They work for renowned companies, have their share of fun by planning night outs and parties, but when it comes to faith they are right there rendering seva in the gurudwaras. Modermity has not clouded tradition in most Sikh households in the city there it is still considered to be a matter of pride being a volunteer for seva at the Gurudwaras and clean the premises, help in preparing the langar, take care of and clean shoes of devotees and serve the food.

“Be it home or workplace, we have a set hierarchy – either as a young or old family member or as an employee and boss. However one place where we become equal is at the Gurudwara, where young and old, senior and junior participate in the work and do it like a team. I don’t feel bad while picking up slippers of the devotees and cleaning them. Rather it gives immense pleasure to me,” says Gurucharan Singh, sofware professional, who has been a regular at Khadki and Gurudwara Gurunanak Durbar in Camp on Sundays.

To Balwinder Singh Kohli, student, seva is something that he looks forward to. “I have my friends, who also join me in seva, irrespective of their religion. It’s a fulfilling activity for us, that makes us realise the importance of being a human, who is capable of thanking God in many ways, provided he chooses to. Apart from rendering seva, I prefer to give biscuit or bread to beggars instead of money,” says Kohli.

Dittoing the thought, Kohli’s friend Sukhdeep Singh says that it has now become a part of his routine life. Singh works for a life insurance company and loves to go out with friends, but all this never keeps him from going to Gurudwara and rendering seva. “One has to do it to feel it, I can’t put it in words. It’s like helping your mother or father at home that doesn’t make you feel special but you feel good after doing it,” says Singh.

... contd.