When Sewa Speaks: A Humble Reflection Rooted in Gurbani

When Sewa Speaks: A Humble Reflection Rooted in Gurbani

For years, I had the honor of offering my skills in service to the Sangat through the development of college counseling tools, time management workshops, and secure digital platforms. All of this work was offered as seva—not for recognition, but out of deep faith that our youth deserve the best we can offer, and that our institutions should reflect the values of excellence, accountability, and love that Guru Nanak Sahib taught us.

"ਸੋ ਕਿਉ ਵਿਸਰੈ ਮੇਰੀ ਮਾਇ ॥ ਸਾਚਾ ਸਾਹਿਬੁ ਸਚੁ ਨਾਇ ॥"W

hy would I forget the One who is the source of truth and support? (SGGS, Ang 9)

In one Gurdwara where I offered this service, I faced challenges that were difficult to understand. My efforts were paused, and the systems I helped build were replaced. Opportunities to serve were withdrawn, and my sincere requests for dialogue were misunderstood. While these events were disheartening, I share them now not to criticize, but to reflect—with the hope that we all learn and grow as a collective Panth.

This is not about individuals. It is about the structures we all shape, and the choices we make within those spaces. Our Gurdwaras are sacred institutions of learning, justice, and truth. When systems become closed off to feedback, or when those who speak with care are met with resistance, we must pause and reflect.

"ਮਨਮੁਖ ਮੈਲੇ ਮਲਿ ਭਰੇ ਹਉਮੈ ਤ੍ਰਿਸਨਾ ਵਿਕਾਰ ॥ ਬਿਨੁ ਸਬਦੈ ਮੈਲੁ ਨ ਉਤਰੀ ਮਰਿ ਜਨਮੈ ਹੋਵੈ ਖੁਆਰੁ ॥"The self-willed are filled with filth, ego, and desire. Without the Guru’s wisdom, they wander and suffer. (SGGS, Ang 63)

Any initiative—especially those that involve the youth—must be held to a high standard. As a community, we have a responsibility to ensure that:

• Instructors are qualified and appropriate for their roles

• Curriculum is transparent and accessible to families

• Feedback is welcomed and used to grow, not suppressed

• Seva opportunities are open and respected

This is not just about integrity—it’s also about our legal and moral responsibility. We must ensure that the programs we run are in alignment with the values of ਸਚ (truth), ਨਿਮਰਤਾ (humility), and ਸੇਵਾ (selfless service).

"ਹੁਕਮਿ ਰਜਾਈ ਚਲਣਾ ਨਾਨਕ ਲਿਖਿਆ ਨਾਲਿ ॥"

Walk in the Way of His Will—this is what is written for all. (SGGS, Ang 1)

To the families: please remain engaged. Ask questions not out of distrust, but out of care. We must all feel empowered to inquire about how our children are being guided.

To the Sangat: let us reflect gently but truthfully. Guru Nanak Sahib stood with the voiceless, the forgotten, and those who dared to speak truth with love.

"ਨੀਚ ਅੰਦਰਿ ਨੀਚ ਜਾਤਿ ਨੀਚੀ ਹੂ ਅਤਿ ਨੀਚੁ ॥ ਨਾਨਕੁ ਤਿਨ ਕੈ ਸੰਗਿ ਸਾਥਿ ਵਡਿਆ ਸਿਉ ਕਿਆ ਰੀਸ ॥ ਜਿਥੈ ਨੀਚ ਸਮਾਲੀਅਨਿ ਤਿਥੈ ਨਦਰਿ ਤੇਰੀ ਬਖਸੀਸ ॥"

Nanak is with the lowly—where the lowly are cared for, there the divine glance of grace falls. (SGGS, Ang 15)

This is a humble ਬੇਨਤੀ (request), not an accusation. Real seva does not fear questions—it embraces them. Real leadership is not diminished by feedback—it is strengthened by it.

"ਆਪੁ ਨ ਪਛਾਣੈ ਬੋਲੈ ਬੇਵੜਾ ॥ ਜੋ ਤਿਸੁ ਭਾਵੈ ਸੋਈ ਕਰੈ ॥ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਨ ਕਰਣਾ ਜਾਈ ॥"

Those who do not recognize their own faults speak foolishly. Whatever pleases the Divine, that alone prevails. (SGGS, Ang 9)

I offer these reflections in the spirit of growth, not to shame anyone, but to uplift the standard of seva in our institutions. We must walk together toward truth, with our heads bowed to Guru Granth Sahib Ji, and our hearts open to each other.

"ਨਾਨਕ ਹੁਕਮੈ ਜੇ ਬੁਝੈ ਤ ਹਉਮੈ ਕਹੈ ਨ ਕੋਇ ॥"

O Nanak, one who understands the Divine Will erases their ego. (SGGS, Ang 1)

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh.