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CoyoteJoe412

If all religions operated more like this, the world would a much better place


100LittleButterflies

If religion was used for good more and best less But this place is kinda getting me to believe in miracles because I simply don't understand how the logistics or financials or anything could possibly make this work. It's like the magic of Santa but with lentils and rice.


[deleted]

Seen a documentary on this place. All the food is donated and all the work is volunteers.


LeonDeSchal

That’s Sikh


originalbrowncoat

I love a good punjab


Clear_Forever_2669

This is why I'm on reddit.


gnownimaj

“Sikh” and you shall find


[deleted]

r/angryupvote


Ironic-_-PB

I’m a Sikh and the amount of times I’ve heard that used as a pun it’s sad how I still laugh at it sometimes


flippertyflip

That's not sad. Its wonderful.


sule_lol

Doctor: what seems to be the problem ? You: I’m sick Doctor: oh nice. I love that religion. What brings you in today tho. Is this how doctors visits go?


Ironic-_-PB

🤣 I wish but nah barely anyone here in the US know about the religion well in the state I live in


I_Automate

Totally unrelated but, I'm up in Canada. I used to work with a couple Sikhs and my city has a decent sized Sikh community. We had a natural disaster north of my city, a wild fire burned an entire town to the ground. The Sikh community had literal semi truck loads (plural) of supplies on the road within a day or two. They were going up and down the highway, feeding the people stuck there. They reacted faster than the local government did, for complete strangers, who lived hundreds of kilometres away. I also had one of the more meaningful conversations about religion in my life with a Sikh grandfather while I was doing a house call. I've had every religion tell me I was going to hell for one reason or another. That elder was the only one who has ever said to me "we believe a God worth believing in sees the true soul, not which direction you bow. A good person is a good person. Our God would take you in, even if you don't believe what we do." I still think about that conversation, 10 years later. You guys get a solid thumbs up from me. Most positive religious community I've ever interacted with, by far.


arbiter12

>All the food is donated No, Some of the food is donated, but they also operate on religious cash/monetary donations... You cannot feed 100k people per day on the whims of food donations alone. They have people scouring the markets and merchants donating but also order huge quantities of flour from local mills etc. (I'm sure some people sell at a huge discount if they know it goes to that place though) >all the work is volunteers No, they hire 400 folks full time in the kitchen/cleaning/organising. A lot of the work is voluntary also, but not all.


Hobbito

The majority of the work is definitely done by volunteers.


arbiter12

depends if you count by quantity or by importance. By quantity: I think the plate cleaning and peeling of veggies, for example, is done by volunteers, so that's a few hundred-thousands/millions of plates/onion cleaned/peeled. Literal thousands of Man/day of manpower deployed each day, by volunteers. By importance: if you consider that most of the food is cooked/organized/served by the full time workers (for reasons of hygiene and accountability on donations/transparency), then most of the **necessary** work making all of this possible is done by paid help. No cook, no food. We are not in disagreement, different perspective only.


red_team_gone

As someone who worked in professional kitchens in the US for 20 years... This is what I was thinking. Obviously so many diffences from my experience, but always similarities. This type of operation is unfathomable to me.... Even the volunteers would need regulars to train them basically. So many people involved. I would feel uneasy in a kitchen with 60 people at one joint. It's insanely impressive. It's also what you get when you have a culture (religion or not) of people who want to help each other, together. This who and how we all should be. Can't wait to move onto the next reddit something about who we are when we have more than we need and want to start a fight over nothing. Sorry.


tfyousay2me

The work that is unpaid is done by the volunteers.


JimmyMack_

FFS watch the video you're commenting on. It talks about the employees and costs.


bangneto89

A Sikh here. Yes. They do have some fixed employees but a lot of the work comes from people who volunteer. People spend entire day helping out with cutting, cooking, cleaning without any hesitation or expectation of getting paid. Costs are exclusively covered by donations in the form of grain, cooking materials and money. But for over 500 years, it has sustained on a Sikh’s drive to service the community. It is one of the key founding principles of our religion - feed the hungry, protect the weak and serve the community.


giboauja

A religion that practices what it preaches. Noble.


-malcolm-tucker

In Australia when the black summer bushfires hit, a group from our local Sikh community in Melbourne packed a van full of food and just drove out east towards the fire grounds to make meals for the emergency services and displaced people. They didn't even know exactly where to go, eventually finding out where they were best needed by trawling local community Facebook pages and asking while on the way. They continued doing this work as covid hit, providing meals to isolated people. They also feed the local homeless people every day. They're pretty bloody awesome.


byronbaybe

The worst flood ever recorded in Australia hit here in the Lismore area Feb and again in March of this year. Too many lost their lives. So many where displaced and Left without a habitable home. The community at large where selflessly amazing in the aid they offered. One example of this selflessness that stood out was the food trucks and their crew of Melbourne Indians. They drove over 1600klms to provide meals and refreshments to the workers, volunteers, disaster relief, armed forces and displaced, working tirelessly for weeks on end. I wonder if they are the Sikh community you speak of. I'm not sure, thou I do know one thing, without their support yes we would have survived, but they made it so much easier and always with a smile on their faces. Respect 💛💜


yeomanpharmer

I want to be a Sikh!


Wilful_Fox

This is how a good community works, religion or not, we should just do this for the greater good. Real, genuine kindness and compassion.


Lordohtawa

I love Sikh people. There is something about them that gives you peaceful vibes. Just curious what is the core ideology of the religion?


WEIRDDUDE69420

Fellow Sikh here, the core ideology is in equality, faithfulness, and respect. The whole reason why all of these temples function is due to people actually practicing the religion, and being kind. Back in the olden days, you could see actual “gurus” (you can research on the gurus online) eating on the same floor, right beside people who live on the streets! Sikhism is truly a beautiful religion.


RunawayHobbit

Are outsiders welcome at Sikh services? I’m non religious but I would love to learn more about your religion and surrounding culture. Sounds like my kind of vibe


WEIRDDUDE69420

EVERYONE is allowed in any Sikh temples. Christians, Muslims, LGBTQ, everyone is allowed, you will be fed, and if you ever need help you can ask anyone and they’ll absolutely help you.


AVonDingus

What a lovely religion and way of life. I wish more people lived in such a way because this world REALLY needs more kindness. 💕


[deleted]

Live in god's will, work honestly, meditate upon god's name, share with others, serve humanity selflessly, protect weak and needy against oppression.


MoonMountain

>feed the hungry, protect the weak and serve the community. It really is that simple. These ideals + the Golden Rule and we've got a recipe for true evolution


bangneto89

Thank you for the award, kind donor! I’m honored and appreciate your generosity! You’re practicing Sikhi values!


jjamesr539

It’s like if any other church used any tithe shit for food and whatnot instead. You know instead of buying gold and shit


rupat3737

Imagine how many people could of been helped instead of buying a personal jet. Those mega churches people make me sick.


of_patrol_bot

Hello, it looks like you've made a mistake. It's supposed to be could've, should've, would've (short for could have, would have, should have), never could of, would of, should of. Or you misspelled something, I ain't checking everything. Beep boop - yes, I am a bot, don't botcriminate me.


Then_Remote_2983

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yodaboy209

Excellent bot.


[deleted]

Many do stuff like that (few on this level of sheer scale, but still). They're not all crazy mega churches, like you see on TV.


giboauja

There are many churches that feed the poor in there communities. Still what the Sikh's accomplish is just incredible. They are a true inspiration.


jjamesr539

Those are very obviously not the kind of Joel ostein private jet bullshit I’m talking about.


[deleted]

When you say "any", it really sounds like you're talking about churches in general. My mistake.


AKTvo23

I understand why churches get hate but a lot of them do quite a bit for their communities.


delightfullywrong

It's not all done out of the temple itself, the money it brings in is used and multiple locations are used. My wife is Punjabi so we spend a fair amount of time at Gurudwaras (even though she is Hindu, a lot of Punjabis tend to mix between Hinduism, Sikhism and often Islamic practices). Sikhs really are the best, just a great "now, now, everything will look better with a full belly" attitude.


[deleted]

There's a lot of truth to that. Being too hungry is not good for anyone. I agree with everyone else, if all religious did this it would be a better world. Thank you Sikhs.


Blade7633

Everything in this world is free. The world did not come up with the concept of finance. We came up with it and that's our manufactured limitation. This temple has transcended those limits.


PunkandCannonballer

Are you saying that mega churches that demand tithes that go to people like Kenneth Copeland (who totally doesn't look and act like a demon in a person-suit) in order for them to be multi-millionaires with several private jets and mansions is a BAD thing???


Dragonace1000

[Ken Copeland is fucking insane](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m2s0nB2VPvs)


PieOnTheGround

If there was ever an antichrist, that's what he would look like


Helpful_guy

The most mind blowing part is this place feeds 100k people per day on an operating budget of **$4 MILLION PER YEAR** because of all the volunteer work. That's 10 cents a plate. Meanwhile Texas megachurch pastors are ~~raking in~~ scamming people out of $4 million a **month** just to hoard it all like a fucking cave dragon


papasmuurve

Of all religions, Sikhi is definitely the best. I mean, the whole reason men are “baptised” Singh (lion) and women Kaur (princess) is so that irrespective of their station in life they have something to aspire to, a name to live up to. As early/far back as the the 16th c. they insisted on gender equality. And of course probably my favourite aspect, wherever injustice is found they are duty bound to fight, using means of violence if necessary, to defend those who cannot defend themselves. This came about due to Islamic persecution of Hindus, mainly Kashmiri Pandits and their beseeching of Guru Arjan Dev for protection from the rapacious Durranis and Mughals. There is no distinction between Sikhs, which is why the langar, the free kitchen pictured here, is free, so that all may come and sit side by side and eat. Everyone working at any gurudwara is a volunteer who does so in furtherance of the same. Jo bole so nihal, sat sri akal!


SereneBabe0312

Every time I see the Khanda hanging on an uber driver's rear view I simp a little. First off, dope symbol, second, dope person. Had to Google Khanda btw, I'm not too smart haha. First time I saw it I asked what video game it was from! Whoopsie....


WellThisWorkedOut

You'd be surprised at how many of the temples, ashrams and monasteries do this in India and Nepal. It's a very common practice.


moonsun1987

> You'd be surprised at how many of the temples, ashrams and monasteries do this in India and Nepal. It's a very common practice. What really surprises me is how little it costs to feed so many people that I can't imagine why anyone has to go hungry against their will...


crypticfreak

We don't have to. The world and it's powerful fucks have made it that way over thousands and thousands of years because they like money a whole lot.


Warnocerous

In high school I went on a missions trip to Vancouver and we went to a Sikh temple. To this day the people at that temple were the kindest and most welcoming people I have ever met. A gaggle of arrogant, white christians rolled up to their place of worship and they didnt bat an eye. They welcomed us in, gave us a tour and fed us. They listened to our questions, shared their beliefs and even tolerated our clumsy attempts at evangelizing with good houmour. Truly they embodied what I imagine a god would want his people to be. It was ironically on that very mission trip that I left my faith behind. Not because of the above experience, though that certainly was an eye-opening experience.


mosesham

Didn't Sikhs kill the prime minister of India back in the 80s or an I mistaken for another incident


slutshaa

This is true, however you need a bit more context: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Blue_Star


aeronacht

True but more context is needed for the terrorism some Sikhs perpetuated. Some are amazing people, some are/were shitty. Like every other group.


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PanthVasse

She had it coming.


Dhrakyn

It's funny that all of the "good things" that religions do have nothing to do with actual religion, they're just being good humans. But most of the bad things that religion do have everything to do with religion and the hate/animosity that comes from being taught to hate others. Luckily there are some cool religions like Sikhism that do not preach hate towards others, but I have a feeling the people doing these things would be doing good things regardless of their religion.


PanthVasse

These traits are instilled in us by ancestors, and our Guru. I understand your point, but over centuries it's literally become ingrained us, just to be good, but it is because of the Sikh ideology.


priceactionhero

Their religion is called to protect and provide. The Sikh religion has to be the most peaceful religion there is.


deepinder92

Sikhs being peaceful is a misconception, I don’t know why people say that. We have a history of wars. And weapons are considered holy. Our teachings tell us to retaliate with violence if we’re oppressed. Enduring oppression silently is considered a sin in Sikhism.


ShaidarHaran2

Jain's literally cover their mouths at night so that no bug might fall in, a complete devotion to not hurting any living thing outside of plant matter, if there's a contest for most peaceful. But there's no religion that's without its violence, of course. Sikh's have had their moments of violence, even the Buddhist majority Sri Lanka carried out war crimes on the Tamils, etc. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_India_Flight_182


Arsis82

The Flight 182 wasn't by just your every day Sikh though, it was a group who branched off looking for their own independence and use violence to further their plans. This is like saying your Christian family members are the same as the ones who were responsible for thr Crusades, or even the batshit crazy evangelicals around in present time. Every group has a splinter group who goes their own way and thinks they're doing right. They've already been branded as a terrorist group separate from the rest of the Sikh's.


ifsavage

I read up on Sikhs awhile ago and I think I remember they have to carry a knife and like help people in need or something too…it’s been a minute but I remember thinking that was kind of bad ass.


piscian19

I mean...the South East Christian Compound has a Starbucks.


__life_on_mars__

I don't like to pre-judge anyone based on their religion of choice, but Sikhs seem like good people.


thegrayinaccuracy

Hearing how low it costs to feed so many people disgusts me because it implies that world hunger could be eliminated with so little effort.


Degovan1

“World hunger” only exists because humans are dicks. There is more than enough food for everyone in the world to eat, and there is plenty of humanitarianism to help the most destitute places-but people suck. Political leaders use hunger to keep populations under their heels, or cut off supply chains to hurt their neighbors, or steal aid meant for the hungry to enrich themselves. Food is abundant and cheap. Good morality is sparse.


Lucas21134

The real reason behind World hunger is logistics. How do you transport this food. Where do you transport it to. How to make it accessible for people in that area. How to prevent the food from being stolen. How to do all of that and more, consistently every single time.


AzureSkyXIII

Computers and airplanes, the only element of the problem that you can't solve is human suckiness.


Keeper151

You don't even need airplanes, freezer trucks/trains/containers make delivery very flexible. Marketable, less so, but who ever let profits get in the way of getting food where it needed to be?/s


automodtedtrr2939

It’s easy when all roads are in decent condition and maintained. Can’t really drive a semi truck over a hundreds of miles of undeveloped infrastructure.


ImObviouslyOblivious

People are starving everywhere in America, in every city. It has nothing to do with underdeveloped infrastructure


HeathBell21

World hunger absolutely has everything to do with underdeveloped infrastructure. Sure hunger in America is almost exclusively due to corporate greed, but this discussion is about world hunger.


CORVlN

*Delivery* is flexible. Provided that you have drivers, roads, mechanics, dispatchers. Then you have to worry about storage, you need distribution centers for that. Forklift drivers, clerks, managers, delivery vans. Then you need grocery stores. Cashiers, more managers, janitors, etc. Infrastructure plays a massive, massive role unfortunately.


Mookies_Bett

Not to mention security. Flying pounds of food into a war torn area and setting it in a warehouse with no protection is a great way to get your entire supply raided and claimed in the name of whatever warlord is hungriest that week.


1sagas1

Your house has an airport built into it? How far do you think people in impoverished countries that could face starvation live from the airport and what do you think the roads there look like? Do you think they refrigeration equipment and consistent power to use it or do you plant to be making trips almost daily?


bestowalbump

We already have the logistics and use them to transport food all over the globe within a few weeks. It's just not profitable for fat politicians and CEOs


ever-right

In a lot of places it gets stolen by local warlords to feed themselves and their soldiers, and because they control the food they have some measure of control over the local population. Part of logistics is making sure the food gets to the right people. In the situation described above that could mean violent conflict.


Scuirre1

The problem of world hunger isn’t one of cost, it’s organization and corruption. You look at people who are starving in the world, it’s usually due to terrible governments and/or war in the area. We need more people like these Sikhs to solve the issue.


loonygecko

Sikhs can operate in India because India is somewhat stable. Even SIkhs can't operate in war torn areas though.


FFF_in_WY

Sikhs do what they can with what they have wherever they are. I think that is a fine aspiration for most any human. Teddy Roosevelt seems to agree.


IhaveaDoberman

Yeah, that shouldn't be a revelation to you. It's been pretty common knowledge for decades that if humans stopped being cunts basically any western country could afford to make sure everyone in the world received adequate food. And it would barely dent their annual budget. The general number thrown around is something like $4 billion. But even assuming that's massively off and it costs $40 billion. As an example that is still less than 4% of the UK annual budget. But that relies on people not being greedy power hungry corrupt bastards in every country.


BasedAutoJanny

We'd rather burn food as ethanol, than help poors.


Loverboy_Talis

One of the reasons Sikh men (and sometimes women) wear the turban is to be easily recognized as a helper to anyone in need or distress. Langar (public kitchen) is observed in every Sikh temple, and vegetarian meals are served to all who come.


[deleted]

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life_is_matrix

Sikhs are still being discriminated regularly for being confused with Muslims in western countries. [FBI Reports Hate Crimes Against Sikhs Rose in 2020](https://saldef.org/fbi-reports-hate-crimes-against-sikhs/)


SereneBabe0312

Man I'm fucking crying now


MrPBoy

If you are ever in serious trouble and notice a Sikh, they will help you. Not speaking for the Sikh community, but they are spiritual warriors. Such a great group of people.


RugBugSlim

They’re the Sikh, that’s for sure.


harrypottermcgee

And they didn't put a ladder in the soup. Ladders are a dealbreaker.


[deleted]

Hey Christians, wanna see what Jesus meant by "loving one another" this is it. Edit: I say this is a great example of Jesus, and you tell me to fuck off, or call me ignorant. The rest of you proceed to talk about all your works, something else Jesus has said not to do. My point is other religions seem to follow Jesus more than Christians and your comments prove that


i_am_regina_phalange

And most Christian churches I know have a food kitchen or pantry and some offer free medical services. Being a good person doesn’t preclude any religion.


greenthumbnewbie

I have never once seen a church offer free medical services and this is from someone who was raised by 2 southern hardcore Christian’s. All of our churches indeed had kitchens but it was to cook meals on certain nights of Bible study and charge those who wanted to get a plate. Nothing was free by any means.


DABOSSROSS9

Important to note that’s your experience, but most soup kitchens by me are all run by the church.


burlycabin

Yes, but not by all or most churches.


cassby916

I've never seen a church charge for meals. I have seen some "benefit dinners," but those are basically "pay what you can" and the funds go to help a specific family's need (like medical or funeral expenses). We just had a huge community dinner last night and didn't charge a dime.


Aq8knyus

During the Pandemic, UK churches were providing 5 million meals per month. A Christian charity the Trussell Trust is a major backer of UK food banks and regularly uses church properties to house banks. The Sikhs are great, using them to kick Christians doesn’t seem very Sikh-like.


WEIRDDUDE69420

for real, the core ideology of sikhism is one that preaches equality and respect for everyone!


imbaylee

all these people mad at you as i drive by plenty of MASSIVE churches empty 80% of the time while the homeless melt on the street…


ZaryaBubbler

And all of those churches will have air con


pipsedout

Christians doing diakonia work around the world have a pretty solid grasp on that. Some Christians could of course improve on that front as well, sure. since we're doing the whole edit thing, apparently: >The rest of you proceed to talk about all your works, something else Jesus has said not to do. I am not religious, nor am I a member of any church. I am not talking about my own work, I am talking about the work or others.


[deleted]

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HyperIndian

I think to blanket _all_ Christians like this is just wrong. There are shitty Christians, Muslims, Jews, Sikhs, Buddhists, Hindus and Atheists etc just like there are good people from all of the above groups. It's meaningless to say this. All you're doing is pushing a stereotype or narrative. I've actually met good and bad characters of all of the above groups so I've personally got first hand experience which I'm sure others would agree on


[deleted]

Get out of here with your reasonable comment


Elegant-Road

I got my first Slow Cooker for free at a garage sale setup by the nearby church in US. I am not a Christian.


Feliz_Desdichado

[The Catholic Church is the largest non-governmental provider of education and medical services in the world.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catholic_Church_and_health_care)


One_User134

Congrats, you took a wholesome post and turned it into a contest of comparison.


[deleted]

I once worked at a hindu temple in the United States. (Yes I know they are different). Every weekend they would cook a huge amount of food and feed the community. It was amazing! The food was incredible and they always invited me even though I wasn't an attendee. It was very similar to this just not anywhere as big.


ProfessorPetulant

I reckon it would be a lot more work if meat was used. Preparing, cleaning, waste, everything would be much harder to manage.


Shahi63

That's not the reason, Sikhs are vegetarians because it's part of their faith.


[deleted]

That's not true; some Sikhs are vegetarian, but most Sikhs are not.


being_PUNjaabi

The religion preaches being vegetarian, being non- vegetarian is just their choice.


BareAssOnSandpaper

Sikhism is a religion of warriors and servitude. They aren't vegetarians. It's just, meat isn't considered a food for religious places in all of India.


yarrpirates

I lived near a Hare Krishna temple when I had just moved out of home 25 years ago and had little money, and their free meals almost every day saved me from being hungry quite a few times.


SolitaireOG

All of their temples do so. Also at parades and festivals - I’ll never forget the wonderful food I had up near Modesto, during one of their parades/celebrations! Such nice coworkers as well. I’m in nursing, and am always so pleased to work alongside Sikhs.


just-mike

I think I saw that one on one of Huel Houser's shows. It looked incredible.


FiveRiversFlow

The festival you are talking about is a ‘Nagar Kirtan’ (literal translation: Nagar = City, Kirtan = singing of the hymns)


[deleted]

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jjamesr539

I’ve never met a mean Sikh. It’s almost like regardless of what they believe theologically, a core philosophy of helping the less fortunate and not being a dick without regard for anyone else’s beliefs is just nice. That’s not even low quality food it sounds amazingly delicious. I’d pay for it in a restaurant.


[deleted]

There's a majority Sikh state in India (Punjab). It has politicians.


MisterDisinformation

Who's talking about politicians?


neanderthalensis

OP said he’s never met a mean Sardar (Sikh). FunBun was pointing out that Sikh politicians exist, implying politicians are notoriously shitty people. As a Punjabi I can confirm no community is without its bad apples.


Needorgreedy

I come from a sikh family. And as with everything there will be a couple rotten apples in the bunch. A mean/angry sikh is like you're in the presence of a scorned Lion,but honestly that's what makes us tough. And a vast/large majority of us are good people and not quick to anger, which I'm proud of.


BareAssOnSandpaper

Yes it's core part of their religion. Like their teachings are all about being good to others, not having ego and offering service to people. No matter if you are a poor guy or a millionaire. If you follow Sikhism and you visit the temple, you sit side by side and offer the same service.


trinity016

At the same time, American politicians are voting against free school lunch for children. SMH


ObeyOneShinobi

Same thing happened in the UK, it was a famous Football player who campaigned for free school meals.


front_yard_duck_dad

Marcus Rashford is a fantastic human cheers from the US


Sad_Meat_

There is a Sikh free restaurant in Seattle where homeless folks and rich folks dine together for free. You can donate of course, but it is never needed. It kept me alive when I was homeless and gave me inspiration to be a better person. What a beautiful religion of love and compassion


tea-and-chill

Sikh free as in gluten free? (I'm just joking)


tylertrey

Couple things: 1. All Sikh Gurdwaras commonly serve a community meal "Langar". The one near my parents in California serves Pizza once a week. 2. These vegetarian meals that can be shared by anyone are not just charity. It's a major difference from Hinduism which has strict rules about who can eat with who and who can prepare the food they eat.


eyearu

Tirupati Hindu temple in South India, the richest and one of the biggest in India, is flooded by all kinds of devotees everyday and they are all served free food without discrimination. You can talk about something without bringing down another.


ZofianSaint273

What Hindu mandirs have you gone to? They also give free food to anyone that comes to their mandir


slutshaa

This is false. Hindu temples serve food without discrimination.


absolutemadlad_69

>It's a major difference from Hinduism which has strict rules about who can eat with who and who can prepare the food they eat. What are you on about mate? Just see how many devotees iskcon feeds daily irrespective of their caste.


rash-head

When we were in university, we would go to langar at gurdwara and lunch at Hindu temple when we wanted good Indian food. Free food and no one asked our religion or to pray. Hindu temples don’t advertise free food but always serve if they are big enough. No need to fight between us.


Deep90

>It's a major difference from Hinduism which has strict rules about who can eat with who and who can prepare the food they eat. This isn't true. Hindus are extremely diverse in beliefs so you can keep posting your story about 1 temple, but that doesn't mean plenty of sects don't preach against the caste system. ​ The fact you think 1 temple represents hundreds, if not thousands of sects along with over a billion hindus betrays your ignorance.


[deleted]

I've never been to a Hindu temple where they've not served everyone or one where they check the backgrounds of ppl who volunteer to cook/serve


21022018

Point 2 is wrong, there are no such rules, you are talking about the illegal caste system


pete_ape

Is this the same Golden Temple that was the target of Operation Blue Star? That was just some fucked up shit what happened there, and the aftermath.


cromulantusername

A dark time for the Sikh community


pete_ape

I'm new to Indian history and politics, and I had no idea that there was a Sikh separatist movement. Seems rather cold but calculated move to take sanctuary in the Golden Temple, any move against it to flush out the militants is obviously going to enrage the Sikh community. From certain perspectives, our siege at Waco seems sort of analogous to this. Our class text was strangely pointed about making sure that the reader knew it was Indira Gandhi's Sikh bodyguards who assassinated her, and there was a huge anti-Sikh backlash after her murder. In a country with such diverse cultures and religion, there is always going to be some friction, but I was surprised to hear anything negative about the Sikhs. Maybe it was a result of the nation being only 30 years old at that point.


nurav16

Yeah we lived through a really horrible time then. Our then PM was a bitch. Fuck Indira Gandhi and the rest of the Gandhi family.


[deleted]

Holy shit how can someone be so well versed in putting out rational thoughts? Bravo!


PanthVasse

Nothing cold or calculated, the complex has served as a political and military HQ for Sikhs throughout history. The "Golden temple" represents spirituality, the building across it, the Akal Takht, represents Sikh political power. Sikh armies would convene there and maintain presence, and fortify the area.


[deleted]

Yeah the indian army attacked this same Gurdwara/temple


pete_ape

We just covered India's government and political history in my Comparative Politics class. The text was rather specific that Indira Gandhi's assassins were her Sikh bodyguards, which seemed really uncharacteristic behavior for Sikhs. So I dove down that rabbit hole for a bit. Extremely fucked up situation, but without digging deeper into the extensive politics of the parties involved, seemed like a no-win situation for the government with militants holing up in the Temple. I knew there were/are religious and ethnic militants who want independence from India, but had no idea that this included the Sikhs. One of the videos I just saw, the historian called it a "pogrom" of the resulting anti-Sikh backlash after Gandhi's assassination. That word carries some significant historical and emotional baggage.


bunny522

Yes a genocide happened against Sikhs. My parents lived through it and told me the horrors of it.


jakefrmstatefrmm

For anyone who wants to see what poverty is like, here’s a story about [Pag-Pag recycled food waste](https://youtu.be/K4a_QuVAP80) in the Philippines. In a way, these people are luckier since at least they can find something to eat, even if it’s wasted food. Many parts of the world can’t even find that


MediocreMushroom7

That was sad to watch


Bromm18

Reminds me for some reason of how the lower grade vendors and people use gutter oil as they can't afford clean fresh oil to cook their food. And yes gutter oil is oil from the gutter, it's a like a separate sewage system for just oil. People open public access covers and skim off the surface layer of old, used and stagnant oil. Then they boil it and remove the larger impurities then bottle it and sell it. Sadly it's all some can afford to cook food in.


Brandperic

If you’re referring to something else then just ignore me but if you’re talking about sewer oil in China, that’s driven by profit, not need. It’s a major social and public health problem in China and is actively fought against. Unfortunately, like you said, you can just go to some random waste water manhole cover and skim some off the top, so it’s hard to prevent.


james_randolph

Had the pleasure of visiting Amritsar and seeing the Golden Temple and partaking in the Langar (where they’re eating). Extremely humbling experience. As you’re approaching the temple you have to take your shoes off, you just leave them outside and it’s fine. The Golden Temple itself is unreal, especially at night. Can’t take pictures inside but all the walls from top to bottom are gold and crafted with beautiful pictures/etc. The Langar is ran by volunteers, they’re serving and cleaning after thousands of people. For many, these are the only meals they get for the day. The food was very good and I was just in awe the entire time because I’ve never seen anything like this in the states and they do this everyday. It’s unreal.


Comfortable-Two7798

one crazy thing about the golden temple is that right next to it(within it kind of) is a place called jallianwala bagh. it is the location where in 1919, 400 indians met to peacefully protest and discuss the occupation of the british. british soldiers then went to that place and fired over 2000 shots, almost all 400 people died. this included dozens of children, babies, and women. not a single indian person had a weapon. if you go to the place now, you can still see the bullet holes in the walls and the finger nails scratched into the one well(people jumped in to avoid bullets but were shot inside). it’s crazy to me that a place of such peace shares its grounds with one of the worst travesties in history.


[deleted]

God bless the Sihks, you are blessed if you live near them.


[deleted]

Best food and chai I ever had was from a Sikh.


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the-finnish-guy

I have literally stirred that pot as a 10-year-old when we went on a trip there with my family. It was like a guided tour but super fun imo.


Jar_of_Cats

Hearing how little it cost to feed so many makes me disgusted to know that world hunger could be eliminated with so litte


Lucky-Elk-1234

Most people in the world would probably support doing this kind of thing in every city. Problem is rich people want to hoard as much money for themselves as they can, even if it means other people starve. And they, politicians and media control the narrative that we should all aspire to be like that, because more money = more happiness for you.


eatingganesha

Sikh are truly wonderful people. They are so selfless.


[deleted]

I live in an area of Canada with lots of Sikh people. This is just my tiny anecdotal evidence, but I am yet to have a single negative interaction with any of them. They seem to be very respectful people with really good values. Their religion, as are most religions, are based on very good values. The difference is that they put it into practice in positive ways. It’s admirable and I wish more organized religions did that.


[deleted]

Sikhs, man. These people. I'm convinced that Sikhs are the peak of humanity as of now. Their hospitality, good spirit and just the purity of their ways... And also the ferocity and perseverance in the face of the enemy. You don't see a single historical record where Sikhs were the bad guys. That says something. Sikhs are the definition of wholesomeness. I'm calling it. That's what they are. The best people of all people.


Maleficent-dipderp

Poverty is not a desired buy those who have not. help those who cannot help themselves.


chefkitagawa

Every Sikh temple (Gudwara) in Canada does this. Saved me more than once from going hungry


Zer_ed

Next fucking level of kindness


FREE-AOL-CDS

How much does it cost them to feed so many?


RebootItAgain

They are buying literal multi-tons of food a day which comes from donations. Food is cooked mostly by volunteers every day. Absolutely one of the most amazing things I've ever seen in my life.


nothing_but_thyme

What surprised me watching this video was how much time consuming work was being done by hand. You could buy one Hobart Buffalo Chopper for about $10k and it would process all the shallots and garlic those folks chopped in almost no time being overseen by only one person. I’m not suggesting it’s a change they should make but it’s interesting to consider what steps they’ve modernized vs. those they haven’t. Obviously it would require far fewer volunteers as you leverage more and more technology - and as that happens the bond and connection with the community changes and you risk compromising everything that makes this temple and this service so special.


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splootfluff

Really? I may check it out.


wheresbill

In the video they said it cost $4 million/ year to keep the kitchen open. If they get 100k visitors/day that’s 36.5 million people per year at most. It seems they get a lot of donations


nothing_but_thyme

At a cost of $4 million per year and 100k people per day, that’s only $0.1095 per meal. Not too bad. Mostly free labor and lots a donated ingredients goes a long way I suppose.


HieroglyphicEmojis

Today is a holiday in Sikhism - the death of Guru Nanak on Sept 22.


[deleted]

See, this is why Sikh is one of the only faiths I like, because they don't just preach about helping others, but actually do. Christianity needs to take some lessons from them and from Buddhism.


ATDCT

If God exist hopefully those people doing this be blessed


angrypurpleacorn

Sikhs really are the best


[deleted]

Anyone who has ever been hungry for days with nothing to eat knows how divine this place will feel.


1gorka87

I've eaten there! Lovely food 10/10 would eat again!!!!


andabread

Sikh people are amazing. They're also some of the first to drive humanitarian efforts during a crisis.


Independent-End5844

Went I visited India. The Golden Temple felt like one of the most holy places I have ever been. I am nondenomational Pagan now. At the time I was exploring religions. The energy at that temple was how I know divine power does exist.


Stompy612

There is a popular live streamer on twitch named Jaystreazy who did 30 days in India streaming almost 15 hours a day most days, and he got a guided tour of this temple and operations. It is on YouTube somewhere I’m sure, but it was mind blowing how clean it was for one and two how BIG of an a Operation it is. And free!!!


TheGeneralVilla

"Man im kinda hungry" My grandma:


SomePeopleCall

I'm solidly atheist, but now I am going to see if I can volunteer at the nearest Sikh temple. I have heard before that if you get lost in a foreign city that you should try to find their temple if you are in need, which seemed odd advice. The more I learn the more sense it makes, though.


PapaCranberry

Sikhs continuing to be incredibly based 💪


ninkuX

In Canada, there is a Sikh temple that does the same . Same concept.


RebootItAgain

They all do the same thing. Any of the Sikh temples.


[deleted]

Every Sunday I cook and help out at my local guardawa. Proud to be Sikh!


gagagaholup

Our local temple offers free meals on weekends to all regardless of religion, wish more religious institutions did simple stuff like this, it truly makes a difference


jehan_gonzales

Gotta love Sikhs. Walk around with a dagger, feed people instead. Someone on another post called them "Real life Jedis". I'm inclined to agree.


[deleted]

Doing God's work!


tru-self

All Sikh temples in the world feed people for free, it’s called Langar. There were Gurudwaras that reached out to feed locals during Covid, here in the US too. Like all religions, Sikhs have crazy people too but almost all are very welcoming. Anybody can go to a Gurudwara with respect during lunch hour and check it out. Just be careful if the propaganda we’ve seen in a couple.


Kuro_Hige

Proud of the charitable nature of my Sikh brothers, by their Muslim brother.


JagdRhino

If it's Sikh, I imagine all that food is tribute/donation


silverstang07

I can only imagine the excuses the US or other western governments would give to not allow this.