Langar is a fundamental practice in Sikhism that embodies the principle of seva, or selfless service.
Have you ever seen a child at a traffic light or street corner whose stomach is swollen due to malnutrition? It's a heart-wrenching sight. When a child, a mother holding her baby, or an elderly person knocks on our car window, many of us choose to retreat into the comfort of our plush seats. We roll up our windows and turn up the stereo, effectively blocking out the discomforting reality. We’ve managed to train ourselves to ignore these pressing issues, avoiding the need to confront them directly.
Yet, there are many individuals who are tirelessly working to help those in need, without seeking attention or recognition. From providing aid in post-earthquake Nepal to serving the homeless in the UK, Sikh temples offer food services dedicated to fighting world hunger and reducing food waste. These efforts often go unnoticed by many of us, don't they?
Langar is a fundamental practice in Sikhism that embodies the principle of seva, or selfless service. It refers to the community kitchen found in every Gurdwara (Sikh temple) where free meals are served to everyone, regardless of their background or status. This practice not only provides nourishment but also emphasizes the values of equality and humility. Seva, the core concept behind langar, encourages Sikhs to serve others selflessly without expecting anything in return. Through langar, the Sikh community demonstrates their commitment to helping those in need, fostering a spirit of generosity and inclusivity that reflects the teachings of Sikhism.
Sikh Organizations Provide Relief in Nepal
Two Sikh organizations based in New Delhi and Amritsar have been helping victims in Nepal after the recent earthquake. They didn't just send their teams to serve hot meals to over 10,000 people daily, but also sent 25,000 food packets to Kathmandu to support those in need.
Sikh Tradition Helps the Homeless in the UK
In the UK, the Sikh tradition of Langar, which provides free meals, is extending beyond temple walls to help the homeless. The Guru Singh Sabha Gurdwara in Southall, the largest Sikh temple outside India, serves 5,000 meals on weekdays and 10,000 on weekends. Last year, community kitchens across Britain, supported by Sikh organizations, provided meals to 346,992 people, as reported by the Trussell Trust.
Seva Food Bank Supports Low-Income Families in Canada
Sikhs have been part of Canada's community for over a century. The Seva Food Bank, established in 2010, focuses on offering safe, nutritious, and culturally appropriate food to low-income families in Mississauga. As a religious organization, they make sure to respect and incorporate different food cultures when preparing and serving meals, which is truly inspiring.
Khalsa Food Pantry and Khalsa Peace Corps in Los Angeles
Based in Pacoima, CA, the Khalsa Food Pantry supports low-income families across the US. Each week, the Khalsa Peace Corps serves about 600 meals at locations like Skid Row and Venice Boardwalk. They are dedicated to sharing meals and uplifting communities with their ongoing efforts and goodwill. (Keep up the great work, everyone!)
The Gurudwara Singh Sahib Sabha in Dibrugarh
While many criticized the government’s response to the floods in Assam last year, it’s important to remember and appreciate those who worked tirelessly to assist the affected communities. The Gurudwara Singh Sahib Sabha stepped up to provide much-needed food and support to those in distress.
Khalsa Aid in the UK
Khalsa Aid, a Sikh charity based in the UK, has offered disaster relief in countries like Albania, Turkey, Somalia, and Pakistan. They also helped flood victims in the Thames Valley and Somerset by delivering sandbags, food, and medical supplies. In one of their Middle Eastern missions, they provided food, blankets, clothes, and water to over 150 Yazidi refugee families, many of whom had their loved ones kidnapped by ISIS.
Langar Aid, an initiative by Khalsa Aid
Langar Aid, an extension of Khalsa Aid, adjusted the traditional concept of Langar to provide fresh bread daily to nearly 14,000 refugees in ISIS-affected regions. This effort, led by Punjabi NRIs in collaboration with local communities, has been ongoing for several months.
The Sikhcess project
The Sikhcess project, guided by principles of sharing, inclusiveness, and public service, provides food and clothing to the homeless across different communities in the US. This initiative not only aids those in need but also promotes opportunities for public service to improve lives.
Sikhs organized a langar for flood victims in Uttarakhand
While many were occupied with blaming the authorities and disaster management procedures, the Sikhs of the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee stepped up, offering assistance to rescue and serve the stranded pilgrims in Uttarakhand.
The Midland Langar Seva Society in Birmingham
The Midland Langar Seva Society operates selflessly in Birmingham, providing food and hunger relief to the homeless and those in need. Their commitment to serving the community is a vital part of their mission.
Food Aid During Kashmir Floods
During the floods in Jammu and Kashmir, Sikhs worked tirelessly to provide aid. They not only set up community kitchens, or langars, at several locations in Srinagar but also sent out food packets to over 70,000 people each day. The doors of their Gurudwaras were open to people from all backgrounds and faiths, showing that humanity and compassion are still very much alive.
In addition to this, they organized airlifts from Amritsar to deliver food to more than 100,000 victims stranded in various locations. This massive effort helped ensure that those in dire need were not left without support.
KIRPA Food Bank's Dedication
The KIRPA Food Bank in Wolverhampton is dedicated to helping those in need, regardless of their background. Its mission is to emphasize that we are all part of one human race. The food bank works tirelessly to provide meals to the homeless, disaster victims, and anyone facing hardship, demonstrating a strong commitment to the well-being of the community.
Guru Nanak’s Daily Free Meals
Guru Nanak’s Free Kitchen, with locations in Doncaster and Edinburgh, offers free meals to anyone who needs them every day. Their belief is that while not everyone can help everyone, everyone can help someone. Their selfless and joyful service provides vital support to many people daily, showing a deep commitment to caring for others.
Support from Bedford and SWAT
In London, the Bedford Langar Project and the Sikh Welfare and Awareness Team (SWAT) are making a significant impact by supporting hundreds of people daily. These organizations focus on addressing the needs of the poor, embodying the principle that serving others enriches both the giver and the receiver. Their dedication exemplifies the spirit of service and community.
Community Kitchen on Highway
When the Jat Agitation led to thousands of people being stranded on the Delhi-Ambala highway, Sikh volunteers stepped in to help. They set up a 24-hour community kitchen, providing free snacks, cooked rice, and hot tea to travelers in need. Despite the challenges posed by the agitation, these volunteers worked around the clock to offer comfort and support to people of all backgrounds and faiths.
Khalsa Aid in Chennai
During the Chennai floods, Khalsa Aid provided crucial support to those affected by the disaster. They offered food and essential supplies to people who were stranded and struggling. This aid was vital for those dealing with the devastation caused by the floods.
Strictly believing in not wasting food and helping those in need, the Sikhs have been sharing their meals, uplifting the community, and helping those in distress with kindness. Sikhs are known for their strong belief in minimizing food waste and extending help to those in need. Through their efforts, they uplift communities and provide assistance with generosity and warmth. Their actions highlight the importance of compassion and the power of giving in times of distress.
Hunger is not always an issue of charity. At times, it is an act of justice. The Sikh community's work often goes unnoticed, but we thank them for their effort, love, and for keeping the spirit of humanity alive. Addressing hunger can sometimes be a matter of justice rather than charity. The Sikh community’s efforts to help others often go unnoticed, as they focus on providing support rather than seeking recognition. We appreciate their dedication, love, and their role in preserving the essence of humanity.
There is much to learn from the Sikh community’s approach to life. While many of us focus on making the most of what we have, we hope to also learn the value of making a life out of what we give to others. Their example of selflessness and generosity provides an important lesson for us all.
*Based on an article by Priyanjana Roy Das, published in mensxp.com on 9th March 2016