Nagpur: In a materialistic world driven by individualistic pursuits, there are still some who restore faith in humanity through their selfless service and compassionate ideologies. One such beacon of generosity is Jamshed Singh Kapoor, whose mission to feed the hungry in Nagpur city exemplifies the true spirit of humanity. A report in a local English daily sheds light on this ‘One man mission.’
According to the report, Kapoor’s dedication to langar seva (free meal service) has led him to provide meals for 400 people daily. On World Hunger Day, he celebrates what he calls World Langar Day, emphasizing the importance of seva (selfless service) and helping those in need. “Langar seva is not just an act of charity; it is a way of life, a means to connect with the divine by serving humanity,” Kapoor explains. He believes that true inner peace comes from selfless service, suggesting that the joy and blessings received from seva bring peace, even with minimal material possessions.
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Monday 30 Sept. 2024
Kapoor’s journey with langar seva began in 2013, though his commitment to helping others started much earlier. Saving money by forgoing extravagant festival celebrations, he channeled his resources into community service. By profession, Kapoor is an astrologer with three Master of Arts degrees in Hindi Literature, Social Science, and Astrology, along with a Diploma in Paralegal Practices. Every day, he sets out on his two-wheeler, carrying vessels filled with home-cooked thepla and khichdi made from a mix of five types of lentils. He serves from 7 am to 12 noon, and then from 2 pm until 8:30 pm, the report stated.
Wearing a white T-shirt with ‘Langar Seva’ printed on it, Kapoor can be easily spotted serving dal khichdi to people at various locations in Nagpur, with a container filled with the edible item tied to his two-wheeler. Langar literally means community kitchen, as part of which free vegetarian food is served at Gurdwaras every day.
Recalling an incident in the past, Kapoor said a beggar, who used to get food from him, had given him a bag containing some clothes saying that they should be given to some needy people after his death. “I took the bag home. After his death, when I opened it, I found that he had kept Rs 25,000 cash inside along with the clothes, which he had not mentioned earlier,” he said.
“According to the United Nations, millions of people go to bed hungry each night, so free meal services like this are crucial efforts to reduce those numbers,” says Kapoor. He feels blessed to have never faced a shortage of resources, attributing this to the generous donations of grains, disposable plates, and other essentials from the community.
Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, Kapoor’s langar seva continued uninterrupted. When asked about health concerns, he replied, “During that time, I underwent medical check-ups and followed safety protocols. However, I did not fear death while doing seva.” Kapoor’s dedication is further highlighted by his response to personal tragedies. After the passing of his son and later his mother, he continued the langar seva even on their funeral days, honouring their wishes to maintain the service.
Looking to the future, Kapoor, now approaching old age, dreams of building a Gurudwara in Nagpur dedicated to providing langar seva 24 hours a day. His unwavering commitment to feeding the hungry serves as a powerful reminder of the impact one individual can have in restoring faith in humanity.
