The idiom ‘Actions speak louder than words’ is something that SIWEC has lived up to. At its inception, the Sikh Welfare Council (SIWEC) drew inspiration from the Sikh Gurus’ teachings as well as from the selfless act of Bhai Khaniya Ji - who is depicted in our logo.
In 1704, BHAI KHANIYA (1648-1718), was on a visit to Anandpur Sahib in Punjab when a combination of hill troops and the imperial Mughal army invaded the city. During the numerous battles between the Sikhs and the enemy, Bhai Khaniya was often seen carrying a mashak (a sort of pouch used to carry water from one place to another), to serve water to anyone regardless whether they were Sikh or enemy soldiers. This prompted some people to complain to Guru Gobind Singh, the Tenth Sikh Master.
Guru Ji, though knowing Bhai Khaniya's intentions, asked him to explain what he was doing (for the benefit of those who had complained). Bhai Sahib answered, “I see God alone, my Master in every person, I cannot distinguish between the Turks and the Sikhs, I see God in all.” The Tenth Master not only appreciated his benevolent act but took out a bottle of ointment and gave it to him, to apply it to the wounds of all injured soldiers - regardless of who they were!
Since then, Sikhs have lived up to the principles of helping all human beings regardless of race and religion. SIWEC has not turned down anyone who has approached it for assistance of any kind.
For example, the 24 hour Hotline received a call at 3am. The spouse was being battered by her alcoholic husband and was driven out of the house. SIWEC provided her a temporary shelter at that hour. There are many heart wrenching cases like these, where SIWEC comes to the aid of the needy irrespective of time, place and the most difficult of circumstances.
It is in our culture and heritage to genuinely care for people around us. It comes to us naturally to care for people regardless of who they are.
Most of us would shy away from drug offenders, and other criminals or even from troubled children for that mattter. The reasons are many – social constraints, fear of what others might say, or even our own feelings towards them. Also, as individuals with our own social and private burdens to bear it makes it difficult for us to help people in dire need. However, as an organization, SIWEC has gone out of its way through its wide range of programmes to help individuals affected by different misfortunes. An example of these is counselling.Counseling of Sikh inmates in prisons or drug rehabilitation centers are provides them emotional and moral support. Follow-up by SIWEC volunteers and support is continued after they leave these centers.
Some of the simplest yet most overlooked forms of care are regurlarly provided by SIWEC. Such forms of care include acting as a neutral party or at other times being there for others in need. For instance, visiting patients in the hospital on the request of a family. These are not easy tasks. Yet these are important services that bring relief to others who need it.
SIWEC has a 24-hour hotline (Tel: 62999234). Has anyone ever wondered who takes care of this line? This line is managed by SIWEC with Welfare Officers personally take care of every case. The Hotline operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with scope covering every problem one can fathom, from death right down to domestic issues. Not a single cry of help has been ever turned down.
“He who labors hard, earns honestly and gives something in charity with his hands,
he, O' Nanak, has found out the path of Truth.”
~Guru Amar Das ji
The spirit of Bhai Khaniyah resonates in the deeds and actions of SIWEC.