Sikh community provides lunch for students in Leicester
Staff and students from many backgrounds came together for a special meal at Leicester College. An estimated 300 people were treated to a free meal courtesy of the ‘Langar on Campus’ event. ‘Langar’ is a Punjabi word meaning community kitchen and was originally instigated by the founder of the Sikh faith – Guru Nanak Dev Ji in the 15th century.
The occasion was organised by Leicester College’s Learner Engagement and Enrichment (LEET) Multi-faith Chaplaincy team and the food was generously donated by Guru Tegh Bahadur Gurdwara in Leicester.
The vegetarian lunch was aimed at promoting selfless service, equality and humanity and is part of the Sikh festival of Vaisakhi which took place in mid-April.
Sharen Ravat, Leicester College’s Multi Faith Chaplaincy Co-ordinator who organised the event said, “The Langar on Campus is one of the college’s flagship inter faith activities. Each year an opportunity is created for students and staff to encounter diversity over a shared meal in a convivial atmosphere. I am grateful to Guru Tegh Bahadur Gurdwara and their volunteers who dedicate their time and effort for this important cause. The langar transports generous Sikh hospitality from the community kitchen to the college campus. I was particularly pleased that students joined in to serve their peers and staff, creating an opportunity for social action and volunteering”.