On February 2, 2024, the University of Birmingham welcomed over 2,000 attendees to its annual Langar On Campus event, organized by the Sikh Society. Running from 11:00 to 15:00, this initiative stands as one of the largest student-led events on campus, celebrating its 22nd year of fostering community and sharing cultural values.
The Langar tradition, rooted in Sikhism, emphasizes equality, service, and unity. Attendees enjoyed a free hot meal, symbolizing the core principles of Sikhi. Navjit Kaur, President of the Sikh Society, articulated the event’s mission: “Langar on Campus is a way of showing the university what Sikhi is about and our core values. We sit on the floor, everyone’s equal here, we’re all one community, and we share a hot, warm meal together.”
A dedicated team of students played a crucial role in organizing the event. On the morning of the event, a group of 20 to 30 volunteers visited the local gurdwara at 05:00 to assist in food preparation and offer prayers to bless the meal. Kaur highlighted the spirit of collaboration: “I’ve got a really nice team; we always get students that are really willing to help out.”
The event received support from the British Organisation of Sikh Students (BOSS), which provided cutlery and plates, while the Nishkam Gurdwara on Soho Road prepared the meals. Jodhveer Singh, events coordinator of the Sikh Society, expressed his sentiments about the event’s importance, stating, “It’s important for me because it shows everyone we’re all about love and equality. It puts those values out there.”
The tradition of Langar was established by Guru Nanak Dev Ji, who taught that serving others is a profound form of devotion. He famously redirected money intended for business to feed those in need, describing it as “the truest business.” Singh added, “That’s the perfect explanation for it. If you really want to succeed in this life, what better way to serve the people around you.”
By hosting this annual event, the University of Birmingham continues to promote inclusivity and cultural understanding, bringing together individuals from diverse backgrounds to share a meal as equals. The Langar On Campus event serves not only as a culinary experience but as a platform for education and community engagement, reinforcing the values of compassion and service that lie at the heart of Sikhism.
