University to mark 550 years of the Sikh religion

Birmingham City University will be marking 550 years since the founding of the Sikh religion by serving a major free meal to hundreds of people on November 12.

The University will host its annual ‘Langar on Campus’, which is usually held in February or March, for visitors from across the city. It is being organised by Sikh Society at Birmingham City University’s Students’ Union and representatives from the British Organisation of Sikh Students and will run between 11am and 3.30pm at the University’s campus at Millennium Point in Birmingham city centre.

Karanjit Kaur, president of the Sikh Society at Birmingham City University’s Students’ Union, said: "This event is open to all regardless of colour, background or religion.

“It’s an amazing event as we are spreading Guru Nanak Dev Ji's message of humanity and serving other people.

“We are celebrating this event very early this year as the date we have chosen is very special to us Sikhs.

“This date was the start of our religion when our first Guru created Sikhi. Sikh Society has had a major impact on my life and makes me personally connect with God. We hope to see you all at the event may God please us with more selfless seva."

Sukhbir Singh, vice-president of the Sikh Society at Birmingham City University Students’ Union, said the purpose of having Langar on Campus was to promote oneness and equality.

“It was started by our first Guru, hence why the Langar on Campus is being held earlier this year to celebrate the 550th Gurpurab of our Guru Ji. From previous years we’ve noticed that doing this seva provides an excellent opportunity for Sikh students to engage positively in their student life," said Singh.