Sikh Community’s Acts of Kindness: 10 Times They Proved Humanity Matters Most
The Sikhs are a community known for their exceptional honour and bravery. There are countless examples of these Rab de bandey (God’s people) going above and beyond to show the best of humanity. Their actions remind us that kindness, courage, and compassion are still very much alive in the world.
If you need a reminder of their incredible deeds, read on to discover times when Sikh people embodied all that is good about humanity.
Young Sikh volunteers organised a 24-hour 'langar'
Dozens of Sikh volunteer teams set up a round-the-clock community kitchen, providing food and shelter in the Gurudwara to thousands stranded on the Delhi-Ambala national highway (NH-1). This was due to road blockades put up by Jat protesters that lasted for almost two days.
The Gursikh volunteers worked tirelessly to ensure that everyone affected by the blockade had access to hot meals and a safe place to stay. Their efforts were a beacon of hope and compassion during a challenging time. The community kitchen not only offered sustenance but also a sense of solidarity and support to those in need. This act of kindness and seva (selfless service) shows the dedication to helping others, regardless of the circumstances. It serves as a powerful reminder of the impact that collective goodwill and compassion can have in times of crisis.
Sikh community of Paris stepped up in aid of the shaken Parisians
After quickly moving past their disappointment over the turban ban, the Sikhs of Paris received widespread admiration for their kindness following the terror attacks. Many Sikhs generously opened their homes to assist those stranded on the streets.
Rohan Singh Kalsi’s tweet, which informed people that any Gurudwara would gladly offer shelter to victims, went viral. This led to numerous Gurudwaras welcoming distressed victims and providing them with food and shelter. The Gursikh community’s actions highlighted their spirit of compassion and service during a time of crisis.
Sikhs of Khalsa Aid set up 'langar' in IS territory to feed the refugees
Working with several local organizations, a team from the UK-based NGO Khalsa Aid bravely travelled to the Iraq-Syria border to help those in need. Despite the dangers, they set up a community kitchen where they baked fresh bread every day. This kitchen served nearly 14,000 refugees daily, providing much-needed food in the war-torn area.
The Gursikh volunteers’ dedication to humanity was evident in their selfless actions. Their efforts brought relief and hope to many people struggling to survive in such difficult conditions. The collaboration between Khalsa Aid and local groups showcased the power of unity and compassion in times of crisis.
Sikh man transcended communal differences and had a mosque built in the village
In the remote village of Sarwapur, a wealthy farmer named Joga Singh noticed that his Muslim neighbours had to travel nearly 10 kilometers to reach the nearest mosque for their five daily prayers. This journey was long and tiring, especially for the elderly and children.
Moved by their dedication and wanting to help, Joga Singh decided to take action. Together with his Sikh friends, he built a mosque right in the village for his Muslim friends. This new mosque meant that the Muslim residents no longer had to make the long journey and could pray comfortably within their own community. Joga Singh’s generous act of building the mosque, with the support of his Sikh friends, highlighted the spirit of unity and mutual respect in Sarwapur. The Gursikh community’s efforts brought the village closer together, fostering a sense of harmony and understanding among its residents.
Two Sikh heroes unravelled their turbans to save young men from drowning
When a group of four young men were on the verge of drowning in the fast-flowing waters of a canal in Chandigarh, two brave Sikh men, Inderpal Singh and Kanwaljit Singh, acted heroically. They prioritized saving lives over religious protocol.
Seeing no other way to reach the drowning men, Inderpal and Kanwaljit removed their turbans, which is a significant act for Sikhs. Using their turbans as makeshift ropes, they managed to pull the struggling men to safety.
Their quick thinking and selfless actions saved the lives of the four young men. The Gursikh community praised Inderpal and Kanwaljit for their courage and compassion. This incident highlighted the values of bravery and humanity that are deeply rooted in the Sikh faith. The heroic efforts of these two men brought attention to the importance of helping others, even if it means making personal sacrifices.
Sikh man in New Zealand took off his turban to help stop a child from bleeding
In Auckland, New Zealand, a 22-year-old Sikh man named Harman Singh heard the screeching of car wheels from inside his home. Rushing outside, he discovered a child who was bleeding heavily after being hit by a car. Without hesitation, Harman Singh removed his turban and used it to stop the bleeding. This act of bravery and compassion was especially significant because, as a Gursikh, he follows a religious practice that requires him to keep his head covered in public. However, in this emergency, his priority was to help the injured child. His quick thinking and selflessness were widely praised, highlighting the importance of humanity and kindness in times of crisis.
Sikh organisations joined hands to feed the helpless victims of the Nepal earthquake
The Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) and the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) sent around twenty-five thousand food packets to Nepal. This aid was for people who were left homeless and lost after the devastating earthquake. The DSGMC and SGPC worked together to provide this essential support, showing their commitment to helping those in need. Their efforts were a beacon of hope for many, demonstrating the spirit of compassion and solidarity in times of crisis. The Gursikh community’s dedication to service was evident in this heartfelt response to the disaster.
DSGMC stepped in to the Chennai flood victims' aid as well
When severe floods hit Chennai, the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) stepped up to help. An 11-member team from the organization travelled to Chennai to set up a ‘langar,’ which is a community kitchen that provides free meals. This initiative was crucial for the many people who were struggling and in need of food during the disaster. The DSGMC’s efforts showcased their dedication to service and the Gursikh tradition of helping others in times of crisis. Their actions brought relief and hope to those affected by the floods, highlighting the importance of compassion and community support.
Sikh-Australian railway employee saved a man from succumbing to a heart attack
Kulwinder Singh, an Indian immigrant in Australia, remained calm under pressure when an ordinary day at Central Station in Sydney turned into a crisis. A passenger named Michael Williams suddenly suffered a cardiac arrest. Without hesitation, Singh heroically used a defibrillator to save Williams’ life. His quick thinking and bravery in such a critical moment were remarkable. As a Gursikh, Singh’s actions reflected his deep commitment to helping others, even in the most stressful situations. His heroic deed not only saved a life but also highlighted the importance of being prepared and compassionate in emergencies.
Sikh hero fought a racist gunman and sacrificed his life to save others
Sadwant Singh Kaleka, a 65-year-old Gursikh and head of the Sikh temple in Wisconsin, USA, sacrificed his life to protect many women, children, and other worshippers from a white supremacist shooter. When the attacker stormed the temple, Kaleka bravely confronted him with a knife. Despite being shot twice, he managed to hold off the shooter, preventing further harm until the police arrived. His courageous actions saved many lives that day.
*Based on an article by Shruti Pillai, published by scoopwhoop on 2nd March 2016