NEWARK, NJ (TIP): The First Master of the Sikhs, Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s 555th Birth Anniversary was celebrated at NJPAC in New Jersey on November 9, 2024, under the theme “Oneness: A Light for Humanity.” This event honored Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s teachings of unity, equality, and love for humanity. Organized by the nonprofit Let’s Share a Meal, which has been serving meals to homeless shelters, elderly homes, and soup kitchens worldwide since 2011, the celebration emphasized the spirit of Langar, the community kitchen, extending help to those in need.
A spokesperson of Let’s Share a Meal told The Indian Panorama that the organization was launched in 2011 “with a humble dream to nourish a million souls across all 50 states in America. We’ve committed to feeding the homeless and hungry, believing that sharing a meal is an act of love.

From the streets of Florida to the communities of California and South Dakota, our journey has touched countless lives. In California, our team mobilized during a time of great need, providing meals to over 2000 individuals who had lost their homes to wildfires. In Florida, we partnered with local organizations to set up food drives that reached over 1500 people , and helped foster a sense of community and hope. And in South Dakota, volunteers delivered hot meals to over 1500 individuals in remote areas. Connecting with shelters nationwide, we continue to inspire local volunteers to join our cause, offering simple guidance to craft meals that bring comfort and warmth and our bond. The Sikh temples also continue to blossom as our values align with the mission of giving back “.

“Our vision is a seed planted in each community, growing over time, into a self-sustaining tree of generosity. Now celebrating over 50,000 lives nourished we see the power of a shared meal. Come join us in our volunteer efforts, and together, let’s continue to spread love and hope across America.

We warmly invite you to be part of our mission, whether by offering financial support or donating your time, your contributions are vital in helping us continue to make a meaningful impact and bring hope to those in need. Together, we can transform our dream into reality. Every act of kindness, no matter how small, lights up the lives of those we serve.”

Vikas Khanna, a celebrated chef known for his humanitarian service, was honored by Sant Chatwal, Indian American hotelier during the event. Sant Chatwal, along with Bangla Sahib’s Head Granthi of Gurdwara, Giani Ranjit Singh, and Vikas Khanna, spoke on the occasion.

He commended Onkar Singh, the trustee and chair of Guru Nanak’s 555th birth anniversary celebration, and his team for organizing this significant event to convey Guru Nanak’s message of oneness and universal brotherhood.

The event featured Gurbani singing in classical ragas, with vocalists and instrumentalists rendering Guru Nanak’s Gurbani. Among the performers were renowned vocalists Kanwar Singh Grewal and Harshdeep Kaur, and a group of young instrumentalists who captivated the audience by beautifully rendering the many ragas in which Guru Nanak sang. Held in NJPAC’s auditorium with a capacity of 2,800, the event drew an enthusiastic audience from diverse communities, reflecting Guru Nanak’s message of unity of all people. The soulful singing of Guru Nanak’s Gurbani conveyed the theme of humanity’s oneness and resonated deeply with attendees.

Satinder Satti, an Indian television anchor, actress, poet, dancer, singer, and former Punjab Arts Council chairperson proved to be an excellent Master of Ceremonies.

Sikhism, founded by Guru Nanak Dev Ji in the 15th century, emphasizes divine harmony and equality, core beliefs articulated in the Guru Granth Sahib, the sacred scripture of the Sikhs. The universal nature of Sikhism, with approximately 27 million followers worldwide and around 500,000 Sikhs in the United States, reaches across faiths and cultures, encouraging a vision of peace and harmony for all.

Through this celebration, Let’s Share a Meal touched the lives of over 100,000 individuals, continuing its mission of monthly food drives and other aid activities.