By Jashan Grewal, SALDEF (a Faith Counts partner)
Sikhism, a major world religion founded in what is now present-day Pakistan, teaches that all people are equal before one God and calls its followers to live lives of humility, service, and truth. Sarbat da Bhalla—the Sikh principle of working for the well-being of all—is a value deeply rooted in our history.
Sikh migration, beginning with the Partition of India in 1947—a major event that forced millions, including many Sikhs, to flee their homes due to violence and political upheaval has led to generations of Sikhs crossing borders with little more than faith and resilience. They faced hardship, but carried hope.
That story isn’t just history—it’s happening now. Families from around the world continue to arrive in the U.S. each day, seeking opportunity and safety. But instead of finding welcome, many are met with uncertainty, bureaucracy, and fear.
Today’s immigration policies may separate families, disrupt communities, and leave many feeling dehumanized. It’s not simply a legal issue—it’s about dignity, compassion, and fairness. When enforcement agencies are allowed to enter places of worship—including Gurdwaras—it doesn’t just affect policy. It affects people. These are spaces where individuals of all backgrounds come for peace, support, and spiritual grounding. When that sense of safety is threatened, it impacts us all.
Seva, or selfless service, is a pillar of Sikh life. It can look like volunteering at a local food pantry, helping a neighbor, or offering a meal to someone in need. But Seva also means showing up when injustice occurs.
Guru Nanak Dev Ji, who was born in Pakistan in 1469 and founded the Sikh religion, taught us to see the divine in every person—which means standing up for every person’s dignity, regardless of where they come from or what status they hold.
Organizations like ours, SALDEF (the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund), have been actively working to support immigrants. At the local level, some Sikh houses of worship, also known as Gurdwaras, are also assisting. For example, one Gurdwara in West Sacramento has become a hub not just for worship, but for community care—including free healthcare services.
We’ve seen what it means to feel displaced. Our history teaches us empathy—and it also teaches us courage. That’s why I invite sangats, which are Sikh communities, across the country to follow this example.
As Sikhs, we are called not just to survive injustice, but to stand up against it.