Sewadal Overview

The SNM is a charitable organisation with emphasis on practical living. As such the Mission has a volunteer wing named the Sewadal, which is responsible for leading all disciplined services and activities, including coordination of congregations, food aid distributions, blood donations camps, etc.

The value and importance of Sewa or service has always been emphasised in the Sant Nirankari Mission. This notion of Sewa in the lives of devotees within the UK has always been fundamental from the very beginning of the Mission in this country. Saints had always participated in Sewa but it was not until 1967 that the Sewadal or service volunteers regularly met. From this point their meetings were tightly organised.

When Baba Avtar Singh Ji visited the country in 1968, there were approximately 20 members of the Sewadal. At this stage there was no real formal uniform, but instead Baba Avtar Singh Ji issued all of the Sewadal with small badges to represent their membership. From this time onwards, the Sewadal would grow from strength to strength and soon a uniform was introduced which consisted of a navy blue blazer on which the badge issued by Baba Avtar Singh Ji was to be attached.

The Sewadal began to develop and progress immensely during the 1970’s. The first ever Sewadal rally was held in 1971 at Summerfield Park in Smethwick, West Midlands. Each and every branch in the UK was appointed with a Sewadal -in-charge who was responsible for co-ordinating Langar – community meals, security, and Bhawan maintenance duties for their particular unit.

Further progress for the Sewadal in the UK realised increasing members of volunteers including very dedicated professionals. The year 1975 was an exceptionally important one for the Sewadal as the first ever national camp was held in Welford, Northamptonshire. At this camp, there were many activities and much intensive training of volunteers, as well as the preparation of Baba Ji’s and Raj Mata Ji’s next visit later in the year. This year also saw the organisation of the first Sewadal Bhangra team that toured European countries including Denmark, Austria and the Netherlands.

Following on from the successful involvement in activities of the younger volunteers in 1991, a camp was held at Beaumanor Hall in Woodhouse Eaves in Leicestershire. Here the youth were given practical advice and guidance as to the physical training parades and the purpose of the Sewadal. These national annual camp sessions for both male and female members, continue to be held at Beaumanor Hall in Leicestershire providing a valuable source of development and opportunities to take forward the philosophy of the Nirankari Mission today.

Today, the youth members a working proactively alongside senior members to drive activities both at a national and local level. Please contact your local representative to find out how you can get involved.

 Back to Sewadal Main...    

 Last Section Updated: