In continuation to the Harmandir Sahib Project, conducted by Center for Global and Intercultural Study (CGIS) of the University of Michigan. Our first article in the series titled "Langar Class" appeared on July 03, 2014.
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| Every visit to the Golden Temple reveals a new discovery about its environment, the level of sewa, and about the people who make this a living, breathing, place of worship. |
June 26, 2014: One thing that I can be sure of is that at some point during my visit: whether I am doing sewa, or resting, or walking the parikarma, or taking photos, is that I will be aked to have a photo taken of me. Sometimes I am also asked to take a photo of others.
I’ve never actually asked why a total stranger would want a photo of me, or why they want their image inside of my camera.
I am not of the ‘selfie’ generation, so I’m not accustomed to having my face in front of the camera. Since I own yoga studios and teach and train yoga, I have become more comfortable having my photo taken while doing a yoga pose, but I usually prefer that it is not a close-up or a ‘portrait’ per se.
Why someone else wants my photo I could only surmise the reason. I am aware of my own motivations for taking photos of others:
- I ask others for their photos because I admire their beauty;
- I like their style of dress;
- Their turbans are amazing;
- I want to capture the action of the scene;
- I want to share the images with the world outside to showcase the wonders of this special place;
-I like a record of a moment in time when I felt close to a fellow human being whose life seems a world apart from mine…
Usually, I am asked to have a ‘snap’ taken with one or all of the family, or to photograph their adorable baby held in my arms, or to stand with young men for a group photo, or to capture the youth of a child or a portrait of a family dressed for a special occasion.
I have thought that maybe a young person wants to post their image with me on their facebook page to show they’ve rubbed shoulders with a ‘gori,’ (a foreigner)
Maybe a young mother feels like it’s auspicious to have a foreign lady showing thier baby attention.
Maybe they hope the photo will be printed out and sent to them as a momento of their family trip to this World Heritage Site.
Whatever the actual reason, I usually oblige having my photo taken.
Today began no differently. Upon observing an older Sardar-ji holding two jharus (brooms) and using one to sweep the parikarma, I waited until he paused and looked in my direction. I motioned to him asking if I could have the brooom in his other hand.
He immediately handed it to me and I began sweeping the tan jute runner and the white marble surrounding it. As I swept I was enjoying the motion, the flow, and was focused on harnessing the small bits of fuzz and such on the ground that were also slightly dancing in the breeze of the nearby fans which have been installed under awnings to provide shade and coolness during these intense summer days.
As I swept I sensed I was being noticed. The moment I paused my sweeping motion, a young woman approached me and asked very politely for a photo. I stood up, jharu at my side, and posed with her, as I have posed many times before: with a genuine smile, looking into the camera, or just to the side, standing close to my ‘partner.’ Then she motioned to another young lady and said, ‘my sister.’
Another snap.
Then, ‘my brothers.’ Snap. ‘My mother.’ Snap. Then, finally, ‘My father.’ Snap.
As her father, a man in his 40s (younger than me) stood next to me, he smiled and hesitated a moment. Enough time for it to register to me that today’s experience was about to be unique from the others. Or perhaps I was more open to having a different experience.
He said,
“This shows we are a global family. When we take a photo with you it demonstrates that you are part of our family now. We are a global family. Thank you.”
Today my wonderings were satisfied. Why take a photo of a stranger? Why not?
We are a Global Family. What better reason?
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Related Article:‘Impressed by the equality’ - Harmandir Sahib Langar
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| Times of India again highlights the “Sustainable Nourishment Project” in the “Student Speak” section of the Education Times by Medhavi Arora |
Monday, June 16, 2014: With its ancient history and mix of different religions, cultures and ideas, India fascinates me.
Coming here is an all-in-one package as it has not only allowed me to study this diversity but also to explore my interests in health, nutrition, access to education and related inequalities.
As part of a group of 13 students, of whom I am the leader, I am here to learn the concept of sustainable nourishment by working in the community kitchen or langar at the Golden Temple in Amritsar. We usually reach the temple by 5am and take part in activities like chopping vegetables, preparing chapatis and doing the dishes in small groups. We are being eased into the surroundings and spend three to four hours of seva time daily, which will gradually increase.
Volunteers are quiet and meditative while working — they bond through non-verbal communication. It is a relaxing way to spend downtime if I am tired of talking. I learnt that it is not culturally appropriate to smile at unknown men. So, I enjoy preparing chapatis as there is usually a group of ladies among whom I can freely smile and converse. I can feel the love and serenity in the air here and am amazed at how everyday physical tasks can be so harmonious and spiritual.
There is a lot here that differs from my expectations. Initially, I was under the impression that women in India kept their entire body covered. I am relieved to know that this is not the case and I can freely wear short sleeves. Another aspect that surprised me was the loud music played in the prayer halls. At first, I wondered how people manage to think and pray. I have realised that the music contributes to the peaceful atmosphere and positive interaction, and helps to spread the eternal message of God.
I am impressed by the equality in the temple that spans across boundaries of sex, gender, caste, and material wealth. The Golden Temple has accomplished the task of uniting people in spite of their differences. It has become a place to escape social inequalities and embrace collaboration and mutual respect. Here, I came to appreciate the importance of meditation and how cultures are different, not necessarily better. The thousands of people working here are a cohesive unit performing seva, forming one giant arm of God.
The Sikh community emphasises that service to others is service to self and God, and thus, they manage the mammoth task of feeding thousands of mouths a day. I want to apply the lessons I have learnt here back home and demonstrate the importance of transcending differences, finding commonalities and uniting for a cause.
| – As told to Medhavi Arora Jessica Eller, Sophomore, public policy, University of Michigan on working in the community kitchen or langar at the Golden Temple in Amritsar |
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