On January 19th, we observed World Religion Day at Universal Care Services. This day occurs every January with the goal of fostering understanding and peace among all religions, as well as encouraging mutual respect and tolerance among people from diverse backgrounds. To commemorate this occasion, we reached out to care staff and office personnel from all our branches, inviting them to share insights about the religions they practice.
Jasdeep is a member of our finance team and practices Sikhism. We took the opportunity to ask him about the core beliefs of Sikhism and if there are any significant insights he wishes to share about his faith. He told us – “Sikhism is based on the teachings of the Guru Nanak and the nine Sikh Gurus who followed him. The main principles include: Belief in one God, Equality of all people, regardless of caste, creed, or gender, Living a truthful and honest life, Serving others and sharing with those in need, and Remembering God through meditation and prayer. Jasdeep also told us about the Guru Granth Sahib. ”The Guru Granth Sahib is the holy scripture of Sikhism and is considered the eternal Guru. It contains the teachings and hymns of the Sikh Gurus and other saints. Sikhs regard the Guru Granth Sahib with the utmost reverence and respect, treating it as a living Guru. It is the central religious scripture and guide for Sikhs, providing spiritual and moral guidance.”
We also asked Jasdeep if Sikhism had any traditional dress/attire, he told us that men typically wear a Turban (Dastar) and women may wear a headscarf. Both men and women may wear the five articles of faith known as the Five Ks: Kesh (uncut hair), Kara (a steel bracelet), Kanga (a wooden comb), Kachera (cotton undergarments), and Kirpan (a ceremonial sword). And finally, Jasdeep told us one important thing he wish others knew about Sikhism. “Sikhism emphasises the importance of community service and helping others. it teaches us to live a life of humility, compassion, and selflessness. The Mool Mantar is a central tenet that highlights oneness of God and the importance of living a truthful and fearless life.”
Babita, a member of our Care staff, also graciously volunteered to participate in this year’s World Religion Day. Babita follows Hinduism, which emphasizes the core principles of treating all individuals with equality and respect. Hinduism has a variety of jewelleries and traditional clothing, the main traditional dress is called a “Mekhli”. We requested Babita to share an important insight about Hinduism, and she responded: “Id like to say that my religion teaches respect for all living beings and finding peace and balance in life. We also have colourful traditions and festivals that brings people together to honour Gods, family and nature. they are filled with various rituals, music and dance. My religion values love, kindness and gratitude.”
Finally, we spoke to Manjit, a carer from our Hinckley Branch, who as well as Jasdeep also follows Sikhism. We asked Manjit to highlight some key elements of her religion and assist us i honouring the diverse faiths represented at Universal Care Services.
“On world religion day i would like to share some information around Sikhism. I was born in Punjab Northwest of India. I have grown up in a Sikh family and i belong to Punjabi culture. Throughout my childhood and up until now, i have visited Gurdwara (Sikh temple) and joined in meditation, prayers, and completed community service called Seva.
Sikhism is open to all, through the teachings of its 10 Gurus, enshrined in the Sikh holy book and the living Guru, Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. The message of Sikhism is devotion and to always remember God, truthful, living and be kind to each other. In Sikhism people worship many ways by meditating, reading or listening to path from the holy book. During their visit at the Gurdwara, all devotees cover their head with a scarf and bow down their foreheads to the floor inform of the holy book before sacred scripture.
In Sikhism Guru Nanak Dev Ji was the first Guru who found the religion Sikhism. He believed in harmony and meditation in the name of the divine soul. In Sikhism our Guru Ji taught us to remember God who created everything. Their message was to meditate, work with honesty and share with who are in need.
Sikhs meditate by saying Waheguru repeatedly. It means ‘Wonderful Lord’ a mantra for inner peace and to receive blessings from Waheguru Ji.
Although i have always followed Sikhism and strongly believe that “God is the one” i still have respect for all religions. We are all learners and seekers, and we have sent to this earth plane to make ourselves better to free our souls from the circle of life.”
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who participated in celebrating World Religion Day. A special thanks goes to those who contributed and shared their fascinating insights into their beliefs.
