DARPAN FEATURE Blood Donation by Sikh Nation began as a tribute to the events of 1984. With the vision of bringing people together, the Sikh community started the Blood Donation Campaign in 1999. The volunteer-led initiative is rooted in the fundamental belief that all human beings are equal, rejecting the concepts of idolatry, ritualism, caste system and asceticism.
It really is about the awareness. The true spirit of a Sikh is to treat all human beings as equal. The soul and essence of the campaign is to continue to do good in the community. The main goal is to stop the genocidal mindset and support humanitarian campaigns.” – Jastej Kaur Sidhu, Sikh Nation volunteer 52
NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2021
Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle
Bunvir Kaur Nijjer, Sikh Nation volunteer, describes the most rewarding aspect of her volunteerism, “The best part is the impact that this campaign has on saving lives. It is not about gender or race. We are all one human race. The good feeling you get that you’ve been part of such a great campaign – that feels great! I’ve made so may friends, through Sikh Nation, who are like family to me.” Nijjer’s involvement with Sikh Nation traces back to 17 years ago, when her father stopped by the campaign and was amazed to see all the great work being
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done. Not being able to donate, he inquired how he could get involved and help. After meeting the founders of the campaign at the time, he was encouraged to start the campaign in his city, Kelowna. Nijjer accompanied her father as a volunteer until she was herself eligible to donate. Alongside community service, the campaign has been nothing short of father-daughter bonding time for the two, leading her to form a personal connection with the work being done. With the recent passing of her father, Jadvinder Singh Nijjer, she hopes to continue his legacy and, in his honor,
