By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The community feeding programme at Lumley was successfully resumed on Saturday, 10 January 2026, following a temporary suspension occasioned by public health concerns related to Mpox. The initiative, led by Mohinder Bir Singh, fondly known as Pa Jeety, in collaboration with Shri Gurudwara Sahib, Lumley, returned with renewed emphasis on compassion, order and dignity, serving hundreds of beneficiaries from Lumley and surrounding communities.

From the early hours of the exercise, beneficiaries formed peaceful and orderly queues, received plates of rice and then calmly moved away to nearby spaces to eat at their convenience. The feeding was conducted publicly along the pavement outside the Gurudwara, a deliberate arrangement designed to ensure accessibility, transparency and smooth flow while avoiding congestion. The open setting allowed the programme to reach a wide cross-section of the community without compromising safety or personal space.

Organisers explained that the structured approach was intentional. Rather than gathering crowds in one location, individuals were served in sequence and encouraged to disperse to eat at their own pace. This system not only promoted calm and respect but also reduced the risk of disorder, reflecting lessons learned from earlier phases of the programme and broader public health considerations.

The decision to carry out the feeding publicly along the pavement also underscored a commitment to inclusion. Elderly residents, young people and persons living with disabilities were able to approach the serving area with ease, receive their meals without delay and move to shaded or comfortable spots nearby. Wheelchair users and those with mobility challenges, in particular, benefited from the open layout, which eliminated physical barriers and ensured equal treatment for all.

Beneficiaries expressed appreciation for both the resumption of the programme and the manner in which it was conducted. Many described the feeding as timely, noting that ongoing economic pressures have made daily survival increasingly difficult for vulnerable households. For some families, the return of the Lumley feeding programme represents a vital source of relief at a moment when food insecurity remains a pressing concern.

At the heart of the initiative is Pa Jeety, whose humanitarian work has earned widespread respect across Sierra Leone. Known for his humility and quiet generosity, Mohinder Bir Singh has consistently supported community feeding efforts inspired by the Sikh principle of selfless service, which emphasises equality, compassion and care for the needy regardless of background, religion or social status. His sustained commitment has helped make the Lumley feeding programme a dependable lifeline for many residents over the years.

The success of Saturday’s exercise was also driven by the dedication of volunteers who worked behind the scenes to ensure the process ran smoothly and peacefully. The programme was facilitated by Raju Dutt, popularly known as Rocky, alongside Jagat Ram, Bhawar Preet Singh (Sonny), Abdulai Bah, Abu Bakarr Sesay, Ronald Sawyer and Alie Kanu. Together, they coordinated the serving process, guided queues and offered assistance to vulnerable individuals, maintaining a calm and respectful atmosphere throughout.

Beyond the immediate distribution of food, the programme continues to convey a broader message of solidarity and social responsibility. Public feeding carried out openly and in an orderly manner sends a strong signal of accountability and community trust. It demonstrates that humanitarian support can be delivered with dignity, without spectacle or disorder, and in a way that respects the humanity of beneficiaries.

As recipients collected their meals and quietly moved away to eat, many offered prayers for the sustainability of the programme and for the continued strength of those who make it possible. The scene was marked by quiet gratitude rather than noise, reflecting the deep appreciation felt by those who rely on such support for daily survival.

The resumption of the Lumley community feeding programme once again highlights the enduring impact of compassionate leadership and collective effort. Through the generosity of Pa Jeety, the support of the Shri Gurudwara Sahib and the dedication of volunteers, the initiative continues to ease hardship, restore dignity and remind society that simple, well-organised acts of kindness can make a profound difference in the lives of the most vulnerable. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/pa-jeety-shri-gurudwara-sahib-resume-public-community-feeding-programme-at-lumley/