Griffith’s Sikh Sangat has a long term commitment to humbly serve free food and drinks (Langar) to all the attendees and participants at the Shaheedi Tournament, the Sikh games.
Every June long weekend, the Sikh community organise a two day sports meet at Ted Scobie Oval against the backdrop of Scenic Hill in Griffith, NSW.
This year, over 15,000 spectators enjoyed one of the biggest community events of the Australian Sikh calendar.
With an ever growing number of attendees, the games organising committee sensed a need to serve Langar without any intervals and at a more rapid pace. For this purpose, the purchase of an automatic roti/chapatti (bread) making machine was purposed this year.
A Sydney-based volunteer Jaspal Singh Dhaliwal has come forward with an $11,000 donation to the Gurdwara Singh Sabha Society, Griffith to help support funds for the purchase of much needed automated system.
“It is my pleasure to humbly serve this small amount to Griffith Sikh Sangat," said Mr Singh in an interview with .
"The local hospitality at the games is just amazing with Langar humbly served to all the attendees and participants at the games on both days”.
“Everyone feels that community is growing and now we need to be upfront in terms of organising this event on a bigger scale. Purchasing this machine was a long term agenda."
"I am glad that Griffith Sikh Sangat has allowed me to do this small donation in Guru’s service.”
“We have a similar machine at the Gurdawara sahib at Parklea, Sydney. Depending upon the model, this type of machine can make more than 1000 rotis (bread) in one hour.”
For the last 27 years, Jaspal Singh has lived in Sydney. He was born and brought up in Delhi, India.
Meals in the langar are vegetarian.They usually consist of rotis (bread), rice, daal (lentils), a vegetable dish, snacks and/or dessert. Source: Supplied
Mr Singh migrated to Australia in 1990 based on his trade skills as an Air-conditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic.
Dhaliwal family lost their only son Dilpreet Singh aged 23 years in a mishap a few years ago.
With Guru ji’s blessings, we wish to do as good as possible in his loving memory,” said Mr Singh.
Manjit Singh Khera, Treasurer, Gurdwara Singh Sabha Society, Griffith has thanked Jaspal Singh for this contribution.
“It is amazing to see this generous donation by Mr Jaspal Singh. We have already received a bank cheque of $11,000. The committee is now in consultation to buy this machine from India.”
“On behalf of the local Sikh Sangat and committee members, I thank Mr Singh, and sincerely hope that his service to the community continues in years to come.”
LANGAR - The langar or community kitchen was designed by Sikh Gurus to uphold the principle of equality between all people regardless of religion, caste, color, creed, age, gender or social status.
Meals in the langar are vegetarian, and are simple, nourishing and nutritious. They usually consist of rotis (bread), rice, daal (lentils), a vegetable dish, and kheer (dessert).
The langar at the Harmandir Sahib, Amritsar serves a massive number – 50,000 people a day. On special religious occasions, the number often goes up to 100,000.
The langar at the Harmandir Sahib, Amritsar serves a massive number of people (Cosmin Danilla Photography). Source: Supplied
