A traditionally close-knit community with a strong reliance on Gurdwaras (Sikh place of worship) at the centre of their daily lives, Sikh leaders along with health advisors and academics have joined forces to raise awareness of how people can practise their religion in a safe environment.

Having successfully engaged with local faith communities on past projects, Professor Gurch Randhawa from the University of Bedfordshire’s Institute of Health Research is one of the experts chosen to provide professional advice on supporting Gurdwaras during the coronavirus pandemic.

As well as social distancing, symptom awareness and hand washing, one of the leading concerns is that Gurdwaras must quickly transition from offering onsite Langar (an integral community meal) to providing Langar takeaway for families who have no alternative food sources or food bank access, as well as the elderly and vulnerable in the Gurdwara’s community, both Sikh and non-Sikh.

Prior to live-streaming the first nationwide advice programme on Sikh TV Channel, Professor Gurch Randhawa also discussed the key points with Luton’s Gurdwara committee. He said:

I feel it’s my duty to help to raise awareness and engage with communities that may be harder to engage during these uncertain times. I strongly believe that the efforts of Gurdwaras across Bedfordshire will prove to be an exemplar of good public health and wellbeing practice, which I hope other faith communities across the country will adopt.

Davinder Singh Bal from the Sikh Channel commented:

It was imperative for our platform to partner again with the University because we are a trusted voice within the Sikh community on a national scale, which is important when it comes to reinforcing critical information. I believe this campaign with Professor Gurch Randhawa will help to safeguard Bedfordshire’s faith communities.

Sikh TV Channel is available to watch on Sky (channel 748), Facebook Live and online: www.sikhchannel.tv/watch-live