Manika Kaur - Kirtan for Causes - Aukhee Gharhee
I believe that I was given a voice for a reason – to not only spread the words of Sikhism, but to also use it to help others.
At this moment we are standing at an extreme point of our evolution, our brothers, sisters and children (as ordained by Guru Gobind Singh Ji) are living in extreme poverty and grief.
It is actually via my work for ‘Kirtan for Causes’ that I have donated to The SOS Initiative, an organisation founded in 2004 that supports the education of underprivileged children living in rural Punjab, India.
Initially The SOS Initiative supported thirty young people by financing their school education, now we support over 2,000. Recently The SOS Initiative joined hands with one of the biggest organisations in Punjab – The Baru Sahib Organisation which own 128 educational institutions. Because of this there are now classrooms all across Punjab waiting to educate these amazing children.
Kirtan for Causes is my way of continuing to contribute to causes dear to my heart. My album I Bow To You Waheguru raises awareness of the socio-economic disadvantages facing children living in rural Punjab and calls for help from the international community. My forthcoming music video for the track ‘Aukhee’ from my new album visits the area and spotlights the cause further.
It is actually via my work for ‘Kirtan for Causes’ that I have donated to The SOS Initiative, an organisation founded in 2004 that supports the education of underprivileged children living in rural Punjab, India.
Another problem is the alarming number of children who have completed school with excellent marks but cannot afford a higher education due to poverty. A higher education means the chance of getting a job and in turn this will allow the child a chance to help their own siblings and parents with time.
It costs approximately £3,500 to educate one child… to see them from primary education all the way through to university thus giving them a real chance to fulfil their dreams and potential. This equates to about £350 a year.
Proceeds from Satnam Waheguru and I Bow To You Waheguru are all donated to S.O.S Initiative.
The 2014 release of my first album Satnam Waheguru in Dubai and India raised over a million dirhams which financed the construction of a new Sikh Gurdwara (temple.)
I honestly believe that if each of us can look out for others a little bit more, the world would be a much better place to live in.
You can support our aims by:
- Purchasing my current album ‘I Bow to You Waheguru’
- Attending my fundraising concert in London on 22nd August – see below
Benefit Concert – Union Chapel, London
Saturday 22 August 2015 | 7pm / Benefit Concert
Manika Kaur will headline the Kirtan For Causes Benefit Concert on Saturday 22 August 2015 at Union Chapel, London. Talvin Singh, Jyotsna Srikanth, Kirpal Singh Panesar and a Childrens Kirtan Choir will feature on the day with special guest Ishminder Kaur. All proceeds go towards educating impoverished children in Punjab through the ‘Kirtan for Causes’ foundation.
Tickets VIP £35 / £15 • Purchase at the Union Chapel website
Visit the Kirtan For Causes Facebook Page
