Khalsa Diwan contributes for better life of Afghan Sikh community in New Delhi

New Delhi, May 15 : Khalsa Diwan Welfare society in New Delhi provides free education and training in different fields, including stitching and computer education to Afghan students belonging to the Sikh community.It was established in 1992 with an aim to provide a better livelihood to Afghan refugees in India. The children of Afghan refugees are provided education as well as vocational and spiritual training. “We provide tuitions and classes in tailoring, English-speaking and music to Afghan children. We don’t get any help from the government. Rather, the Afghan people make contributions to assist us,” said Narinder Singh, member, Khalsa Diwan Welfare Society.
“I learnt stitching here during my free time. We came to India as the situation back there was very violent. We stay here with our families,” said Savinder Kaur, an Afghan refugee.Tuitions for students of classes sixth to 10th is provided along with computer classes. Keeping in mind their cultural background, they are also taught to render Gurbani accompanied by a harmonium.The teachers are proud that they are helping the children make a better future.
“I teach students from 6th to 10th standards. Students originally from Kabul attend these free classes and are helped in all manners. These students are economically weak, so they can’t afford to pay for studies. We also feel nice as they can make their future better,” said Jagtaar Kaur, a teacher at the Khalsa Diwan Welfare Society.
Students also value the training they receive as they are aware they would not have had a secure life in Afghanistan.
“We are provided with quality education here. We can have a better future if we study here. The principal and our teachers are also nice. We came to India from Afghanistan as conditions there are violent. Our parents brought us here so we can have a bright future,” said Kajal, a student at the society.