By: Harneet Kaur
In a world with so many cruel happenings and disasters, the need for relief and aid is often never ending.
The fundamental principles of Sikhi include Nishkam Seva (selfless service) and Sarbat da Bhalla (wellbeing of all). The story of Bhai Kanhaiya Ji, a Sikh inspired by ninth Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, represents these principles because Bhai Kanhaiya Ji would treat wounded soldiers in the Battle of Siri Anandpur Sahib in 1704 regardless of which side they were fighting on. He simply knew they were wounded and needed help and saw God’s light in everyone.
Sikhs should continue the legacy of Bhai Kanhaiya Ji and help everyone regardless of where they are from or what religion they belong to. One particular organization has managed to do exactly this after being inspired by teachings such as Sarbat da Bhalla.
This organization is Khalsa Aid founded in 1999 by Ravinder Singh. Khalsa Aid is a UK-based humanitarian relief charity providing support around the world to victims of natural and man-made disasters such as floods, earthquakes, famine, and war.
Khalsa Aid has been able to expand its offices to Canada, Australia, India, and the USA. The organization is also nominated for The Noble Peace Prize for its 20 years of selfless service. This is an exciting accomplishment for Khalsa Aid and the entire Sikh community.
On February 6, 2021, the team leads of Nishkam TV had the pleasure of interviewing Ravi Singh Khalsa and Amritpal Kaur from Khalsa Aid USA. The interview helped to learn more about how to get involved in the organization (specifically in the US) and, the foundation of Khalsa Aid, and the work the organization has been doing amidst the pandemic and with the farmer’s protests in India. Make sure to watch out for this unique and once in a lifetime program produced by our channel!
What is some of the relief that the organization has been able to provide?
- Khalsa Aid has provided essential supplies and medications to those affected by the Beirut explosion in Lebanon in August 2020.
- Khalsa Aid provided PPE to doctors and nurses working in hospitals across the country treating patients of COVID-19.
- Khalsa Aid has provided 1,200 hygiene kits to women in rural communities through an initiative called Pad the Path.
- Khalsa Aid has set up a free ‘Kisan Mall’ at the Tikri border in Delhi, India for protesting farmers in need of items such as blankets, toothbrushes, sweaters, and heating pads.
The volunteers at Khalsa Aid go above and beyond to provide the exact type of aid needed based on the crisis that has occurred. It warms the heart to know that those in distress are supported by a nonprofit humanitarian organization.
The Indian Government has mistreated the peaceful protesting farmer at the Delhi border by violating human rights and placing brutal force upon the protesters Khalsa Aid is also being portrayed as a terrorist organization when the mission of the organization is based on performing humanitarian acts making it quite the opposite of a terrorist organization. This is a wrongful move by both the Indian Media and Government and a breach of democracy because the right to a peaceful protest is being censored and has been turned violent by the government.
Nishkam TV, along with the New England Sikh Study Circle, has organized a fundraiser campaign to donate to Khalsa Aid and help the protesting farmers in India. The amount of money raised in total is $15,000
To learn more about the organization and donate please visit: www.khalsaaid.org
Works Cited
http://www.theinterfaithobserver.org/journal-articles/2019/7/11/khalsa-aid-sikhs-offering-balm
https://www.khalsaaid.org/about-us
https://www.khalsaaid.org/news/beirut-explosion-2020
https://www.khalsaaid.org/news/pad-the-path
https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/nation/khalsa-aid-sets-up-free-kisan-mall-at-tikri-border-188395
https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/ludhiana/khalsa-aid-comes-to-rescue-66758
