Dr. Jaswant Singh Sachdev, MD Phoenix, Arizona USA

Whenever we, the Sikhs talk about the fundamental concepts of our faith in Gurudwaras or at different religious discussions, this Novel concept of "Vand Chhakna" or sharing of our blessings is brought forth and highlighted forcefully. But when the religious function or discussion is over, it does not take long for us to walk away totally from what has been just stated. The sacred sermons about this most important aspect do not leave any mark on our memory much akin to the absence of any tell tale sign after pouring water on oily surface. We all know fairly well that this fundamental principle of our faith was taught to us by Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikh faith through a simple and practical example of "Sacha Sauda" while he still was a child. Each and every Sikh child is taught this story from the time he or she starts learning about the faith. Guru Nanak had stated in Guru Granth Sahib Ji "Ghaal khaaye kichh hathon theiye, Nanak Rah Pachhaneiye saiye" meaning thereby "One who makes livelihood through honest labor and then donates part of it, will be the one to understand the path to salvation, so says Nanak". No doubt Sikhs in India still pay heed to this principle to some extent and several examples immediately come to the mind through which the benevolence of individuals belonging to this faith becomes fairly obvious when this topic is brought to the lime light.

With the expansion of our faith beyond the boundary of India, a good number of Sikhs now reside all across the world. More over a large number of them inhabit the Western world especially Canada, England and USA. Majority of immigrants who settled in these countries had become financially successful and are well established. As the numbers grow, so do the Sikh religious places. It is often stated by Sikhs and proudly so, that where ever there are two Sikhs, they will establish a Gurudwara or a religious place of their own. There is nothing wrong in doing so provided the Sikh principles are adhered to in its ordained form. Given the work schedules, work ethics and the distances many amongst them do not get time or make efforts to go to their religious place on daily basis contrary to what happens in India. On weekend however, especially on Sundays the Sikh religious places usually get full with devotees primarily due to this being a free day for many.

In almost all the Sikh Gurudwaras, a free kitchen commonly known as Langar is run where devotees regardless of their faith are served full meals without any charge. At the end of the religious ceremony, Sikh congregation is requested to eat together sitting on the floor in the form of rows regardless of caste, creed and social status. This free kitchen is supported by the devotees and members who in keeping with the cardinal features of their faith always chip in and try to maintain this service selflessly. The food that is served at Langar in the Gurudwaras of western countries is no less than an elaborate feast including salads, chuttani, pickles and desserts besides usual two vegetarian dishes, chapattis and rice. In fact one finds a sort of competition amongst women folks to out-do one another and show off their riches as and when their turn comes with egos often at display. In this process the families who for one or the other reason are not in a position to do what is expected of them often times try to shy away from taking part or contributing.

What seems to have been lost in all this is the need for the Sikhs to get out of the boundaries of their religious places and do such kind of service at other needy places in order to truly keep the principle of "Vand Chhakna" alive. Here obviously I must state that at many big towns and cities, the Sikhs, like the rest of the communities have been doing just that, yet I believe there is a need to do more. In fact after 9-11, it has become further imperative to adopt these kinds of charitable functions at a much bigger scale so that our identity becomes synonymous with charity. Each and our town has several homeless shelters. Serving the people who inhabit these places and are in true need will certainly double our rewards and satisfaction rather than overloading the well-fed individuals at religious places with feast like food that they really do not need. Additionally due to their inability to afford T.V. or newspaper, the homeless do not have a definite source of getting news or general information as to what goes on in the world. During one of my monthly visit to a local rescue center, I vividly remember, a significant number of people who came to partake food did not have a clue as to who Sikh are and what they stand for. Getting involved in these projects is likely to serve a dual purpose. Not only one could fulfill the requirement of the faith but at the same time inform those who frequent these places about our Sikh identity in a positive way.

About five years ago, a few Sikh families of the Phoenix initiated this kind of service to the homeless once a month. By the grace of God almighty these families are continuing this noble deed at least once a month on third Sunday of each month at 3:30 to 6 pm at Phoenix rescue center located at 1801 South 31st Ave. About 250 homeless individuals who frequent this facility are served a freshly cooked vegetarian supper that is prepared right there at the kitchen of this facility. Initially we were hoping that as time passes more and more families would volunteer so that we could further expand this program to every Sunday or else have additional groups do same kind of service at other facilities but unfortunately this did not turn out to be the case.

In fact one of the purposes of writing this article is simply to remind once again my readership about the concept of this service beyond the confines of our religious places. No doubt performing seva (free voluntary service) in the langar or free kitchen is a fore most nobility and is ingrained in Sikh psyche as one of the obligatory service and as such has to be kept on. At the same time, I certainly hope that each and every one of us regardless of the religious affiliation would also try to get involved in the service beyond the religious places as often as possible. One should not ignore the fact that it was through such charitable works that Christian missionaries were able to spread the message of Jesus Christ throughout the world especially in the third world countries. If nothing else we should follow their lead not necessarily to spread our religion but simply to make sure that our children would survive as believers in the faith of our forefathers that we landed with on the shores of a country where the concept of the religious freedom is propagated as one of the fundamental constitutional rights for each and every citizen.

I hope my appeal will be perceived in the spirit in which it has been stated. teachings; his or her such actions must be viewed as tantamount to blasphemy; no less no more.