Our Methodology

With over 26 million Sikhs worldwide, the Sikh Dharam is the 5th largest religion in the world. It is, therefore, not only important, but also necessary to recognize the efforts of those Sikhs who have positively influenced the lives of others, either through their public persona, politics, charity or wealth. Such individuals can positively affect cultural and social attitudes wherever they live in the world. The ultimate aim of this venture is to inspire all generations to draw strength from their Sikh heritage and enable them to excel in their professional, academic and spiritual paths.

The Sikh Group compiles the Sikh 100 list by examining the contributions and impact that individuals have made from the hundreds of applications received through the website. Further consultations are made within the industry and also power brokers, lawyers, accountants, trusted advisors and other esteemed experts. All the information received is fully analysed before a decision is made to include an individual in The Sikh 100.

Margaret Thatcher once said “Power is like being a lady…if you have to tell people you are one, you aren’t.”

Anyone can have power and influence, however, what is important for the purpose of this list, is how an individual can balance the two. It is essential to have an understanding of the key principle of the Sikh Dharam, that ultimate power is in the hands of the Almighty.

There are seven types of power:

Power of Coercion – is associated with people who are in a position to manipulate others.
Power of Connection – is based upon who you know.
Power of Expertise – is commonly a person with an acclaimed skill or accomplishment.
Power of Knowledge – is having access to valuable or important information.
Power of Authority – is the power behind a position a person holds.
Power of Reverence – is when a person is well liked and respected.
Power of Reward – is based upon a person’s ability to bestow any kind of reward.

There are three types of influence:

Compliance influence – is when people agree with ones thoughts and opinions.
Identification influence – is when people are influenced by one who is liked and respected
Internalisation influence – is when people accept a belief or behaviour of one.

Sikh Dharam and Power – Japji Sahib (Stanza 33):

No power to speak, no power to keep silent.
No power to beg, no power to give.
No power to live, no power to die.
No power to rule, with wealth and occult mental powers.
No power to gain intuitive understanding, to contemplate spiritual wisdom.
No power to find the way to escape from the world.
He alone has the Power in his hands, he watches over all.
O Nanak, no one is high or low.

The Sikh 100 list carefully selects and analyses the suitability of each of the entrants based on the aforementioned criteria. Please complete and submit the online form and nominate a Sikh, who you think has extraordinary traits, including the power and influence to be included in next year’s Sikh 100.

Sources: Google, Factiva, Wikipedia, LexisNexis, Magazines, Newspapers, Websites, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn & The Sikh Directory.