The Community Kitchen
The Langar (community kitchen) is a vital service organized by PSGPC, ensuring free meals for all visitors at Gurdwaras. Operations are managed through volunteer efforts from local Sikh communities and contributions from both Sikh pilgrims and donors. Volunteers assist in cooking, cleaning, and serving, while contributions, both financial and in-kind (e.g., food supplies), ensure sustainability. PSGPC encourages active participation from the community, providing opportunities for service during major festivals and pilgrimages.
Donations & Financial Contributions
PSGPC manages donations with strict transparency, ensuring that all financial contributions are documented and audited. Donations are allocated to the maintenance of Gurdwaras, Langar services, community welfare projects, and educational programs. A portion of the funds is reserved for emergency relief efforts and medical aid for pilgrims. PSGPC ensures that all donations are used effectively, with public reports issued regularly to maintain accountability.
Discovering, Restoring and Preserving Gurdwaras
PSGPC has been instrumental in discovering, restoring, and preserving several key Gurdwaras, particularly in Punjab. Significant sites include Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur, Gurdwara Janam Asthan, and Gurdwara Panja Sahib. PSGPC’s efforts include structural restoration, improving access, and ensuring that these Gurdwaras are maintained according to Sikh traditions. The committee collaborates with government authorities for historical preservation while facilitating religious practices at these sites.
Essential Support and Services
PSGPC provides essential services to pilgrims, including medical aid, first-aid stations, and temporary shelters. During major festivals and yatras (pilgrimages), PSGPC ensures access to clean drinking water, sanitation facilities, and transportation services. Volunteers, often from the local Sikh community, assist in organizing these services, ensuring that yatrees (pilgrims) receive support during their visits.
Cultural Awareness Programs
PSGPC promotes Sikh education through Gurdwara-based schools, offering courses on Sikh history, religion, and Gurmukhi (the script of Punjabi language). Cultural awareness programs are organized to foster Sikh identity, and interfaith events are held to promote dialogue and mutual respect among different religious communities in Pakistan. PSGPC also supports the preservation of Sikh art, music, and literature through community programs.
Preserving Sikh History
PSGPC is actively involved in preserving Sikh history through the creation of libraries and museums within Gurdwaras. These institutions house rare manuscripts, religious texts, and artifacts related to Sikhism’s rich history in the region. The library at Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur is a notable example, containing a significant collection of books on Sikhism, while museum exhibits often highlight the contributions of Sikh Gurus and martyrs.
