This year to mark Guru Puja Divas
celebrations on 23rd Feb 2009 (the birth of His Holiness
Baba Hardev Singh Ji Maharaj), saints world-wide undertook a
calling.Responding directly to
His Holiness Baba Hardev Singh Ji’s message, to show
compassion towards humanity in the wider community through
self-less service, saints pooled their resources and
donations to feed the homeless and elderly.
With the grace of His Holiness; SNM
Yorkshire Bhawan also responded to this request; working in
collaboration with two local organisations. Bradford
NightStop, an umbrella organisation providing shelter and
food for hundreds of Homeless Youth; and Mill Care Lodge, a
carehome for the elderly with Dementia and physical
disabilities.
Local Parmukh Rev Jawahar Singh Ji;
upon conveying the request to the Yorkshire congregation saw
the Bhawan inundated with the generosity of the saints.
Large quantities of food consumables (including canned food,
fruit, biscuits, crisps, soft drinks, chocolates, soup,
cereals etc) clothes, blankets, toiletries were donated and
collected.
Congregation members also donated
money to the cause, which was used to purchase various food
items and consumables. Yorkshire Sewadal volunteers
on-behalf of the congregation purchased and packed all the
items to put forward to the nominated organisations.
The fruit baskets were presented to
the Care Home authorities by a delegation of Nirankari
Mission representatives led by Rev Jawahar Singh Ji.
Local Committee members Rev Atma Ram
Ji & Rev Mohinder Ram Ji, presented food items and
toiletries at Bradford Nightstop.
Nirankari mission representatives were
heartily welcomed and thanked for the contributions at both
organisations. They were impressed with Mission’s
contributions in positive restructuring of the community.
They also congratulated the Mission for its endless work
towards Universal Brotherhood.
The whole event has acted as a bridge
between the local community and the Nirankari Mission. It
gives the mission exposure to the community as never before.
This will hopefully encourage people to find out more about
the mission and also help dispel misconceptions. It also
gives local saints a platform for future charity/community
events.
