How about Giving Someone the Gift of “Kirat”?

“Kirat Karo; Naam Japo; Vand Chako” – Guru Nanak Sahib ji

(“Work hard to earn a righteous living; recite God’s name; share your wealth with the community”)

This profoundly beautiful message of Sikhism succinctly sums up what human life should be all about. Unfortunately, the world today is one of staggering inequalities in which a handful has everything at their disposal, and millions do not even have the resources to carry out “kirat”, earning money by the sweat of their brow. India, in particular, is home to some of the world’s most underprivileged people who must struggle incessantly even for basic necessities.

Sadly, the COVID-19 pandemic and consequent economic downturn both exposed and exacerbated their plight. 

The agonizing thought of their everyday deprivation led the UNITED SIKHS India chapter to launch “Project Kirti”, a campaign designed to help the poorest of poor gain access to sustainable and meaningful livelihoods.

So, what’s “Project Kirti” all about?

Project Kirti is UNITED SIKHS’ latest initiative to lift the poor out of abject poverty. Its primary objective is to instill economic self-reliance by giving severely disadvantaged individuals access to tangible and sustainable income-generating resources such as Electric rickshaws, welding sets, sewing machines, etc.

Several needy men and women have received their choice of equipment for gaining self-employment.

Is Project Kirti based on giving out freebies?

No. In keeping with the teachings of our Guru, the idea of Kirti – derived from kirat or hard work – is to encourage people to embrace diligence and dignity as a way of life.

While UNITED SIKHS will make an initial down payment to the bank for obtaining their equipment, the ones being helped will themselves be expected to make the rest of the payment for the purchase from their earnings via EMIs.

While ownership of equipment will empower them, the obligation to pay off a loan will push them towards working to earn a livelihood.

Individuals agree to undergo a background check before being given any equipment. This ensures that contributions of our donors are invested in helping the genuinely indigent.

When was Project Kirti Launched?

We launched Project Kirti on Jan 31, 2023 this week in Ludhiana (Punjab) and received an overwhelming response from families looking for help. Celebrity actor and our long-time associate Gurpreet Singh Ghuggi joined us on the occasion. “Not many organizations in Punjab have focused attention on the aspect of Kirat. Project Kirti is a pioneering initiative to help the underprivileged earn a respectable living with diligent effort,” he said.

Launch of Project Kirti in Ludhiana saw the participation of Punjabi celebrity actor and long-time UNITED SIKHS associate Gurpreet Singh Ghuggi.

Project Kirti can be a new beginning for young people struggling to get employment. Ranjit Singh (name changed), who lost his part-time job during the pandemic, can now feed his family of three children, wife and ailing parents.  

Why Project Kirti is important? 

According to the UN Sustainable Development Goals Report 2022, the COVID-19 pandemic set off an economic crisis, reversing progress in areas of decent work and employment. Unemployment remains rife in developing countries, with the poor bearing the maximum brunt of the pandemic’s economic fallout. Project Kirti aligns with key sustainable development goals of the UN – to eradicate poverty and to promote sustainable economic growth and full, productive, and decent employment for all.

How can I help?

Downpayment for an e-rickshaw is nearly INR 40,000 and that for a sewing machine set is INR 5000. You, our precious donors, are the lifeblood of any campaign we run, any aid we disburse, any project we undertake, and basically any effort we spearhead. By giving a small donation, you are literally helping transform the life of a person, and possibly that of their family and future generations. YOU are giving someone the greatest gift of all – an honorable life that revolves around Kirat.

Jasleen Kaur

UNITED SIKHS

Recognize the Human Race as One