Fourth year medical student and President of the University’s Sikh Society Gurjivan Sohal ended the last academic year on a high after the club won ‘Event of the Year 2024’ at the Keele SU awards.

In March, the society held its annual Langar on Campus event in the Chapel and served more than 800 Indian lacto-vegetarian meals free of charge to students and staff. Langar is a fundamental principle in Sikhism where free food is provided to all, regardless of their race, religion, identity, or orientation, and more than 60 students volunteered to prepare and host the event.

Langar on Campus was featured on national Sikh television channel, Punjab Broadcasting Channel, (PBC UK) and presenters from BBC Radio Stoke also came to sample the delicacies offered and interview society members about the day. The celebration of Sikh faith takes place every year on campus and is a huge undertaking for the society, which begins preparations three months in advance.

Gurjivan says, “I’m more than thankful to the Sewadaars (a term in Sikhi used for those who offer their assistance freely without seeking any reward) who contributed towards the running of Langar on Campus, especially the first group which began preparations on the day itself at 3.30am! Without them, the event would not have been possible. I am also massively thankful to the University and Chaplaincy for their support in the running of the event.”

The society focuses its principles on those of Sikhi’s first Guru, Dhan Guru Nanak Dev Ji, who preached to earn an honest living, share with others and to remember God’s name and works to spread these fundamental principles with the wider community through events. Discussing his role as Sikh Society President, Gurjivan says, “I’m responsible for ensuring all students can explore the Sikhism (Sikhi) faith in a safe and supportive environment without judgement. I also oversee the preparation for events we hold and coordinate committee members to ensure we provide meaningful and educational events throughout the year.”

As well as holding one of the biggest student-run events on campus, the society is also heavily involved in the local community and works with the local Sikh Gurdwara (a place of worship), Guru Nanak Gurdwara, to prepare free food for homeless people in Newcastle-under-Lyme and Stoke-on-Trent. Events involve students preparing and funding more than 150 meals, which are then distributed to rough sleepers in Hanley.

Over the past few years, the society has also held similar events with local charities such as The Salvation Army in Hanley and attended training events run by the British Organisation of Sikh Students (BOSS), which interlinks Sikh societies across the UK. The group has also taken part in sporting events such as national paintball and dodgeball tournaments and sports days, as well as supporting fellow societies to hold Langar on Campus events at other universities.

Discussing how he balances his studies and commitments to the Sikh Society, Gurjivan says, “Time management has been elemental in ensuring I can balance my responsibilities, but being President of the Society is incredibly rewarding. I really enjoy helping students become closer to their religion whilst also excelling in their studies.” During the 2024/25 academic year, Gurjivan will be sharing the role of President with Simran Gaddu.

In the future, Gurjivan is looking to join the NHS as a junior doctor. He says, “I’m currently unsure which particular aspect of medicine I’d like to pursue, but with exposure over the next few years, I’m hoping to gain a better insight into the various aspects of medicine.”

Keele Sikh Society is open to all students, regardless of religion, ethnicity or gender, and meets every Tuesday and Thursday from 6pm-8pm in Walter Moberly, WM1.01. Its main aim is to provide a space for Sikhs and non-Sikhs to come together and socialise while promoting the Sikhi faith. Events range from talks by guest speakers - including the British Organisation of Sikh Students (BOSS), Sikh Awareness Society (SAS), and Basics of Sikhi - to open discussions, movie nights and trips to the Gurdwara.

Find out more about the Sikh Society on the Keele SU website.