Sikhs in Texas feed US govt employees hit by shutdown

Houston, January 16

In a unique gesture, the Sikh community in San Antonio, Texas, offered free meals to fellow American government employees affected by the ongoing shutdown that has left thousands without pay in the US.  

The partial government shutdown, which entered the fourth week, has left more than 8,00,000 federal government workers out of work across key departments.

Trump wants to build a US-Mexico border wall and is seeking USD 5.7 billion in funding for the physical barrier which, according to him, is a must to prevent the flow of illegal immigrants into the US. The Democrats assert that such a move is a “waste” of taxpayers money.  

All federal employees, who have been forced to work without pay, or have been furloughed during the partial government shutdown were offered freshly prepared, hot vegetarian meals for three days beginning January 11.  

Sikh community workers prepared the gurdwara menu which comprised lentils, vegetables, rice and tortillas. 

“Workers and families affected by the shutdown are invited to the Sikh Centre all weekend for free meals starting today,” the centre posted on its Facebook.

The idea that originated from the community’s willingness to offer help during this hour of difficulty for many American families soon drew volunteers who offered to cook to feed. 

“The Sikh community is there to support the federal employees who did not receive their pay cheques. Also, the Sikh community appreciates their services and believes in showing gratitude to those men and women for their wonderful service to the nation,” Balwinder Dhillon, president of the Sikh Centre of San Antonio, told the media.

“The least we could do is support them with a hot meal for the next three days,” he said.

The Sikh Centre is the oldest gurdwara in the city and was established in 2001. It also offers food, clothing and shelter to needy new immigrants. — PTI