Embracing the Spirit of Seva “Dharam Veer Bagga's Lifelong Commitment"
In life, some moments change you, shaping your beliefs and inspiring you to do more for others. My name is Dharam Veer Bagga, and my family's story traces back to the fateful year of 1947 when India was partitioned. We faced the harsh realities of that time and found solace in Tanda, Uttar Pradesh. Life didn't start easy for us; we encountered many challenges and hardships, but amidst it all, my father's teachings left an indelible mark on my soul.
Dharam Veer Bagga, Inspired by his father's teachings and Sikhism's principle of Seva, embarked on a transformative journey. For nine years, with his wife, he's run daily langars, serving over 100 meals, even during the pandemic he served. His mission "Neki ki dewar" bridges disparities, while collective action aids funerals and underprivileged marriages. Now establishing the "Shri Guru Granth Seva Trust," he seeks to raise cancer awareness, provide medical aid, and offer financial support—a testament to his unwavering commitment to humanity.
My father was a socio-political figure, who always emphasized the importance of helping others. His words resonated deeply within me, urging me to be kind to every individual. Additionally, my faith in god, Sikhism, taught me the essence of Seva, the act of selfless service. I felt blessed that Guru Nanak Ji had chosen me to extend a helping hand to those in need.
A pivotal moment occurred ten years ago during a trip to Vrindavan. We were caught in traffic after a hotel dinner. I spotted four or five people eating leftover food in a newspaper on the road while I was seated in my car. I went near to them and questioned why they were eating leftovers even though it wasn't even enough for them. They said, "We don't have enough money, so, we consequently consume leftovers in hotels. I was affected by that event and felt awful. The stark reality hit me: some people didn't have a single meal and some had thrown it.
That night, haunted by their plight, I shared the experience with my family and proposed the idea of starting a free Langar Seva, a langer, to provide meals for those in need. They all agreed to it. And so, for the past nine years, my wife and I have been running daily morning and evening langers, serving over 100 people with the motto, "Utna hi lo thali me, vyarth na jaye nali me" (Take only as much as you can eat; don't waste food) in Ambedkar Nagar, Utter Pradesh.
The langer operates solely on my expenses, with my wife. she dedicates her time to cooking at least one dish for people. We also eat what we serve in Seva. Even during the challenging times of the Covid-19 pandemic, our langar never ceased, ensuring that no one slept hungry, not even for a day. Our efforts were also acknowledged and praised by the District Commissioner.
We also have a place "Neki ki dewar," a concept where people can donate items they no longer need, which has further bridged the gap between the haves and the have-nots.
We believe in the power of collective action and have assembled a dedicated team of 15 individuals. Together, we participate in the funerals of unknown bodies and assist in the marriages of underprivileged couples.
Driven by an unyielding passion to make a difference, we are in the process of establishing the "Shri Guru Granth Seva Trust." Our goal is to help impoverished cancer patients in three vital steps. First, we aim to raise awareness about cancer by visiting 10 schools and 10 colleges. In the second phase, we will identify needy cancer patients and provide them with free medical assistance. And finally, in the third step, we plan to extend financial support to alleviate their burdens.
I firmly believe that at the core of every religion lies the imperative to help those in need. For me, it is a divine calling, a purpose bestowed upon me by a higher power. I am profoundly grateful for being chosen to undertake this meaningful work, and I embrace the spirit of Seva with all my heart, guided by love, compassion, and the belief that together we can make a difference in other's lives.
