Gurdwara Youth Leading New Era of Giving

On a bright afternoon at the Gursikh Sabha Canada gurdwara, Youth Representatives Manjoyt Bassi and Manpreet Bassi welcome us at the entrance. Both are full-time university students, yet each carries an unmistakable sense of purpose — living out the values of seva, the Sikh principle of selfless service performed out of love for humanity.

As they lead us through the bustling space, they explain that seva takes three forms: tan (physical service), man (mental and spiritual service), and dhan (material service). Here, these principles are not abstract ideas. They are everywhere — alive in the hands, minds, and hearts of the next generation.

Gurdwara Youth Leading New Era of Giving

On a bright afternoon at the Gursikh Sabha Canada gurdwara, Youth Representatives Manjoyt Bassi and Manpreet Bassi welcome us at the entrance. Both are full-time university students, yet each carries an unmistakable sense of purpose — living out the values of seva, the Sikh principle of selfless service performed out of love for humanity.

As they lead us through the bustling space, they explain that seva takes three forms: tan (physical service), man (mental and spiritual service), and dhan (material service). Here, these principles are not abstract ideas. They are everywhere — alive in the hands, minds, and hearts of the next generation.

We begin in the community kitchen, the langar, where tan seva unfolds. The space hums with movement as volunteers — many of them teenagers — chop, stir, sweep, and serve. Incredibly, the langar is sustained entirely through donations and volunteer labour. It provides hundreds of fresh, vegetarian meals each day to anyone who walks in, no matter their background or circumstance.

From the earliest hours of the morning until late at night, young people and elders work side by side, quietly stepping into whatever task is needed.

“People need water? You start pouring,” he says. “Anyone can come. Anyone can eat.” Today, during a special celebration, energetic and purposeful young people seem to be everywhere — guiding elders, preparing food, washing dishes and ushering families in and out of the prayer hall.

We begin in the community kitchen, the langar, where tan seva unfolds. The space hums with movement as volunteers — many of them teenagers — chop, stir, sweep, and serve. Incredibly, the langar is sustained entirely through donations and volunteer labour. It provides hundreds of fresh, vegetarian meals each day to anyone who walks in, no matter their background or circumstance.

From the earliest hours of the morning until late at night, young people and elders work side by side, quietly stepping into whatever task is needed.

“People need water? You start pouring,” he says. “Anyone can come. Anyone can eat.” Today, during a special celebration, energetic and purposeful young people seem to be everywhere — guiding elders, preparing food, washing dishes and ushering families in and out of the prayer hall.

As we make further into the Gurdwara, the halls reveal the ways man seva takes shape in this space; through learning, teaching, and carrying forward tradition. The Gurdwara’s classes which include Punjabi language lessons, music instruction on traditional instruments, youth-led prayers and a functioning library — are nearly all organized or supported by young people.

“The Gurdwara is always trying to involve the youth,” Manpreet explains. “Youth lead prayers at special events, and the library is run by volunteers my age. There’s always a meeting happening where the young people here are discussing how we can help.”

Finally, dhan seva comes into focus through the many community and youth-led initiatives highlighted throughout the Gurdwara — child sponsorship programs, fundraising for global disaster relief, and ongoing food-bank collections.

As we make further into the Gurdwara, the halls reveal the ways man seva takes shape in this space; through learning, teaching, and carrying forward tradition. The Gurdwara’s classes which include Punjabi language lessons, music instruction on traditional instruments, youth-led prayers and a functioning library — are nearly all organized or supported by young people.

“The Gurdwara is always trying to involve the youth,” Manpreet explains. “Youth lead prayers at special events, and the library is run by volunteers my age. There’s always a meeting happening where the young people here are discussing how we can help.”

Finally, dhan seva comes into focus through the many community and youth-led initiatives highlighted throughout the Gurdwara — child sponsorship programs, fundraising for global disaster relief, and ongoing food-bank collections.

And while these passionate calls to action line the walls, the deep generosity that unfolds behind each initiative is never on bold display. The Gurdwara’s long-standing support for healthcare institutions across the GTA is quiet but incredibly far-reaching — demonstrated again this year through their extraordinary $125,000 Giving Tuesday match for North York General, doubling every dollar donated around this global day of generosity.

It is yet another reflection of the values this extraordinary community holds so deeply. And as we walk back toward the entrance alongside the youth of the Gurdwara, they remind us that for them, this isn’t a unique gesture — it’s simply how they move through the world.

“We weren’t taught to keep these values limited to the Gurdwara,” says Manjoyt. “If someone needs help, you help. That’s just the way it is.”

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