On January 31, 1993, Sikh Foundation of Virginia (SFY) youth served food 16 the homeless, at the ‘Creative Community for Non Violence (CCNY) in Washington DC. There were 20 youth and 9 adults who volunteered to personally serve food, cooked by Sikh families, to over 200 men and women, the cash donations were used to buy 100 fitted sheets.
Before serving the food, Ardas was done by the youth followed by grace in English: “Waheguru ji Bless us with your grace so we may humbly serve you and your people, O Lord, we thank you for this day and this meal. Let us not forget you or your countless gifts to us. Give us the courage to do what is right. Let hope and goodwill reign as we remember you in prayer.”
After the meal, the youth explained about Sikhism to the CCNY management and left copies of a flier explaining the same. The CCNV Clinic was also visited by a Sikh physician to see if SFV can be of any help in the future.
There are the thousands of homeless persons in Washington D.C. The purpose of this visit was twofold: to be of service and fulfill Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s commandment of Vand Chakna, and to create a awareness in the youth of the problems that confront society.
Serving food to the homeless epitomizes the true spirit of langar. Sikh communities around the country have been participating if such efforts. This is one area where Sikhs can definitely make a difference by offering their help.
Article extracted from this publication >> February 5, 1993
