Moulding The Future

BY AIDEN JEWELLE GONZALES

It never fails to inspire me how diverse yet close-knit the different Indian communities are, and how much they invest into supporting each other – something that I told Laxshmi Sachathep when I reached out to her for an interview with the latest Namdhari Committee, which was recently elected on 24 March. As a member of both the Committee and the Namdhari Youth Group, she agrees, speaking passionately about the role that the Committee plays in not only bringing together Thailand’s Namdhari community, but in fostering the youth and connecting them to their roots.

“Our Committee is a diverse team of individuals from various fields,  bringing together innovative ideas and extensive experience to serve our sangat (congregation),” I’m told. “Our collective aim is to lead our community towards a prosperous and united future.” With their primary mission to foster unity within the sangat, it’s impressed upon me that the Committee hopes to cultivate a strong sense of community and shared purpose, with a key focus on engaging the youth. “We want to ensure that they are not only connected to our rich traditions, but also equipped to navigate the modern world effectively,” they added.

With ambitious goals such as the modernisation and reconstruction of the Namdhari Gurudwara, aiming to “transform it into a prominent landmark that reflects the vitality of our faith and cultural heritage; a sacred space that will serve both the spiritual needs of our sangat and symbolise the enduring legacy of Sikh heritage in Thailand,” the Namdhari Committee has also invested unwaveringly in other youth development projects, such as the Modern International School, Bangkok (MISB), which is under the umbrella of the Namdhari Sangat of Thailand. I spoke further to the Committee to talk about their unwavering dedication, and how they aspire to meaningfully contribute to the broader tapestry of Indian culture in Thailand.

The development of its youth is essential for any society or community to thrive. How do you plan to reach the Namdhari youth through the Namdhari Youth Group, and what is this group all about?

The Namdhari Youth Group traces its inspiration to His Holiness Sri Satguru Ram. Singh Ji, our 12th Guru, a visionary who, in the 1800s, led profound social reforms for the Sikh community. His teachings on non- violence, compassion, and spiritual purity resonate deeply with the values upheld by the Namdhari Committee today. In this spirit, the Committee is committed to addressing the social challenges faced by modern-day youth, empowering them through spiritual guidance and community support.

When our committee was elected this year, we made a promise to prioritise youth development during our two-year term. This group, rooted in Namdhari spirituality, meets often to host a variety of activities, including sports events, cultural programmes, musical performances, quizzes, and Punjabi language classes. We provide them with the necessary resources, platforms, and guidance to thrive. We are honoured to support the next generation, ensuring they continue to grow as spiritually grounded and socially responsible individuals.

How did this youth group come about? Was there a specific reason or need that made you want to form it?

Over 30 years ago, under the leadership of His Holiness Sri Satguru Jagjit Singh Ji, the first Naujawan (Youth) Group was formed with over 200 members. This marked a transformative period for the Namdhari community, with youth devoting themselves to prayers, selfless service, and mutual support. When the next generation emerged, His Holiness Sri Satguru Uday Singh Ji continued this legacy, emphasising the importance of balancing spirituality, physical health, mental well-being, and community service (seva).

In 2017, Satguru Ji convened a gathering of Namdhari youth at His residence to share His vision for empowering the younger generation. This meeting sparked the formation of a dedicated youth movement, bonded by a shared commitment to service and spiritual growth. At present, some of the youth members and organisers are also in the Namdhari Committee. In fact, today, the Namdhari Committee includes one of the youngest members ever in the history of the Namdhari Sangat of Thailand.

This allows us to work closely with the youth movement, and we believe this will continue to grow in future even with the next committee members; harnessing the power of youth.

One of the big ways that you’re helping to foster good values within the youth is the establishment of MISB. What are your future plans for the school?

MISB, established in 1997, is a not-for- profit private institution governed by the Namdhari Sikh community. Located on a three-acre campus in the Sukhumvit district, the school provides a holistic educational experience for students from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.

The school’s mission is to impart high-quality education while nurturing moral values, shaping students into global citizens who contribute to world peace and progress. MISB fosters a close-knit community of nearly 500 students and staff, creating an inclusive environment that embraces all nationalities and religions.  The school maintains a strict vegetarian/ plant-based policy and emphasises values such as excellence, inclusion, respect, grace, compassion, and global citizenship.

Academically rigorous, MISB provides personalised attention through small class sizes, allowing teachers to form strong connections with their students. The curriculum is complemented by a wide range of co-curricular activities, encouraging the development of well-rounded individuals. The school is accredited with Silver Status by the Education Department Trust in the UK, reflecting its commitment to maintaining high standards of education. The school’s Board of Directors, primarily selected from the Namdhari Committee, oversees various operational departments.

Can you elaborate on other ways that the Namdhari Committee supports the youth of the committee?

At the Namdhari Gurudwara, several youth-oriented activities are organised, including Punjabi language classes, the study of Gurbani (holy scriptures), and Indian classical music classes, held every Sunday. These classes are taught by dedicated sevadars (volunteers) who offer their time as part of their selfless service to the community. Weekly Gurudwara programmes also feature kirtan (devotional hymns) and sermons on Namdhari-Sikh history, with active participation from the youth.

The youth are encouraged to engage in seva by taking part in activities such as cooking, cleaning, washing utensils, and serving langar (community meals). Additionally, special events like donation drives and other community service initiatives are held regularly. More activities are planned to further support the personal and spiritual development of our youth.

The Namdhari Committee supports the Namdhari Youth Group in its initiatives but does not interfere in its day-to-day operations. We maintain a collaborative relationship, consulting with one another to ensure that we are aligned in our mission to develop the youth. Over time, the youth group has expanded, welcoming new members as older members move on due to professional and personal commitments. This natural cycle allows the group to evolve while remaining unified by its shared purpose.

To foster growth, we focus on collaboration, both within the Namdhari Sangat and beyond. We engage with other Indian diaspora communities, the Indian Embassy, and Thai governmental bodies such as the Ministry of Culture and The Department of Religious Affairs. We also collaborate closely with MISB, working together to promote shared values and leadership among the youth. And we always seek the blessings and support of His Holiness Sri Satguru Uday Singh Ji.

What differentiates the Namdhari Youth Group from others? Are there specific values you are hoping to highlight through the events?

The Namdhari Youth Group is unique in its emphasis on simplicity, humility, and spiritual practice. It promotes Naam Simran (recitation of God’s name), kirtan, and the study of Gurbani. The group is committed to gender equality, social upliftment, and environmental sustainability, with a strong focus on vegetarianism and compassion for all living beings.

The group organises various activities, including religious boot camps, cultural performances, hymn recitals, seva in the Gurudwara, fundraising for those in need, and environmental initiatives such as tree-planting projects. These activities serve to instil spiritual and social values in the youth, fostering well-rounded individuals who are equipped to contribute meaningfully to society.

How has the youth movement benefited the Namdhari Community, and has it helped the youth reconnect with their religious roots?

Definitely. From the perspective of the Namdhari Sangat, we can say that many positive changes have taken place. All credit must go to the youth group and the previous Namdhari Committee in supporting this movement.

We have seen changes; we’ve seen a heightened awareness and desire to learn more about our faith and our roots. Parents, elders and youth themselves have been looking forward to more events, and are encouraging the Committee and Youth Group to do more. We are moreover beginning to see positive changes in the habits and lifestyle of our youth.

While not everyone is at the same level, changes are certainly happening. We can see compassion and connections being made among the youth. However, there is a lot to be achieved and we could definitely use more help.

How do you see the future of Namdhari youth and the community as a whole?

Firstly, we are blessed to have Sri Satguru Uday Singh Ji’s blessings. His Holiness’ emphasis on developing the youth is our strength. Satguru Ji loves spending time with the youth and always wants to listen to them, and we feel blessed to see His passion in sharing His wisdom.

Secondly, we ask our youth to share their stories. We let the youth themselves tell their side of stories and how their involvement with the Youth Group has changed their lives for the better. We call this, ‘group wisdom.’ Moreover, we as Committee members realise the importance of unity. We have many goals that we would like to achieve, and we hope to do this by collaborating with the Embassy of India in Bangkok and the Indian diaspora organisations and associations.

There are many more goals that we want to achieve to help improve the lives of our Namdhari Sangat, and the youth movement is just one of the goals. There are other parts of the community that we want to take care of, for example the elderly. Today, Thailand is already an ageing society. That means our Namdhari Sangat is also ageing. There are many things that we can do to help our elders, and many others in our community. We believe we can achieve great things through hard work, humility, and faith in God.

THE MEMBERS OF THE NAMDHARI COMMITTEE:

President: Arin Komalsingsakul
• Vice President 1: Amorn Banditanukul
• Vice President 2: Suvit Chansrichawla
• Secretary: Adithep Sirisingskul
• Assistant Secretary: Apichart Samornpitakul
• Treasurer 1: Sukhbir Rajpal Singh Khanijoh
• Treasurer 2: Nanak Singh Kheewa
• Langar Hall: Inthira Srikureja
• Administration: Mongkhol Gambir
• Registration/Steward: Niravesh Srikalra
• Public Relations: Guladet Mandechaviriyakul
• Youth Activities: Chaiwat Sumetphong
• Public Relations: Ponthep Sachthep
• Spokesperson/Youth Activities:
Laxshmi Sachathep
• Legal Division: Kriangsak Bandittonskul