New Delhi: In a display of humanity and service, prominent Sikh gurdwaras across Delhi have opened their doors to students, injured protesters, and stranded individuals. The initiative followed police action to clear demonstration sites in the national capital.
Rooted in the Sikh principle of sewa (selfless service), the gurdwaras have been providing food, shelter, medical aid, and emotional support to hundreds of people affected by the unrest.
Bangla Sahib becomes refuge
Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, one of Delhi’s most revered Sikh shrines, emerged as a key refuge for those affected. On Monday evening and throughout Tuesday, thousands of exhausted students found safety within its premises.
Volunteers provided first aid to the injured, places to rest and freshen up, continuous langar (community meals), and hot tea. Reports also said journalists and commuters caught in the unrest were welcomed inside.
Other historic gurdwaras, including Gurudwara Rakab Ganj Sahib and Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib, also joined the relief effort. Their message remained simple: “No questions asked. We have never once turned a person away at the door.”
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Community leaders highlight relief efforts
Social activist and Sikh community leader Harteerath Singh Ahluwalia praised the response. He said langar services and relief efforts had continued without interruption since the protests intensified.
“The house of Guru Nanak opened its doors again,” he said, highlighting the gurdwaras’ tradition of serving everyone regardless of religion, caste, or background.
The humanitarian effort comes after large student demonstrations centred at Jantar Mantar. Protesters from across India have raised concerns over the education system. Their demands include action against repeated paper leaks, alleged irregularities in examinations such as NEET, and accountability following the reported deaths of more than 20 students.
Tensions escalated on Monday when protesters attempted to march towards Parliament. Police used batons and other crowd-control measures to disperse the gathering. Several people were injured, and protest sites were cleared.
Many students were left exhausted and stranded after the clashes. Nearby gurdwaras immediately stepped in to provide relief.
Long tradition of serving during crises
The Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) and community volunteers have worked continuously to ensure no one seeking help is turned away.
This is not the first time Sikh institutions have stepped up during a crisis. Over the years, their langars and shelters have supported people from all communities during natural disasters, public protests, and other emergencies.
Social media praises the initiative
Social media platforms have been flooded with videos and messages showing students receiving meals, medical care, and shelter inside the gurdwaras. Many expressed gratitude for the support they received.
One widely shared post described the gurdwaras as providing “safety, shelter, food and first aid” to participants in the “Chalo Sansad” march.
The response has earned widespread appreciation for demonstrating compassion and unity during a period of heightened tensions. One message widely shared online read: “Pain does not ask for identity before it hurts, and kindness should not ask for identity before it helps.”
As Delhi continues to witness heavy security deployment and political discussions, the gurdwaras remain places of refuge for those in need.
Their actions reaffirm the Sikh philosophy of Sarbat da Bhala—the welfare of all. For many students and ordinary citizens affected by the unrest, the open gates of Bangla Sahib and other gurdwaras have offered more than shelter. They have become symbols of hope, solidarity, and selfless service.
Prateeksha Kumari is a journalist and strategic communications professional specialising in digital journalism, political reporting, and public affairs. Her work focuses on grassroots issues, governance, and civic developments, with an emphasis on clarity, accuracy, and narrative-driven reporting.
She holds a Master’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla and has qualified the UGC-NET examination, reflecting her academic grounding in media studies and communication research. Her reporting spans politics, public policy, health, education, and socio-economic issues, and she is experienced in bilingual (Hindi and English) content creation tailored to diverse audiences.
Alongside her journalistic work, she brings experience in political communication and public relations, where she has contributed to campaign messaging, media outreach, and narrative building. She has worked on integrated communication strategies across print and digital platforms, combining editorial judgment with audience insight and data-led content approaches.
