Since its opening in 2012, Guru Nanak Darbar Gurudwara Dubai’s huge kitchen served over 1500 people on a daily basis and 15,000 people on Fridays. The lockdown to stem the Corona has changed the scenario. But the committed volunteers of the Gurudwara under the leadership of Chairman Surender Singh Kandhari are taking the campaign to the doorsteps of the needy.
The launched mission to share resources including raw foodstuffs, cooked meals and other essential commodities to the needy, especially labourers in all the seven Emirates of the UAE.
Guru Nanak Devji introduced free community kitchen called “Guru Ka Langar” where all sit and eat together regardless of caste, creed and status. This is followed in the Gurudwara Dubai where all day food is served free to around 1500 people daily and around 15,000 people on Friday since its opening in 2012, but due to the temporary closure of the Gurudwara because of COVID-19 we are unable to do so. The new initiative to help the community during the crisis of Covid-19
The Gurudwara everyday distribute around 500 – 700 meals and around 300-400 food bags of raw food (rice, dal, milk, sugar, wheat) with the help of Indian Consulate and Volunteers. Sukhdev Singh from Sharjah, Rachael Halibi, Nikita, Susheel Kunder from Dubai, Church of the Latter-day Saints, UAE and many from the Indian community have come forward to support the mission with generous contributions to the Gurudwara. The Community Development Authority of Dubai and other local authorities are also supporting the initiative.
“During the time of crisis, we decided why not reach directly to relieve the distressed during these difficult times, as the epitome of Sikh religion is that no one should go to bed empty stomach and sharing and giving (Vand Chako) is one of the main principle of Sikhism,” said the gurudwara in a statement. “If all mankind embrace these extremely important Universal principles, then the greed, materialism, egocentricity and self-gratification so prevalent in the world today would disappear, and the world would be a vastly better place; the kingdom of heaven on Earth”.
“We are in the month of Holy Ramadan. Ramadan is a time for self-reflection and devotion through prayer and fasting. Ramadan is also an occasion when Muslims around the world reaffirm their commitment to helping the less fortunate, including those struggling because of economic hardship and inequality. Ramadan also reminds us of our shared responsibility to treat others as we wish to be treated ourselves and the basic principles that bind people of different faiths together.”
“Difficult days come and go. Nothing is permanent so never get depressed and disheartened. Have faith in the Almighty and you shall be happy in life.
“Small steps lead to great change. We should all therefore live our lives in a positive manner, in complete peace and harmony with the world, going with the flow of life, always offering selfless service, service to others out of unconditional love whenever and wherever the need or opportunity arises and it is appropriate to do so.”
The focus of Sikh life is to establish a firm relationship with God, equality and the oneness of humanity by following the three principles of Sikhism; Vanda Chakna (sharing and caring), Kirit Karni (Make honest and truthful living and keep 10% of it for charity – that is what we call “Dusvant” – Just like in Islam you have “Zakat”) and Naam Japna (Practice meditation & constantly immerse in appreciation of the Creator)
Sikhs have been at the forefront of philanthropic work throughout the world and have been like a pillar of support for victims, providing them with medical aid, food, water, and everyday essentials to fight against the deadly coronavirus disease as the spirit of community service is an integral part of the Sikh faith.
