The Midland Langar Seva Society, which feeds the poor and destitute in Birmingham nearly every day of the year, with the exception of Christmas Day, has vowed that they will not back down from their responsibility in the face of adversity. The community-based outreach effort, known colloquially as MLSS, meets every day in or near Albert Street in the city centre to serve hundreds of people hot vegetarian food and beverage.
Serving food during testing times
Founded on the Sikh faith's principles, organisers believe it is their religious duty to assist the destitute. With branches in the West Midlands and sister organisations across the UK and abroad, MLSS works with volunteers and service users of all religions and backgrounds to help minimize suffering on the streets. Despite the reports of panic buying, which resulted in a lack of basic items and self-isolation, the organisation remained dedicated to doubling their efforts to guarantee that rough sleepers and food bank users were not abandoned while the country grappled with the aftermath of the COVID-19 outbreak.
MLSS founder Randhir Singh Heer was adamant that they would continue to assist while taking all necessary safeguards against the virus. He said, “ MLSS homeless feeds are not being cancelled or postponed. The Khalsa does not shy away from its duty. Although we are taking extra precautions to keep our volunteers and service users safe we are not afraid to go out and serve the homeless. On the contrary, we feel in the current climate it is even more important than usual to get hot food out to those in need.”
Special Christmas langar
In collaboration with Network Rail, the Midland Langar Seva Society hosted a special Christmas Eve feast for the homeless at New Street Station in December 2019. It was a seva initiative by the Sikh community. Seva is a Sanskrit term that means "selfless service," which is an authorised philosophy in Sikhism.
In Sikhism, the term langar refers to a community kitchen where all visitors, regardless of faith, caste, gender, economic background, or ethnicity, are offered a free meal. The free lunch is always vegetarian, and occasionally vegan. This principle guides the preparation and blessing of MLSS meals.
The ethos behind Midland Langar Seva Society (MLSS)
Midland Langar Seva Society (MLSS) was founded in Walsall in October 2013 with the purpose of helping the homeless and others in need around the UK and providing hot food and drink to those living on the street and those on the poverty line. Based on a Sikh concept of helping and supporting people of all cultures and origins, the organisation has extended its services over the past few years, operating in all major cities across the UK, with over 30,000 service users.
Randhir Singh Heer received the Pride of Birmingham TSB Community Partner Award in 2017 for his vision and efforts, and a commemorative mural bearing his likeness was installed in Birmingham's city centre, opposite Grand Central. Heer later received the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service Group MBE in June 2018, the Prime Minister's Point of Light Award in January 2018, and a number of other regional and national honours.
MLSS has successfully begun initiatives abroad, including in Germany and Italy, and has made frequent trips to Greece, France (Calais), and, more recently, Thailand to bring aid to those in need.
In India, the spiritual heartland of Sikhism, the organisation supports abandoned children and families in the Punjab region, many of whom have become displaced or refugees. MLSS raises funds to continue its work, which includes providing free education, clothing, and assistance.
Over the years, the Sikh community has come together and stood up for those in need. They have successfully served food and help during the pandemic and continue to serve people across the world.