Page 69 - MASALA Magazine Vol.15 Issue 7 | October - November 2024

The development of its youth
is essential for any society or
community to thrive. How do you
plan to reach the Namdhari youth
through the Namdhari Youth Group,
and what is this group all about?

The Namdhari Youth Group traces its
inspiration to His Holiness Sri Satguru Ram
Singh Ji, our 12th Guru, a visionary who, in
the 1800s, led profound social reforms for
the Sikh community. His teachings on non-
violence, compassion, and spiritual purity
resonate deeply with the values upheld
by the Namdhari Committee today. In
this spirit, the Committee is committed
to addressing the social challenges faced
by modern-day youth, empowering them
through spiritual guidance and community
support.

When our committee was elected this
year, we made a promise to prioritise
youth development during our two-year
term. This group, rooted in Namdhari
spirituality, meets often to host a variety of
activities, including sports events, cultural
programmes, musical performances,
quizzes, and Punjabi language classes.
We provide them with the necessary
resources, platforms, and guidance to
thrive. We are honoured to support the
next generation, ensuring they continue
to grow as spiritually grounded and socially
responsible individuals.
This allows us to work closely with the Academically rigorous, MISB provides
How did this youth group come youth movement, and we believe this will personalised attention through small class
about? Was there a specific reason or continue to grow in future even with the sizes, allowing teachers to form strong
need that made you want to form it? next committee members; harnessing the connections with their students. The
Over 30 years ago, under the leadership power of youth. curriculum is complemented by a wide
of His Holiness Sri Satguru Jagjit Singh range of co-curricular activities, encouraging
Ji, the first Naujawan (Youth) Group One of the big ways that you’re the development of well-rounded individuals.
was formed with over 200 members. This helping to foster good values within The school is accredited with Silver Status by
marked a transformative period for the the youth is the establishment of the Education Department Trust in the UK,
Namdhari community, with youth devoting MISB. What are your future plans for reflecting its commitment to maintaining
themselves to prayers, selfless service, and the school? high standards of education. The school’s
mutual support. When the next generation MISB, established in 1997, is a not-for- Board of Directors, primarily selected from
emerged, His Holiness Sri Satguru Uday profit private institution governed by the the Namdhari Committee, oversees various
Singh Ji continued this legacy, emphasising Namdhari Sikh community. Located on a operational departments.

the importance of balancing spirituality, three-acre campus in the Sukhumvit district, Can you elaborate on other ways that
physical health, mental well-being, and the school provides a holistic educational the Namdhari Committee supports
community service (seva). experience for students from diverse cultural the youth of the committee?
and linguistic backgrounds.
In 2017, Satguru Ji convened a gathering of At the Namdhari Gurudwara, several youth-
Namdhari youth at His residence to share The school’s mission is to impart high- oriented activities are organised, including
His vision for empowering the younger quality education while nurturing moral Punjabi language classes, the study of
generation. This meeting sparked the values, shaping students into global Gurbani (holy scriptures), and Indian
formation of a dedicated youth movement, citizens who contribute to world peace classical music classes, held every Sunday.
bonded by a shared commitment to service and progress. MISB fosters a close-knit These classes are taught by dedicated
and spiritual growth. At present, some of community of nearly 500 students and sevadars (volunteers) who offer their time as
the youth members and organisers are staff, creating an inclusive environment part of their selfless service to the community.
also in the Namdhari Committee. In fact, that embraces all nationalities and religions. Weekly Gurudwara programmes also feature
today, the Namdhari Committee includes The school maintains a strict vegetarian/ kirtan (devotional hymns) and sermons
one of the youngest members ever in the plant-based policy and emphasises values on Namdhari-Sikh history, with active
history of the Namdhari Sangat of Thailand. such as excellence, inclusion, respect, grace, participation from the youth.
compassion, and global citizenship.

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