It is not rare to observe a Sikh practising ‘Sewa’ or unselfish service to others, especially at a Gurudwara's Joda Ghar when devotees remove their shoes before entering the shrine. The ten Sikh Gurus placed great emphasis on this practice. Baljinder Singh Balli is a vegetable vendor by trade, but what sets his sewa apart is his regular attendance at the Jama Masjid Khair-ud-Din in Amritsar every Friday. He has been doing selfless service by caring for ‘jodas’ (footwear) of Muslim devotees during every Friday prayers held in the mosque.
Sharing his experience over the years, Baljinder said, “I am a Sikh by birth and secular by nature. For me humanity is above any religion. Choosing to serve in a mosque was my way of propagating Guru Nanak’s universal message of brotherhood and harmony.”
Selfless initiative
Baljinder Singh, who is addressed to as "Bha ji" and "Sardar ji," stated that attending the worship at the mosque his routine since the 1980s. He remarked that when devotees pray inside with a relaxed attitude, he makes sure their shoes are taken care of."
He stated that his ancestors had provided 'joda sewa’ at Chaurian Paudian Jodha Ghar located at Golden Temple from Atta Mandi for a period of ninety years. He further said that the act of rendering service is in his blood. He said that volunteers for joda sewa at Baba Shayam Singh Dera in Atta Mandi Chowk during sangrand, and also during Krishan Leela service at a temple in Majith Mandi.
Sewa, the route to inner satisfaction
When asked about the benefits he derived from his participation in sewa, he responded that it was inner satisfaction. In exchange, he receives blessings from devotees which are pure in their intent.
He is a vegetable seller and explained that every Friday he would finish his responsibilities early in the morning so that he may get free by the afternoon to reach the mosque. He says that since he moved here about four decades ago, he has not missed very many of the events that have taken place here. His son Baldev performs the sewa (charitable act) on his behalf at the mosque every Friday if he is unable to be there due to a family or community emergency.
Bha Ji’s selfless devotion for this simple cause is exemplary and is a step towards fostering interfaith brotherhood.
*Based on the article by G S Paul, published in Tribune India on 3rd July