Punjab’s sacred land has always been known across the world for its hospitality and spirit of service. A recent and remarkable example of this has been witnessed in the border district of Gurdaspur.
During the ongoing Agniveer recruitment rally at the Government College Stadium, while young aspirants are displaying a strong sense of service towards the nation, local residents have also set a powerful example of humanity.
Spirit of Service Amid Harsh Weather
Despite continuous rainfall and adverse weather conditions since the beginning of the recruitment drive, local residents did not lose heart.
Under the leadership of Ravi Kumar and Deepak Kumar, people from the locality took the initiative to provide tea, drinking water, and community meals (langar) for 10 consecutive days to youth arriving from distant places.
Ravi Kumar said that when they saw long queues of candidates waiting for recruitment, they immediately decided to start this service.
Valuable Contribution of Women and Young Girls
Women of the locality have taken a leading role in this noble effort. After completing their household responsibilities, they remain engaged in preparing and serving langar from 11:00 AM to 10:30 PM.
What makes this effort special is that not only elders and women, but even young girls are actively helping, kneading dough and assisting in food preparation.
The women shared that if there is ever a shortage of firewood, they themselves arrange and bring wood so that the service continues without interruption.
Hundreds of Youth Served Daily
Every day, around 500 to 700 young men are benefiting from this langar.
This service has become especially helpful for those who have come for recruitment, as there are limited food arrangements inside the stadium.
A father, Jatinder Kumar from Amritsar, who had come to support his son, said emotionally that he had been there for 36 hours, and from morning tea to lunch including roti, rice, and curd, everything was being served with great respect.
Identity of Punjabiyat and Moral Responsibility
According to the volunteers, these young men will one day become soldiers and protect the nation, so it is every citizen’s moral responsibility to take care of them.
They believe that while anyone can donate money, true Punjabiyat lies in cooking together and serving food with respect to guests.
Notably, this langar service being conducted at the Ramleela Ground is not only fulfilling hunger but also reinforcing Punjab’s enduring culture of collective service, shared humanity and selfless service in society.
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