Mission Statement

The Sundar Singh Institute of South Asian Studies is an independent centre of critical thought and engaged scholarship, dedicated to exploring the deepest questions of human dignity, justice, and peace through the interdisciplinary study of South Asia. Established in honour of Sadhu Sundar Singh — whose life bore witness to a love that crossed religious and cultural boundaries — the Institute carries forward his legacy of compassionate faith and ethical vision. Supported by the St. Bartholomew Missionary Society, we are grounded in Christian moral principles that call us to seek a world shaped not by power or privilege, but by respect for the sacred worth of every human life.

Our work begins with a simple conviction: that scholarship must serve not only the mind, but also the heart — and above all, the common good. We are committed to addressing the complex realities of South Asia — its histories, its struggles, and its remarkable human diversity — with intellectual rigour and moral clarity. Through interdisciplinary research grounded in the humanities and social sciences, we seek to illuminate the structures of inequality and the legacies of injustice that continue to shape the region today. Yet our purpose is not merely analytical: we aim to generate knowledge that matters — knowledge that challenges, inspires, and transforms.

We believe that when research is guided by ethical responsibility and animated by compassion, it can offer real hope in the face of South Asia’s most urgent challenges — from poverty and exclusion to conflict and environmental crisis. Our vision is to cultivate a community of scholars defined by integrity, courage, and a relentless pursuit of truth. We strive to foster dialogue across cultures, to sharpen critical thought, and to nurture a fellowship rooted in mutual respect and a shared commitment to justice.

Inspired by the life and witness of Sadhu Sundar Singh, we dare to imagine a future where peace and justice are not distant dreams but living realities. We labour for a South Asia — and a world — in which human dignity is cherished, cultural heritage is protected, and care for the earth guides our common life. For us, this is not merely a scholarly ambition — it is a calling.