For children: Amal goes to the gurudwara kitchen with his grandmother when the langar is cooked

Next morning, Amal woke up early. Gurupurab was just a day away and that meant the whole neighbourhood would soon be transformed. Amal’s father had told him so many stories of how the gurudwaras had started as a place for everyone to find a sense of belonging. It had taken a long time for Amal to understand what that meant but with each story he had felt happier. He loved going to the gurudwara and helping out. It was called Seva. It meant helping and giving back to the community without the need for a reward. It always made Amal feel like he was part of something important.

“Good morning, Amal! You are up bright and early. Your milkshake is ready, come to the table,” his father said from the kitchen.

“I am making the parathas. Please take your milkshakes from here and make some space in the kitchen,” his mother said, popping her head out from behind his dad.

Amal grinned at his parents and took his seat at the table. Ma and Pa were always in the kitchen together. One doing something and the other doing another thing but somehow always moving around neatly. It made sense that they loved the...

Read more