As many prepare for the holiday season with an uneasy uncertainty amidst Omicron, Sikhs in Leicestershire are holding steadfast with their charity work, by serving hot meals for the homeless and those in need – a part of a new initiative: the ‘Akali Project’ – with food being made by local volunteers.

Manjit Kaur, volunteer explained that “this project is very much in its infancy, however our aim is to provide those people who are out on the streets at this time of year with a rucksack that contains some items that may provide comfort: thermals, toiletries, etc. We’ve been asking the local community to try and give as much as they can so we can all contribute to making the lives of those less fortunate that little bit better at this time of year.”

“The concept was inspired by the account of one of our great Sikh martyrs, Mata Gujar Kaur, who was imprisoned in freezing conditions because she refused to abandon her faith. We remember her courage and resilience: she gave her life in those conditions but didn’t succumb to pressures to change her religion.

“In commemoration, we seek to assist those on the streets who also face the harsh winter conditions. Through serving humanity in this way, we achieve our own salvation. All are welcome to assist, and you can find more information on our social media channels.”

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Gurvinder Singh, volunteer said: “Over 500 years ago Sikhs were blessed with our first Guru, Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Guru Nanak was the founder of the Sikh religion and of the many amazing and revolutionary things that Guru Nanak gave to us, one of the most important was the concept of 'langar’.”

Langar, put simply, is a free kitchen: it is the concept whereby all Sikh gurdwaras will always provide a hot meal to anybody who visits, regardless of religion, caste, ethnicity, and gender.

“Guru Nanak Gurdwara has always provided langar since its opening in its current location over 50 years ago. Whilst majority of those enjoying the langar are members of the congregation. There has been a noticeable increase in students and vulnerable individuals also utilising it, often more than once a day.

“Having seen this growth in demand we wanted to expand this concept to the wider community and go beyond providing a hot meal to those who visit. It is through this thought process that we initially arrived at the idea of a food drive. We asked members of the Gurdwara congregation to give generously whilst we collected non-perishable foods and toiletries.

“The response was overwhelming and led to several BBC interviews and an influx of contributors from outside the Sikh community. A true coming together of communities for a greater good. The quantity received amassed several tonnes, which we were able to then pass on to three separate local frontline charities.

“We serve every day like its Christmas”

Midland Langar Seva Society (MLSS), a local charity, are making meals for the homeless and those in need every Saturday and Sunday evening at Leicester Market. The service is run entirely by volunteers using food sourced from donations, providing fresh hot meals as well as snacks to take away.

Ginda Basra, Trustee at MLSS said: “The journey of service for Leicester MLSS has been almost seven years and at the start of the pandemic we were serving freshly cooked hot meals at the market five evenings per week to the homeless and those in difficult circumstances.

“Post-pandemic the service adapted rapidly to start food provision by delivering to the homeless that had been housed temporarily, those in need, and people shielding. The team in Leicester has served over 300,000 hot meals during the pandemic, 1000s of weekly food parcels, and daily services around the city are on-going. Our daily outreach team has helped and assisted over 130 rough sleepers into temporary and permanent accommodation. Clothing, helping with benefits, mental health support, and much more has, and is, being provided daily by our team.

“Presently all the langar is prepared by our volunteers at and with the support of Ramgharia Board Leicester Gurdwara, Meynell Road, with plans to move into a new gurdwara in Hamilton in the New Year to further expand our reach to help those in the Leicester and Leicestershire communities and beyond.”

“I feel so proud to be a part of such a lovely team. As a volunteer for MLSS it’s been absolutely amazing as a Muslim.” Said Mezmin, a local volunteer. Mezmin wears a scarf and on many occasions has turned up for the feeds in the Islamic outfit, the ‘Abaya’. She felt welcomed, despite not being Sikh.

Mezmin explains “The team has always been a mixture of different people from different backgrounds and different religions, but we have never been treated differently. When I was first approached by the team to join them I was so scared as I was the only Muslim woman and I was worried how I would be treated. It took them no more five minutes to make me feel like I belong to this beautiful family.”

Gareth has been volunteering for two years and he too feels part of one big family. “We have many different faiths and religions, but we mould together, and this radiates down to the service users and many of them say they feel part of the family. It's a great honour for me to volunteer.

“We serve hundreds of people each week and with the run up to Christmas, our services are needed more than ever. We will make sure no one goes hungry and we will make sure they have something to open on Christmas Day.”

Gareth is in the outreach team, and, over the last 12 months, they have extended their services from food parcels to money management, benefits support, and personal health advice, among other support. “MLSS truly is one amazing charity and I am proud to be part of this amazing journey. They help anyone no matter what religion, gender, or background they come from. Equality is the first rule with MLSS, which why I love being a part of the team.”

The Leicester MLSS team won Charity of the Year at Leicestershire Community Champions Awards 2020 and their volunteers have won multiple awards too. Additionally, they were awarded the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Services.
This Christmas, MLSS will be doing a shoe box appeal, alongside their festive meal drives on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.