How Keele University students are promoting equality with free food

“No matter your religion, race, age, gender or anything like that, we all eat on one level to show equality.”

Third-year student Simran Gaddu is part of the Sikh Society at Keele University in Staffordshire, which is offering free meals as part of its annual Langar.

It is a practice integral to Sikhism, promoting its three foundations – remembering God’s name, earning an honest living and sharing with others.

This year’s event, held on Thursday, was again opened up to people from all backgrounds, with the society serving about 1,000 free meals.

Ms Gaddu is co-president of the society and said teams started making the vegetarian meals on Wednesday night and carried on throughout Thursday.

She said the event was all about making people aware of the Sikh core value of equality.

She said: “We want everyone to be equal and this is our best way of showing that.”

The food served included lentils, cauliflower, yoghurt, chapati and rice, similar to what Sikhs eat in a Gurdwara – a place of worship.

Gurjivan Soha, co-president, said making the food took “quite a considerable amount” of work over a period of more than 24 hours.

“It’s an honour for us because it allows us to give back to the community. Langar is really important for Sikhs and it allows us to share with others,” he said.

“It doesn’t matter about background, race, religion or your beliefs at all. It’s more symbolic of that equality and generosity that the community does have.”