WASHINGTON: Hundreds of Washington’s hungry and homeless were treated to hot and sizzling Punjabi vegetarian foods recently by courtesy of Guru Gobind Singh Foundation (GGSF) on behalf of the Sikh community in the Washington metropolitan area.
This event was organized by GGSF in memory of Bhagat Puran Singh the first Sikh to be nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for 1992. Four decades ago Bhagat ji founded a non-sectarian secular institution Pingalwara in Amritsar for the aged homeless crippled and mentally retarded of all sections of the society. This institution is primarily funded by contributions and donations from all over the world In addition to bring awareness among the rural folks he published many pamphlets and leaflets on preservation of the environment conservation of energy democracy youth problems and women’s uplifiment in society.
Last fall GGSF launched a world-wide campaign to get Bhagatji nominated for Nobel Peace Prize. It encouraged several lawmakers and academicians of US. U.K. Canada and India to write letters of recommendation for the late Bhagat ji. Indian government gave Padma Shri to Bhagat ji which he later returned in protest against the attack at the Golden Temple in 1984 Bhagat ji passed on August 5, 1992.
The “langar” which is a regular annual feature of GGSF for the city’s less fortunate for the past seven years was served at the districts shelter for the homeless which is run by the Community for Creative Non-violence. This is in addition to the monthly food service provided by the foundation to 50-60 patients in the “homeless clinic in the District of Columbia.
Bhupinder Kaur Saini who coordinated the dinner service said “This langar is always a great success because of the whole hearted support and co-operation of the entire Sikh community not only from the Washington area but from outside as well.”
Amrit Kaur coordinated Bhagat jis nomination procedure on behalf of the foundation. While paying tributes to Bhagat ji during the religious ceremony prior to the langar said ““Bhagatji revived with vigor the selfless spirit of service which is so innate to Sikhism. Sharing with the needy is the best way to pay respects to this great man.”
Dr.Rajwant Singh Executive Director of GGSF said “Bhagat ji was not just a person but an institution. He was a living legend. For more than half a century he infused inspiration and joy in the withered lives of those he cared for. Our organization is committed to keep his memory alive and will try to follow the path shown by this saint.”Jodh Singh formerly of All India Radio also paid tributes to Bhagatji during the religious ceremony and said” He had a deep understanding of maladies that afflict our society a concern for humanity but above all the dedication and persistence to make this world a better place.”
GGSF is one of the most active Sikh group and regularly takes part in the interfaith activities locally and nationally.
The foundation lends support to various local voluntary and religious groups that address issues like drugs violence and homelessness and in the process score in some valuable points on behalf of the Sikh ethos. The group also publicizes the gross human rights violations against Sikhs in Punjab.
Article extracted from this publication >> December 4, 1992
