PANTH
Panth literally means way or path. In Prakrit, Apbhransh and Pali languages ‘Panth’ means road or path (and ‘Panthak’ means traveller). In Sanskrit ‘Panthah’/ ‘Pathin’ means path, journey, style of working, principle, sect.
Sikhism is ‘social spiritualism’. It is a way of spiritual and social life; hence it is called Panth.
The twerm ‘Panth’ is also used for the Sikh nation as a whole. All the Sikhs form Panth, whereas all the members of a Sikh congregation form a Sangat or Sikh Sangat.
(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)