Amrik Singh Pannu is originally from the Punjab region of India. He has a BA and an advanced degree in Rural Economics from Indian universities. An amrit (initiated) Sikh, Amrik served for many years as the Administrator of the El Sobrante Gurdwara (temple), and a teacher of the Punjabi language and Sikh scriptures. A resident of Hercules, he has been a volunteer at the Pinole Medical Center and at the Hercules Library.