How and when the Sikh Welfare Society was Established
During 2005 Christmas festive season, a group of fifty, (50) close friends met for lunch and discussed the idea that as Waheguru has continued to bestow His ample blessings on the whole group therefore, we must do something constructive to help the less fortunate people. The whole group was supportive of this idea and agreed to ‘give- back’ to society but without any political connotation.
To take the idea forward the group began meeting regularly and having brainstorming sessions to discuss how to shape the vision into a practical operation. Following a number of productive meetings it was agreed to hold medical camps in Panjab, particularly in the border areas, where the help was most required. Post, drafting of constitution and appointment of Executive Committee in place the “SIKH WELFARE SOCIETY” was formally launched on Friday, 18th of April 2008, at Carlton House, 501 High Road, Ilford, Essex IG1 1TZ. Local dignitaries well attended the event.
The Sikh Welfare Society being a self-funded charitable organisation has embraced an efficient approach to manage its financial affairs and human resources. Hence, the society avoids cost and time-consuming elections. Instead, the selection process is implemented to fill any vacant position. Only like-minded people who meet the criteria are likely to be accepted as its replacement members.
As per society’s constitution the Executive Committee comprises of twenty-five, (25) members and the Chairperson and other key roles are rotated on periodic basis.
Since the launch in 2008, medical camps have been held in:
We have organised over 10,000 cataract operations, treated thousands of individuals with skin diseases, diagnosed heart problems, orthopaedic problems, and cancer. The society has also paid for 21 poor couples weddings. We have also distributed over 100,000 books in England, Europe, and Punjab, to show what the society has achieved so far and what it plans to do going forward. The Society also supports the local Mayor’s charity, and this year it also paid for clothing and sleeping bags for the homeless in the bitter cold months of the year.
The Executive Committee is satisfied with the progress so far but there is lot more to do.
May WAHEGURU grant strength and wisdom to the SWS members to keep this good work going.
