Relationships are powerful. Our one-to-one connections with each other are the foundation for change. And building relationships with people from different cultures, often many different cultures, is key to building diverse communities that are powerful enough to achieve significant goals. The World Shirdi Sai Baba Organisation (UK) also known as the Shirdi Sai Baba Temple, East Ham and Forest Gate in London is one such institute that is making a significant contribution to bringing multi-ethnic communities together and forging strong relationships among them.
The Shri Shirdi Sai Baba Organisation, situated in the United Kingdom and well known for its Food Seva and bringing multi-ethnic communities together, has been recognized by the Faith and Believe Forum in the UK and awarded the Faith and Belief prestigious and famous award on November 23rd, 2022 for its remarkable contribution to the community and Food Seva.
The Recent Palkhi Procession
The World Shirdi Sai Baba Organisation recently organised Shirdi Sai Baba and Gajanan Maharaj Processions which was the biggest Sai Event in Europe, with a multi-ethnic populace participating. The divine beauty of the event was reflected by the colorful participation of people from all walks of life, from little Sai devotees all the way to the senior citizens who thoroughly enjoyed walking along with Shirdi Sai Baba and Gajanan Maharaj’s Palkhi (palanquin).
Following the Palkhi Procession, a Maha Prasad (food) feast was served. The best part was that remarkable Sai volunteers were helping out with food distribution. This organisation has always been proud of having a huge group of volunteers who are the pillars and continuous support to serve the community in East London.
This year’s eye-catching Sai Palkhi event was a 1.7-mile walk around the park and important streets, which brought together several communities. Sai Baba devotees’ emotions were heightened and they felt blessed when milk pots were carried for 9 days between Sai Temple in East Ham and Forest Gate, London which concluded with the Sai Palkhi Event on the 9th day.
It was not just the procession, but also a significant contribution to a multi-ethnic
community partaking in the event together. It’s not the first time, but the Shirdi Sai
Baba Temple is well known for doing Food Seva all the time for the past 12 years.
Food Seva
The World Shirdi Sai Baba Organisation (UK) is a faith organisation that provides daily hot meals, mental health initiatives, food banks, inspiring youth programmes, environmental sustainability, and women’s empowerment throughout the year. They genuinely believe that hands that serve are holier than the lips that pray, hence they have been servicing continuously for the past 12 years.
It is also among the few temples in the UK or Europe that provides such a broad selection of free Prasad (meals) to the communities. The significance of this Food Seva was reflected during the pandemic and lockdown when the volunteers started to step out and distribute food outside the temple to the public. Many who were in need of hot meals were so delighted and came forward to get some food for their families, some even came on a daily basis to feed their young children. It was moving to hear how much people struggled during difficult times. The continuous struggle of people in East London was the eye opener for The Shirdi Sai Baba Temple to triple their food contribution which is continuous to date.
Recently The Shirdi Sai Baba Temple has started a food bank Seva on a small scale to support people in East London who are really in need of food items.
Bringing the multi-ethnic community together
You have a culture even if you don’t know who your ancestors are. You have one even if you are a blend of numerous cultures. Culture is always evolving and changing. The Shirdi Sai Baba Temple at East Ham and Forest Gate, London promotes quality of life and general well-being for people and communities via enhanced learning and health, more tolerance, and chances to join with others. A true Seva is done by this spiritual and community-serving organisation, whose major goal is to encourage multi-ethnic communities to participate together.
Award Winners in the Food Seva Category
The prominent Faith & Belief Forum has nominated the World Shirdi Sai Baba Organisation (UK) for the second year in a row. They were part of the recognised project last year, and this year the World Shirdi Sai Baba Organisation (UK) is the award winner in the “Food Seva” category, with the first awards ceremony taking place on Thursday, November 23rd, 2022. The London Faith & Belief Community Awards honor the vital work of London’s faith and belief communities by bringing together local heroes and shining a light on their inspirational work, demonstrating how Londoners of all faiths and beliefs can work together to make the city a more equitable and inclusive place. The World Shirdi Sai Baba Organisation (UK) has been granted permission by the Dean and Chapter of Westminster to present the 6th London Faith & Belief Community Awards on November 23rd at Westminster Abbey (UK). It is indeed a proud recognition for all Sai devotees, supporters, well-wishers, donors, volunteers, staff and the management for the selfless contribution of The World Shirdi Sai Baba Organisation (UK).