to purchase African products.

In a statement shared on his official Facebook page, President Hichilema noted: “We received a courtesy call from Bhai Sahib (Prof.) Mohinder Singh Ahluwalia, Chair of Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha (GNNSJ), and his delegation at State House this afternoon.

“His discussion with us centred on the organization’s noble objectives in promoting world peace, economic development, education, school feeding programs for the underprivileged children, and the enduring values of Religious Faith. We were particularly pleased to learn that from 1969 to 1989, Prof. Ahluwalia lived in Zambia, where he served as Technical Manager at the National Housing Authority, making valuable contributions to our nation’s development.

“We extend our heartfelt appreciation to Prof. Ahluwalia and his delegation for their continued commitment to advancing human dignity and social progress. Zambia values its long-standing tradition of openness and inclusivity, and we look forward to working closely with GNNSJ in fostering peace, unity, and shared prosperity for our people.”

Bhai Sahib Ji, who is leading the international volunteer mission, thanked the President for Zambia’s warm welcome and reaffirmed GNNSJ’s commitment to serving humanity through education, healthcare, and community development. Strengthening Ties: President Hakainde Hichilema poses Bhai Sahib Ji and Mata Baldev Kaur Ahluwalia, wife of Bhai Sahib Ji at State House, emphasizing the value of partnerships in promoting peace, education, and healthcare in Zambia.

In response, Bhai Sahib Ji reaffirmed both his personal bond with Zambia and GNNSJ’s enduring commitment: “Guru Nanak’s message of peace, love, sharing, and service to humanity is universal and timeless.

“The Sikh community will continue to stand in solidarity with Zambia in promoting unity, peace, and development. For me personally, Zambia is not just a country where I lived and worked for two decades; it is a land that shaped my values and spiritual journey. Serving the people of Zambia is, and will remain, a sacred duty.”

Bhai Sahib Ji also drew upon the Peace Charter he has championed internationally, extending its essence to Zambia and the wider African continent: “Peace is not merely the absence of conflict but the presence of justice, dignity, and hope.

“The Peace Charter calls us to move beyond words to transformative action, building societies where compassion, reconciliation, and service are the cornerstones. From Zambia to the whole of Africa and beyond, let us work together so that future generations inherit a culture of peace.”

The meeting at State House stands as a reaffirmation of the deep friendship between Zambia and GNNSJ, grounded in shared values of service, inclusivity, and peace.