A decade after its founding in Leicester, the Sikh Museum Initiative (SMI) is celebrating ten years of preserving and promoting Sikh heritage across the UK with a special anniversary event hosted at the University of Leicester.
Since its launch, the SMI has built a significant collection of historical artefacts and documents, many of which have been digitised to showcase the longstanding ties between Sikh communities and the UK. The organisation has also pioneered the use of digital technology in heritage, bringing Sikh history to life through virtual reality headsets, 3D relics, and interactive displays as part of its innovative Virtual Museum.
Picture credit: University of Leicester
To mark its tenth anniversary, the SMI is partnering with the University’s Heritage Hub to host a public celebration on Wednesday 29 October, from 6pm to 8pm, at the University of Leicester campus. The event will feature guest speakers, engaging talks, and a lively arts and heritage fair showcasing Sikh culture. Attendees will also have the chance to experience the SMI’s digital exhibition of 3D artefacts.
“Over the past decade, the Sikh Museum Initiative has been a beacon for preserving and sharing Sikh heritage in the UK and beyond—blending history, art, and 3D digital innovation to bring stories to life,” said Kartar Singh, General Secretary of the SMI. “This celebration is not just about looking back; it’s about looking ahead—to expanding our educational reach, deepening our community engagement, and continuing to redefine how heritage is experienced.”
The University of Leicester has previously collaborated with the SMI, most notably on the 2017 exhibition Anglo-Sikh Wars: Battles, Treaties and Relics, which included the digitisation of a rare Sikh manuscript from the University’s own archives.
Professor Sarah Scott, Director of the University’s Heritage Hub, praised the SMI’s contributions to the sector: “The SMI team has done remarkable work researching and sharing the rich heritage of the Sikh community in the UK. Their innovative use of virtual reality to make exhibits accessible across the country is particularly impressive. We’re proud to host this 10-year celebration on campus and look forward to learning more about their future initiatives.”
The anniversary event is free to attend, but advance registration is encouraged via the University of Leicester website.
