King Charles Honors Gurdwara for Voluntary Service

A gurdwara has received an award from King Charles for its “tireless” voluntary contributions across a town. Shri Guru Ravidass Sangat in Luton was named on Thursday among other national organizations to receive the King’s Award for Voluntary Service. The organization distributed over 21,000 hot meals during the Covid-19 pandemic and has run a weekly lunch club in the Bedfordshire town for 25 years. Bhagat Ram, president of the Sikh charity, expressed that all involved were “truly grateful” for the recognition bestowed by Buckingham Palace. He stated, “This recognition is for all who have worked tirelessly to uplift and support our community.” He further added, “Every effort counts and reflects our collective commitment to making a difference.” For the past 40 years, the charity has been assisting vulnerable communities, offering them opportunities to enhance their lives. Projects conducted at the temple have encompassed free legal advice, along with classes for cooking, sewing, and dressmaking. Zanib Raja, a Labour councillor on Luton Borough Council, characterized the work performed by volunteers as “inspiring and amazing.” She commented, “It’s amazing to see all different faiths, cultures, colours, creeds and ages here, and it’s really important to help vulnerable communities in Luton.” The King’s Award for Voluntary Service is the highest accolade a community group can attain in the UK, acknowledging efforts made to support local residents. Annually, on 14 November, King Charles’ birthday, the recipients of the award are announced.