The Concept of Seva in Sikhism and its Practice for Holistic Well-being: An Analysis

Abstract

The colonial era brought about significant changes in religious practices and understandings, leading to a need to re-examine the notion of ‘Seva’ in the context of Sikhism. This paper sheds light on the significance and impact of the Sikh concept of Seva, and its related activities, within the Sikh community and beyond. Today many NGOs are working for social welfare. Although there has been a discussion on the negatives and positives of NGOs, Sikh NGOs have never been the subject matter of these discussions. Khalsa Aid, which was started by Ravinder Singh in 1999 to help Albanian refugees, is today providing its services in a number of domains like disaster relief, education, health etc. EcoSikh, on the other hand, is working on environmental issues. Its creation was the result of a discussion on practical actions for the environment by a number of international agencies. The paper analyses key topics such as Sikhism, the philosophical underpinnings of ‘Seva,’ and the role of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in carrying out altruistic endeavours. It seeks to unravel the motivations and beliefs that drive individuals and organizations to engage in ‘Seva’. In the ultimate analysis, this study endeavours to contribute to a deeper understanding of ‘Seva’ in Sikhism, and its relevance in the contemporary world, shedding light on the broader significance of such acts of selfless service in fostering communal harmony and social uplift.