Surrey secondary school hosts first-ever langar<\/p>\n
Published 2:30 pm Wednesday, March 4, 2026<\/p>\n
Sikh students distributed 280 meals to spread awareness about Sikh traditions at Fleetwood Park Secondary School.<\/p>\n
The school\u2019s Sikh Students Association organized its first langar for the school community in late January.<\/p>\n
Surrey Schools shares that students from the association and dozens of volunteers organized and ran the inaugural langar.<\/p>\n
Langar in Sikhism is known as a free community kitchen, found in every gurdwara, which provides vegetarian meals to anyone who wishes to take part, regardless of caste, creed or religion.<\/p>\n
The goal for this event was to introduce the school community to a meaningful aspect of Sikh culture while creating an opportunity for students and staff to come together, connect and learn through a shared meal.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe idea came from students who wanted to create an inclusive experience where everyone, regardless of background, could sit together and share a meal as equals,\u201d said teacher Jasdeep Kaur Sandhu.<\/p>\n
Sandhu said langar represents unity and humility. She said that the students felt it would be a meaningful way to bring those principles into the school environment.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was also an opportunity to educate the broader school community about Sikh traditions in a hands-on and welcoming way,\u201d said Sandhu.<\/p>\n
The Sikh Student Association began two years ago after students from Sandhu\u2019s Punjabi class expressed interest in learning more about Sikh history. The association was formed to create a safe space where Sikh students could explore their identity and deepen their understanding of their faith and heritage.<\/p>\n
Sandhu explained that, as the students learned more, they decided they wanted to share their history and practices with their school community, leading to the langar and other events at Fleetwood Park.<\/p>\n
\u201cThrough events and education, the group encourages leadership, service, and cultural pride among students,\u201d Sadhu said. \u201cIt also aims to promote intercultural understanding and build bridges within the broader school community.\u201d<\/p>\n
Sandhu said the generosity of the association\u2019s members and volunteers align with the three pillars of Sikhism:<\/p>\n
\u2022 Naam Japna (meditation and remembrance of God);<\/p>\n
\u2022 Kirat Karni (earning an honest living); and<\/p>\n
\u2022 Vand ke Chakna (giving and sharing with others).<\/p>\n
Sandhu said that the students\u2019 willingness to volunteer their time and energy reflects the value of seva, or selfless service. \u201cTheir generosity extends beyond cultural events \u2013 it is reflected in how they support peers, staff and the wider community. They see service not as an obligation, but as a privilege and responsibility.\u201d<\/p>\n
To learn more about the association and what events they plan on doing next, you can find them on Instagram here<\/a>.<\/p>\n