New York, NY USA- The United Sikh Association of New York University (NYU) served langar (free food from a Sikh community kitchen) to university students on October 29th, 2008 from 6:30pm to 8:30pm.
NYU United Sikh Team and Volunteers serve langar to NYU Students
"We decided to organize an on-campus langar because we felt that it would be the most effective way to raise awareness about Sikhism in a post 9/11 world. The number of attendees at our langar events has grown from 150 in 2006 to nearly 350 in 2008, and is definitely a favorite among NYU students," said Sandeep Singh Guleria, one of the organizers.
Langar is a 500-year-old Sikh tradition whereby free vegetarian food prepared at a Gurdwara (a Sikh place of worship) is served to all regardless of their caste, color, religion or status. The NYU students sat on the floor, as is traditional, symbolizing brotherhood, equality, hospitality, community service, and selfless-service. NYU United Sikh Association has organized two langar events every year since 2006.
Jaswinder Singh, UNITED SIKHS Youth Volunteer Coordinator said, "This langgar event shows creativity and commitment to seva by United Sikh Association members at NYU. This event raises much-needed awareness of the Sikh community and UNITED SIKHS looks forward to supporting student organizations do such events at universities."
The United Sikh Association (USA) at NYU is a student-run religious organization with a mission to encourage an on-campus community that spreads awareness of the Sikh religion and inspires others to engage in community service. USA at NYU aims to achieve these goals through religious, cultural, and social activities open to the entire NYU community.