How students are promoting equality with free food

Five women stand in a line behind a table which has jugs, pans, boxes and bowls on top of it. All the women have their heads covered and are smiling. Two men can be seen in the background.
Image caption,

The Keele Sikh Society holds its Langar in the university chapel every year

  • Published

"No matter your religion, race, age, gender or anything like that, we all eat on one level to show equality."

Third-year student Simran Gaddu is part of the Sikh Society at Keele University in Staffordshire, which is offering free meals as part of its annual Langar.

It is a practice integral to Sikhism, promoting its three foundations - remembering God's name, earning an honest living and sharing with others.

This year's event, held on Thursday, was again opened up to people from all backgrounds, with the society serving about 1,000 free meals.

Ms Gaddu is co-president of the society and said teams started making the vegetarian meals on Wednesday night and carried on throughout Thursday.

She said the event was all about making people aware of the Sikh core value of equality.

A man and woman stand next to each other smiling. The woman on the left has long dark hair and is wearing a green outfit. The man has a black beard, glasses and is wearing a light pink shirt and Sikh headwear.
Image caption,

Simran Gaddu and Gurjivan Soha said the event was all about promoting Sikh values

She said: "We want everyone to be equal and this is our best way of showing that."

The food served included lentils, cauliflower, yoghurt, chapati and rice, similar to what Sikhs eat in a Gurdwara – a place of worship.

A group of people sitting down on red and white rugs on the floor of a chapel while eating and talking. They are all wearing purple headwear.
Image caption,

The Keele Sikh Society wanted to serve 1,000 meals during the event

Gurjivan Soha, co-president, said making the food took "quite a considerable amount" of work over a period of more than 24 hours.

"It's an honour for us because it allows us to give back to the community. Langar is really important for Sikhs and it allows us to share with others," he said.

"It doesn't matter about background, race, religion or your beliefs at all. It's more symbolic of that equality and generosity that the community does have."

Get in touch

Tell us which stories we should cover in Staffordshire

Follow BBC Stoke & Staffordshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, external, X, external and Instagram, external.

Related topics