By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The Shri Gurudwara Sahib Sierra Leone Limited on Wednesday, 5th November, 2025 joined millions of Sikhs around the world in commemorating the 556th birth anniversary of Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the revered founder of Sikhism, with acts of compassion, devotion and service to humanity.

As part of the celebration, 6,000 takeaway meals accompanied by soft drinks and water were distributed across multiple locations in Freetown; including Texaco, Portee Junction, Jui Junction, Waterloo, Baw-Baw, ECOWAS Street, Kroo Town Road, Adonkia and Lumley, symbolizing Guru Nanak’s enduring message of equality and selfless service.

The auspicious event, held at Shri Gurudwara Sahib Lumley, drew dozens of devotees, volunteers and community members from across the country. It centered on honoring Guru Nanak’s teachings of unity, humility and compassion; values that continue to resonate globally.

In his keynote address, Mohinder Bir Singh Sachdeva, affectionately known as Pa Jetty, Head of Shri Gurudwara Sahib Sierra Leone Limited and Chief Executive Officer of Jeety Trading Co., described Guru Nanak Dev Ji as a “timeless beacon of universal truth” whose life and teachings guide humanity toward peace, justice and harmony.

“Guru Nanak was no ordinary child. From an early age, he questioned meaningless rituals and sought the divine in every soul,” Pa Jetty said. “He traveled across India, Sri Lanka, Tibet, Mecca and beyond, spreading a message that transcended borders, religions and eras.”

He emphasized the three core principles of Sikhism, Naam Japo (meditation on God’s name), Kirat Karo (earning an honest living) and Vand Chhako (sharing with others); as timeless values essential to building a more compassionate world.

“Guru Nanak taught us that there is only One God, Ik Onkar; the Creator of all, formless, eternal and accessible to everyone, regardless of faith, gender or status,” he added.

Highlighting Guru Nanak’s stance on gender equality and inclusivity, Pa Jetty quoted the Guru’s profound words: “No one is Hindu, no one is Muslim; all are children of the same Creator.” He urged the congregation to practice Sarbat da Bhala, the well-being of all humanity, through daily acts of kindness and selfless service.

“In a divided world, Guru Nanak’s call for unity, humility and service reminds us that true spirituality lies in our actions; in feeding the hungry, standing against injustice and seeing God in every face,” Pa Jetty remarked.

The Gurudwara, known for its long-standing community service, reaffirmed its commitment to humanitarian work. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the organization provided relief to vulnerable groups and continues to support community-driven initiatives such as the Sick Pikin Marathon and the Baba Guru Nanak Scholarship, which sponsors more than 150 children annually.

The Langar Sewa (community kitchen) tradition, first established by Guru Nanak , also remains a central practice at Shri Gurudwara Sahib. Every Saturday, volunteers prepare and serve meals to over 1,200 people, embodying the Sikh principle of Wand Chhako (sharing with others).

The celebration also featured devotional prayers and cultural programs held on the evenings of November 14th and 15th at the Gurudwara premises on 18B Freetown Road, Lumley. Participants from various faith backgrounds attended, reaffirming Sikhism’s message of inclusivity and oneness.

A key message shared during the ceremony was the verse:

“Awal Allah Noor Upaya Kudrat Ke Sab Bande” meaning “We are all created by the One who is formless, colorless and shapeless.”

The event concluded with a collective call to action for peace, compassion and selflessness.

“Let us honor Guru Nanak’s legacy by building bridges, not walls; by working with integrity and by sharing our blessings with others. May his light guide us toward a more compassionate tomorrow,” Pa Jetty said.

Through service, devotion and unity, the Sikh community in Sierra Leone continues to preserve and spread the timeless values of Guru Nanak Dev Ji values that remain as relevant today as they were over five centuries ago. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/shri-gurudwara-sahib-distributes-6000-meals-across-freetown-to-mark-guru-nanaks-556th-birth-anniversary/