Page 84 - Masala E-magazine Vol 9 Issue 2 October - November 2017

Community

Thai Sikh Patronage

– Charity Group

Four members of the Thai Sikh Patronage share their enlightening

vision on the future of their charitable acts.
By Deboshree BanerjeeÐ

The Thai Sikh Patronage — Charity Group was established with
the mission of constructing multi-purpose buildings for schools in
upcountry and rural areas where children can gain access to higher
education. The inspiration to this charitable project is embedded
within the religious teachings of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib (Eternal
Guru of the Sikh). In the Gurbani, there is a profound saying: “Vidya
Vichari, Ta Parupkari” which translates into, “True learning induces in
the mind, service to mankind.” This proverb inspired members of the
organisation to form the charitable entity with the sole purpose to
educate underprivileged children. As they rmly believe, “All children
have basic rights to education and knowledge, so they can grow up
to lead a good life and serve the country.”

From left to right: Kulwant Singh Kukreja; Darshan Singh Sachdev

There is no o cial number of members in the charity group, as it has
been receiving voluntary contributions from a variety of sources.
There are, however, over 40 active members who work to ensure
the smooth operations of their charitable acts. There are also o ce
holders and treasurers who are responsible for looking after the
accounts and coordinating with the local authorities for project
implementations.

In the past eight years, the organisation has built 35 multi-purpose
buildings along with two toilets, from the funds they received from
members and donors. Their aim is to create a building for at least
one school in every province in Thailand. The most recent project
includes two multi-purpose buildings built in Kamphaeng Phet and
From left to right: Jaswant Singh Anandwal; Dildar Singh
Nakhon Sawan on October 6th and 7th. “Whenever we handover a
building in any locality, local senior o cials, representatives from
the Ministry of Education, students and their parents come and
True learning induces in the express their gratitude. The o cial handover ceremony begins with
mind, service to mankind. opening speeches from the senior o cials and representatives,
followed by gifts distributed to all the children. It is a very touching
The motto of the Thai Sikh Patronage and memorable moment.”

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