The first ever cross-border international humanitarian aid organisation based on the Sikh principles, Khalsa Aid International is a force to reckon with philanthropy, perseverance, and humanity!
A UK-based humanitarian relief charity, Khalsa Aid International has been contributing indispensably towards making this world a better place to live in, with each passing day. From providing support around the world to victims of natural and man-made disasters such as floods, earthquakes, famine and war to funding and building semi-permanent shelters, if needed, Khalsa Aid International has been creating ripples of change in the society with the sole objective of saving lives, reducing people’s immediate suffering and helping them maintain their dignity.
This philanthropic journey was started by Ravinder (Ravi) Singh, who was struck by the plight of the refugees in Kosovo in 1999. That year also marked the 300th birth anniversary of the Khalsa – an opportunity for the community to reflect on the core teachings of their faith.
He saw the footage of the Kosovan refugees on the news and was inspired by one Sikhi ideology in particular – “Sarbat da Bhalla” meaning “well-being for all” – recognising the humanity in us all and reaching out to those in need, regardless of race, religion, borders and ever since then, there has been no turning back!
What motivated you to start Khalsa Aid?
At the time of the celebrations across the UK, and around the world, there were terrible images on the news of refugees struggling to cross the cold and mountainous border to reach a safer and peaceful Albania.
I read in the newspaper about a small group who were organising an aid convoy to Albania – the Sikhi teaching of ‘Sarbhat da Bhalla’ came rushing to my mind.
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