The Rohingya Muslims are the most persecuted minority in the world. They are facing unimaginable horrors in the Rakhine State at the hands of the Burmese military and extremist Buddhist elements that have engaged in genocidal operations. These have resulted in the burning of villages, the systematic rape of women, excessive death and caused hundreds of thousands of people to seek refuge in bordering Bangladesh to escape the violence.
In the face of such despair, it seems almost futile to look for something positive. However, what we so commonly see is that in the face of the worst of humanity and incredible hardship, emerges the best of humanity and proof that goodness exists in all communities.
One of the most inspiring stories to come out of the recent upsurge of oppression taking place on the Rohingya Muslims comes from a somewhat unlikely source. Within the consortium of fantastic aid work being carried out by Islamic charities, the humanitarian efforts of one group of volunteers has broken down barriers and reaffirmed that above all else, the protection of human life and being at the service of those in need comes before anything else.
The extraordinary efforts of volunteers from the UK based NGO ‘Khalsa Aid‘ has been met with tremendous support and admiration for their selfless displays of humanity. Driven by their Sikh faith and the words of Guru Gobind Singh “Recognise the whole human race as one”, they have responded to the plight of Rohingya Muslim refugees by setting up a daily langar or community kitchen project that feeds up to 50,000 people daily. They have also pledged to build secure and stable shelters once they are given governmental approval on suitable land.
Our amazing team in Bangladesh feeding 1000s of refugees daily ! Thank you guys ! #Humanitarians ! The spirit of Chardi Kalan ( Ever Rising Spirits ) !! Donate : https://www.khalsaaid.org/donate
Posted by Khalsa Aid International on Friday, September 29, 2017
In the most recent historical moment from the Punjab based team of Khalsa Aid, the Muslim Community of Panjab gathered at the Supreme House of Muslims in Ludhiana, India and donated 832,000 rupees towards the Rohingya Refugees Relief.
The gesture was welcomed with open arms by the Muslim community who thanked Khalsa Aid for assisting the Rohingya Muslim refugees in Bangladesh.
Despite the atrocities being committed against innocent people, the plight of the Rohingya Muslims has inspired the selfless actions of Khalsa Aid and brought together different faith communities, broken down barriers between people and helped deliver vital aid and support to some of the most destitute and oppressed people in the world.
As summed up by a post on Khalsa Aid’s Facebook page,
“Yes, we are a Sikhi based organisation. But our hearts are open to all because we believe in Sarbat Da Bhalla ( Well Being of All )!“
