There is a change that is happening. It is inspiring and meaningful. It is a change that uplifts us and embraces our youth and encourages them to do even more -- it is Seva.
This Seva has the potential to motivate countless individuals and entire communities, rallying them into being part of something that is bigger than themselves ... this Seva is where people are beginning to notice that there are other people in this world who look a little different ... sound a little different ... act a little different ... but most of all are seeking to make this world a little different - a 'better' kind of different. This Seva is wildly contagious and has the ability to make monumental change.
This concept is hardly new and has truly humble beginnings. Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the first Sikh Guru prescribed a set of universal ideals to integrate in our everyday lives - ceaseless devotion - being thankful at all times, being diligent in our work - earning our living through honest means, and Seva, selfless service - upholding equality, and bettering humanity, servicing the underserved, regardless of religion, caste, color, creed, age, gender, or social status. It is an exciting, liberating feeling to see others vested in the ethics of sharing, community, inclusiveness, and oneness of all humankind. As Guru Nanak so poignantly reminds us, "the Light of God is in all hearts."
Sikh Sabha of New Jersey recently sponsored an event that exemplified these ideals - bringing Christians, Hindus, Muslims, Jews, and Sikhs; Black, White and Brown people together in a way that was powerful, and that made a real difference in this world. The collaborative effort brought the local community, the American Red Cross, and Sikhcess, a global Seva based organization together to host the event entitled the Sikhcess 'Gifts of Life' campaign.
Sikhcess started their efforts in 2007, after seeing youth moving towards gangs, violence, and intolerance. The organization's founders began actionable efforts to create a global 'family', where children and young adults were provided positive role models who led movements of good, providing opportunities for community service and positive experiences across the world. Since then, there has been resounding success with the organization's work.
The New Jersey team is the forerunner in this movement. With the 'Gifts of Life' campaign that took place on August 9, 2009, the goal was to provide 30 units of blood, with each unit saving up to 3 people's lives. This number was not only met, but greatly exceeded, with 45 people waiting an average of 1.5 hours extra, each, in line to accommodate the surprisingly advanced numbers; a total of 135 lives that were positively affected and possibly even saved because of the donor contributions.
There's even more good news that came out of the event. Rajnarind Kaur, the Sikhcess City Executive for New Jersey, and active member within the Lawrenceville Sikh Sabha Gurdwara, has worked with Sikhcess, the American Red Cross and the Sikh Sabha’s Board of Directors in creating a pledge to make the 'Gifts of Life' campaign an annual summer event -- bringing up numbers in units of blood within the United States when donations are historically lowest. Last month marked the 2nd annual Sikhcess ‘Gifts of Life’ event that Sikh Sabha sponsored, surpassing last year’s numbers considerably.
Throughout the year, the Lawerenceville Sikh Sabha’s congregation continues to stay active in their local community. They have worked with Sikhcess to launch 'Feed the Homeless' campaigns: providing a free community kitchen to the homeless and needy, Sikhcess 'Bundles of Warmth' campaigns: collecting and donating blankets and jackets to provide to people on the streets during the cold months of winter, and the Sikhcess 'Gifts of Life' campaigns: providing blood and bone marrow registries to people who need it most.
Tresa Kaur, a local Sikhcess volunteer and donor stated, “Sikhcess takes an active approach to community service. Sikhcess counts on the skills, energy, and compassionate spirit of volunteers to help carry out their work”. She went on to say, “your support is vital to their cause, and each volunteer effort, whether great or small, makes a difference”.
The Lawerenceville Sikh Sabha is excited about the opportunities to serve, and the local community is working to inspire others to lead movements of good around the United States and the world.
In addition, the Sikh Sabha community leads and collaborates with various other organizations in sponsoring and partnering events, conferences, movie premieres (Bhai Taru Singh,) book launches (Menus and Memories from Punjab) and exhibits (Sikhtoons.)
For more information on the Lawerenceville Sikh Sabha, visit www.sikhsabha.org.
Sikhcess is a worldwide community-service based organization that creates exciting and impactful public service opportunities with the goal of enhancing life for all humankind.
Sikhcess is dedicated to enriching people’s lives through regular, sustained, and meaningful volunteer service. Sikhcess’ work is based on the basic humanitarian principles of sharing, inclusiveness, community, and public service. With thousands of volunteers across the globe, Sikhcess connects people of all ages who share a common desire to help make a difference.
For information on how to get involved with Sikhcess, please email [email protected], or visit Sikhcess online at www.sikhcess.org.
