The helping hand of Jitendra Singh

Several Sikh citizens of Lahore voluntarily organise Iftar and Langar every year during the holy moth Ramazan.

A youth from the community who arranges grocery and employment for dozens of poor families, Sardar Jitendra Singh, is a herbal practitioner by profession, but at the same time, he actively participates in social work and welfare activities.

Speaking to The Express Tribune, Jitendera Singh said that he used to live in Peshawar but now he is permanently residing in Lahore. He began serving his humanitarian cause in Peshawar, which has now made its way to Lahore.

Singh says that he buys grocery for four to five families every day during Ramazan. The ration bags are subsequently placed at the doorsteps of the homes of the deserving families in the dark of night so that their dignity does not get compromised.

According to Jitendra Singh, he has distributed ration to thousands of families so far. In addition to free grocery, he also arranges permanent employment for these families, to help them become self sufficient. As a small means of employment, for example, he provides a sewing machine to the working women, who have worked as tailor entrepreneurs to set up clothes business at home.

He said every Sikh who does business or is employed puts aside one-tenth of his income every month. With this fund they help the poor and the deserving people, working on the common cause of humanity.

Zakia Bibi, a resident of Lytton Road, Lahore, said that her husband has been bedridden for a long time due to stroke. Sardar Jitindra Singh is not only treating her husband for free, but has also arranged ration for their family during Ramazan, which he dropped at her door during the holy month.

Another elder, Muhammad Ashraf, said the philanthropist had helped him establish a small shop which is now the source of livelihood for him and his children.

Residents say that people like Jitender Singh are doing what the government should do.

A local resident said those enjoying positions of authority take a picture even while giving a bag of flour, while those like Jitender Singh silently help the needy people.

Sardar Darshan Singh also organises Iftar and Langar for hundreds of people every day in Liberty Market.

He says that his table is for everyone who is hungry.

Labourers, unemployed, non-Muslims all sit on this table.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 8^th, 2024