Sikh president of  charity donates dialysis machines and supports education in Thailand

June 10, 2025

Amritsar : Continuing the Sikh tradition of Dasvandh—the practice of contributing ten percent of one’s income—the Thailand-based Sikh President of the Thai-Indian Peace and Happiness Charity collects and donates  funds to the Kidney Foundation of Thailand enabling it to   purchase  30 dialysis machines so far , which were installed in government  hospitals throughout Thailand, providing underprivileged patients with free access to dialysis treatment on some of the most advanced machines available.

Darshan Singh Sachdev, an Indian-origin second-generation turban-wearing Sikh President of the Charity, informed that they gave 5 lakh Thai Baht (nearly Rs 13 lakh) to the Foundation at a function held in Bangkok for the purchase of a dialysis machine. He informed that the Foundation itself purchases the best possible dialysis machines and installs them in government  hospitals across Thailand adding that till now Foundation have purchased 30  dialysis machines  from Charity's donation.

Stating that Guru Nanak Dev emphasised Vand Chhako (sharing with others) and Kirat Karo (honest work) as key principles, he said they encourage people by asking them to donate at least dasvandh—one-tenth of their income—for humanitarian work which promotes selfless service, equality, and a truthful, generous life as enshrined in Sikhism. Not only people of Indian origin but many Thais also contribute funds to charity for various philanthropic works across Thailand, he added.

Notably, Darshan Singh’s grandfather, Daulat Singh, originally from Ugoki town in the Sialkot district of Pakistan, migrated to Thailand. His father, Harinder Singh Sachdev, was born there. Later, in 1949, Darshan Singh Sachdev was born in Yala city, located in southern Thailand.
He further informed that the Charity also constructs school buildings to promote education in Thailand, especially among underprivileged communities.

These schools are then managed and run by the govt to ensure sustained support and quality education.

Source: https://www.thejournoview.com/news/sikh-president-of-charity-donates-dialysis-machines-and-supports-education-in-thailand-10746

If you are able to can you support in any way you can with this fundraiser please?

Many thanks!

https://gofund.me/3c27b6d0

Gurbar Akaaluhhh

punjabi roots in Smethwick want £250 which is too expensive 

looking around maximum £150

This charity combines helping people and teaching Gurbani Pathh

https://www.educatepunjab.net/Projects

Some of their projects

•Chain of free schools
•Sangeet academy 
• Nitnem Lahar

Also, you can sponsor children's education 

https://www.educatepunjab.net/sponsor-a-child?sc=SPC

EDUCATE PUNJAB PROJECT (runs by GURU NANAK REGISTER CHARITY IN U.K) is a non-governmental organisation that aims to preach the importance of reciting Gurbani and practically living Guru Sahib’s instructions. Alongside this, through career guidance, a heavy emphasis is given on motivating youngsters to study higher education so that we have a nation of academic, professional and religious GurSikhs. With the blessings of ‘Nation Jewel, Bhai Jasbir Singh Ji khalsa khanne wale, in 2008, a humble request (Ardas) was conducted at the Akal Thakht Sahib for the launch of a ‘decade of spiritual renaissance’. Following this Ardas, over 90,000 youngsters have been influenced by GURU NANAK REGISTER CHARITY’s widespread teams across Punjab. 90,000 youngsters have been recorded on our database to have started reciting Guru Granth Sahib Ji within their homes over the last 3 years. Within this huge number, there are many students from poor households. Such students are being provided with scholarships at present to prolong their education.

Came across this website that lists Sikh charities by different categories.  It makes it easier to find the type of charity you want to help.  For instance charities that support education, kirtan academies etc

SmartSikh.org

SmartSikh.org has been created as primarily a Directory of Sikh Charities, Societies & NGOs to help all Sikhs to know who is doing what and where. A lot of Sikhs are doing great work and a lot more want to help the society. This site intends to  help all to collaborate and channel our efforts.
So please if you know of any Sikh Charity, Society or NGO, kindly encourage them to be a part of this directory.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/brahma-kumaris-assist-collectors-office-help-police-on-duty/articleshow/75957598.cms

The Prajapita Brahmakumaris rose to the occasion assisting the civil administration in Goa, India during the Covid crisis by distributing immunity boosting Ayurvedic tea among policemen on duty as well as assisting office of the North Goa collector in packaging essential items for supply to the needy.

When the state government appealed for assistance during lockdown period from March 31 to May 3 2020, the Prajapita Brahmakumaris unit in Goa responded enthusiastically.

“The sisters of Brahma Kumaris sewed masks in keeping with the medically approved design and distributed them at the district collector's office and other government officers", said Shobha Behenji, Goa Zone director, Brahmakumaris.

This is a great example of how spiritual institutions can work in tandem with state governments to plug the gaps in manpower or resources or facilities during times of humanitarian crises, and ensure proper and timely services to those in need.

The Prajapita Brahmakumaris is the only spiritual organization in the world led, administered and taught by women and they have teaching centers in almost all countries in the world where they teach their religious philosophy and meditation techniques freely to the public. One of its dominant themes is the empowerment of women to roles of spiritual and social leadership throughout the world to effect positivity and harmony in society.

These Sikligar sikhs are suffering in lockdown. Those who wish to help them can contact the person and send money to him.

https://www.gofundme.com/kirtanseva

The charities name is

Manukhta di sewa Sab ton waddi sewa

Please see these videos, help and spread this good work

info@swatlondon.com Nishkam SWAT Sikh Welfare & Awareness Team

amazon.co.uk 

Nishkam SWAT HQ SIRA CASH & CARRY, SPRINGFIELD RD, HAYES, UB4 0JT 

https://www.facebook.com/nishkamSWAT/photos/a.668249049901983.1073741827.668224466571108/1674654172594794/?type=3

Hats 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Trooper-Trapper-Keeping-Skating-Activities/dp/B01MA1YYYK/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1519742232&sr=8-4&keywords=winter+hat

https://www.amazon.co.uk/RIBBED-THINSULATE-BEANIE-MELANGE-COLOURS/dp/B00QV8NPFM/ref=sr_1_17?ie=UTF8&qid=1519742257&sr=8-17&keywords=winter+hat

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Mens-Thinsulate-Knit-40g-Winter/dp/B005EGR6P2/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1519742241&sr=8-4&keywords=winter+hat

Gloves 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B075CL4Z2P/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=AKEK7V6ZEAM6Z&psc=1

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Fleece-Thermal-Thinsulate-Lined-Gloves/dp/B01672E5V4/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&qid=1519742318&sr=8-13&keywords=winter+gloves

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Terra-Hiker-Waterproof-Thermal-Thinsulate/dp/B01M8N1RVS/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1519742423&sr=8-2-spons&keywords=womens+winter+gloves&psc=1

Scarves 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Thermal-Polar-Fleece-Winter-Scarf/dp/B00E5PQPRI/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1519742544&sr=8-3&keywords=winter+scarves

Socks 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/pairs-Chunky-Norwegian-Winter-Colour/dp/B00PKF6MUW/ref=sr_1_18?ie=UTF8&qid=1519742498&sr=8-18&keywords=winter+socks

Blankets 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Military-Style-Heavy-Wool-Blanket/dp/B0076XGBW0/ref=pd_cart_bxgy_2_1?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B0076XGBW0&pd_rd_r=0H3B47DAKR1518VKSXHS&pd_rd_w=SviKH&pd_rd_wg=dy2EK&psc=1&refRID=0H3B47DAKR1518VKSXHS

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Warm-Wool-Blanket-Large-210cm/dp/B01N3CCKZD/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1519742127&sr=8-1&keywords=bivvy+heavy

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Resistant-lightweight-emergency-reinforcing-technique/dp/B074MXZJN7/ref=sr_1_14_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1519742127&sr=8-14-spons&keywords=bivvy+heavy&psc=1

Now I am shifting my focus to other directions.  I have applied to be member on Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission.

I currently serve on the MARLANT Defence Visible Minority Advisory Group in the Navy.  

But I want to start a project in India, that will help a lot of people.  Community first response program where we train local volunteers to advanced first aid level and they take turns with the pager.  They would be dispatched at same time as ambulance only they would usually be first on scene. As we know ambulances take some time to arrive in India to the patient.  There would be a community kit with basic life support level (can deal with anything from severe bleeds to broken bones) and some airways (NPA/OPA but not intubation) Oxygen and an AED.  I have 3 separate doctors from India on board with the idea and want to trial a small area (rural) first.  I need to know if anyone has any experience in how to start organizing it.  I can probably work on having one full kit donated by St John Ambulance.  But to get it nationally funding will have to come from other means.  But for a trial getting kit wont be an issue.  But I need to know about NGOs how to register, and any legal issues.  UK has the system fully running and is a good model.  

Also in near future will be involved with NGO my husband runs which empowers women. It involves handicrafts and export.  

Just wondering what types of seva (outside of the gurdwara) you all do?

You seem very passionate about those who convert to Sikhi must know Punjabi. As I already pointed out, there are no good resources beyond the Gurmukhi alphabet.  Anyone can find the alphabet online and learn the letters in a few days.  However you can read the alphabet 1000000000 times and not be any closer to understanding the language. You might be able to read and pronounce it but not having any vocabulary or sentence structure etc you will be no closer to actually understanding what it is you are reading.

My challange to you, is if you truly care about this cause, then show me what type of person you are.  Teach me Punjabi! We can do it through email etc.  

Show me how much you truly care to have people understand it by your actions and do this seva.  Please teach me Punjabi. 

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sri-Maan-Dhan-Dhan-Dhan-Baba-Nand-Singh-Ji-Maharaj-Nanaksar-Kaleran/398974723477736

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sri-Maan-Dhan-Dhan-Dhan-Baba-Attar-Singh-Ji-Maharaj-Gursagar-Mastuana/334620963288859

By Harbans Lal

DALLAS: Sardar Ganga Singh, popularly known as Ganga Singh Dhillon, left for his timeless journey, as we call it in Sikh tradition, on September 23, 2014, at the age of 86. The cause was injuries resulting from an accidental fall followed by medical complications over a period of several weeks.

Although I had known Ganga Singh from his student days in India, where he was an activist for the All India Sikh Students Federation (AISSF), our more active collegiality began in the US. He immigrated to Washington DC a few years after I did.

Ganga Singh’s birthplace was only eight miles from the birthplace of Guru Nanak, Sri Nanakana Sahib, now in Pakistan. He finished his school in Guru Nanak Khalsa High School at Nanakana Sahib before joining Sikh National College at Lahore. His father, Sardar Kahan singh, was martyred near Sri Nanakana Sahib.

Ganga Singh’s life was turbulent but full of Chardi Kala (infinite optimism) and full of vigor for what he wanted to accomplish.

I remember him continuously pestering me to include the issue of Sikh shrines in Pakistan in my presidential address at the Annual Conference of AISSF, which I did with deep passion.

The partition of India played havoc with the destiny of the brave Sikh people when the future of Sikh historical places and the footprints of our Gurus in Pakistan were mischievously overlooked in the confused and haphazardly managed exchange of populations. They were erroneously lumped with rest of the problems of the Partition. We were told publicly that the arrangements between two governments were only provisional and the matter of the Sikh holy places would be resolved to our satisfaction.

But Ganga Singh was not going to trust these promises.

I would not forget the wintry day in 1974 when I was driving Ganga Singh from Washington DC to New York where both of us were scheduled to speak at the Richmond Hill Gurdwara on the formation of Sri Nankana Sahib Foundation.

The idea was to have free access to our shrines in Pakistan for visits and for the maintenance of the property. It began to drizzle, and the traffic slowed down. We had all the time to spend in the car chalking out programs of the Foundation to secure free access to the historical gurdwaras left in Pakistan.

Sardar Ganga Singh followed the plans and gathered a delegation of 25 prominent Sikhs from India like Sardar Joginder Singh Mann. Chief Justice Harbans Singh, Jathedar Man Singh Hambo, and others from abroad including our own Dr. Tarlochan Singh Nahal of the US. They all supported the idea and Ganga Singh officially launched the Sri Nankana Sahib Foundation at the very site of Guru Nanak’s birthplace in Sri Nanakana Sahib on November 11, 1975.

Sardar Ganga Singh, through his political connections discovered only in 1998 that the home ministers of India and Pakistan, Gobind Vallabhai Pant and Sikander Mirza, signed an agreement in 1955, which declared Sikhism’s birthplace, the Janam Asthaan, and other gurdwaras in Pakistan as the evacuee property.

Our eyes did not believe the smell of the 1955 arrangement, which designated the birthplace of Guru Nanak at Nanakana, and birthplace of Sikhism at Kartarpur, as evacuee properties. It just did not make sense to us.

It again goes to the credit of Ganga Singh along with the leadership of the Foundation to point out to the Pakistani leaders that, as long as any Sikh lived anywhere in the world, Guru Nanak’s place of birth could not be considered an evacuee property as Mecca and Medina could not be evacuee properties as long as any Muslim was alive. Guru and the prophets do not vacate their abodes with political ups and downs anywhere in the world.

These efforts resulted in the historical declaration on the formation of the Pakistan Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PGPC) by the President of Pakistan in April 1999. The President announced his action as a Vaisakhi gift to the brave Sikhs. Immediately after the formation of PGPC, Sardar Ganga Singh asked me to contact the Foundation supporters to come up with plans to launch efforts to similarly identify and restore sanctity of the historical Sikh shrines in Bangladesh, Burma, China, Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq and other countries.

During our struggle to secure free visits and rights to manage our shrines in Pakistan, we also learnt that the Muslim public needed to learn more about the actual history of the Sikh-Muslim relationship so that the Sikhs could form a cordial basis of their interaction with them. Such relations were crucial especially with regards to the keeping up of their shrines in different countries. Without an understanding between the two communities, the desirable sanctity of the Sikh shrines in Pakistan and in Middle East could not be maintained.

Thus, Sardar Ganga singh marched ahead to form the Lahore Conference on Sikh-Muslim Understanding. Towards this goal, a joint statement was made at the All-Pakistan Ulemas Conference. Then the Foundation honored the Islamic scholars and artists at several public functions to promote networking with them.

The man I wish to remember today was vigorous, wise, full of burning desire to promote Sikhs’ national identity, and to preserve Sikh heritage. It will be difficult to fill the void he created by his departure. The community will miss him for a long time to come.

(A noted Sikh scholar, Dr Harbans Lal lives in Dallas, Texas. He can be contacted at japji08@yahoo.com)

https://www.facebook.com/invincible.helpinghands

Are there any sangat on this forum that know of any slums/areas where childrens, family can do with extra support for education? Maybe we can do something similar?

I am a web designer in the U.K and can create a donation website for sponsoring children.

Just throwing out some ideas and suggestions

It introduces Prabh Aasra, universal humanitarian welfare organisation, and the exemplary work being performed by them in Punjab. The organisation is headed by the most genuinely selfless man that i personally have ever met, Baba Shamsher Singh ji. Babaji was formerly a pharmacist with a few pharmacies around the outskirts of Chandigarh, but moved by the suffering of those he saw around him, one day sold all his businesses and bought some land to house and care for the destitute, orphans and helpless. He now devotes his life to the protection, care and benefit of those who have nobody else.

http://in.news.yahoo.com/where-would-you-go-if-you-were-dying--024748837.html