A kitchen that feeds 100,000 people daily, 24 hours a day and 7 days a week for free, is ready to raise the bar even further and set a benchmark for others to follow. Guru Ramdas Langar Hall at Sri Harmandir Sahib (popularly known as the Golden Temple) – one of the world’s largest community kitchens, will soon be serving organic food.
People gather in the langar’s main hallway to eat their meal. Everyone, regardless of faith, background or gender, sits on the floor as equals.
Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), which administers the gurdwaras across the country, has decided to adopt organic farming – a decision that is sure to delight pilgrims and conservationists alike. Organic farming is the practice of growing crops without the use of chemical pesticides, herbicides and fertilisers. Instead, it emphasises on crop rotation, organic fertilisers, and plant-based pesticides and herbicides to maintain soil productivity.
“Organic farming is the new mission of SGPC to inspire farmers to cut down on the use of chemicals and pesticides and switch to sustainable agricultural practices,” an SGPC official said.
Grains, fruits and vegetables like carrot, reddish, cauliflower, spinach and fenugreek (popularly known as ‘methi’) are now being grown at farms in Patiala and Gurdwara Gurusar Satlani Sahib near Amritsar, the official said, adding that they have now started receiving supply of 10 quintals of organic produce every 1-2 days which is being used to prepare nourishing vegetarian meals for the pilgrims.
While applauding this landmark decision, Dr Rajwant Singh, founder and president of EcoSikh, a non-profit organisation working to raise awareness about environmental issues and inspiring farmers to focus on producing food through organic means, said that they are now hoping that around 25,000-30,000 gurdwaras in Punjab will follow suit to serve organic langar.
“We need to respects the natural resources… the gifts given by our creator,” he said. “Just imagine, if all the gurdwaras, temples and mosques switch to organic food in consumption and distribution – the farmers will then see that there’s set market and they can start producing food for which they will not have to use chemicals and pesticides,” said Dr Singh.
Read More: Here’s How a Woman Farmer Proved Organic Farming is More Profitable
Organic farming also got a fillip in Finance Minister Arun Jaitley’s Union Budget this year. Under the Parmparagat Krishi Vikas scheme launched by the government – the aim is to increase the area under organic farming in the country to five lakh acres in the next three years. The government has also allocated Rs. 412 crore to organic farming in the Budget.
Read More: How the Budget 2016-17 Aims at Helping the Ailing Farming Community
“Everyone today is aware of how badly chemically-grown food affects their lives and the environment”, Dr Singh told NDTV, adding that a clear message from the precincts of Sri Harmandir Sahib will certainly be an inspiration for all faiths to promote organic farming and take good care of Mother Earth.
Such a wonderful initiative. If only all places of worship – big and small – could also learn and propagate this in their areas…we should have a healthier farmer, and a healthier population
Wahe Guruji ke Fateh !
A million bows to this honourable endeavour.
Excellent decision! This is where SGPC should lead by example.
Dhan Guru Ram Das Ji!
GR8 endeavour by the SGPC management to Switch over to Organic farming, for its community Kitchen.The step besides being laudable will also ensure that pilgrims get their vegetables and other ingredients that go into the making of the langar free from pesticides and chemical fertilizer.It should be replicated in all other Gurdwaras in India.Coming in the wake of Ionised water treatment plant, set up for serving safe drinking water to the pilgrims this is praiseworthy double healthy initiative.Kudos to all the committee members for contemplating such a step and executing the same.
Proud to be sikh.
It is heartening to learn the Sikh leadership towards ethical and sustainable future of mankind. I am always available and working also by sharing knowledge and skills to people to follow the good practices with modernity is based on giving value to traditional skills. in everyday cooking. We have Slow Food Chef’s Alliance focus on philosophy – Good, Clean and Fair Food.
Wonderful n welcome decision
Brilliant idea !!!
Good initiative if put into practice , the most modern Religion in the world leads by example , nevertheless I hope it is not a election gimmick by ruling SAD the close aide of SGPC, Sikh religious body.
Instead of Organic , we need to promote Natural Zero Budget Farming .Organic is fancy , expensive.
Indeed A wonderful deed by a wonderful institution i am proud of you all.