By Amrit Rooprai
Starting my undergraduate degree in Oxford, a city dotted with churches and chapels, introduced a sudden gap between me and my Sikh culture. With Michaelmas term came the festive cheer of Christmas and Diwali, but common Sikh celebrations like Bandi-Chor Diwas went unrecognized among the university’s societies. With the closest Gurdwara in Headington, I truly felt separated from my faith in proximity as well as practice. Amidst the essay crises, lectures, practicals, and tutorials, I desperately clung to my roots trying to navigate academics and a social life. One rare free evening, I found the Sikh Society while browsing the university website.
Filled with newfound hope, I attended their second event of the year, 'Chaa and Chats.' Taking a brisk walk from Somerville to Exeter College, I was warmly embraced by the most welcoming group of individuals. The cool October night, paired with the warmth of the chaa, made me reminisce about evenings at home with my family. Over the following year, I not only reconnected with Sikhi but also deepened my understanding and appreciation of its principles.
The Kaur’s Night in Hilary term established a sisterhood among the Sikh women. We bonded over mehndi and tote bag decorating, while evenings spent doing Rehraas Sahib improved my Gurmukhi reading skills. Listening to kirtan provided solace amidst the chaotic Oxford lifestyle. Connecting with Oxford Sikhs also led to links with the Punjabi Society, whose membership overlapped significantly. Games nights playing Bhabhi and Bluff with delightful friends fostered a strong sense of belonging as a Sikh in Oxford.
Trinity term brought the planning of various langars across the university. These free, nutritious, vegetarian meals were open to people of all faiths and walks of life. Weekly meetings at St Peter’s College were filled with preparations for the big Campus Langar at the beautiful Rhodes House. The event demonstrated the power of collaboration, with volunteers from the Sikh Society, SWAT, Khalsa Aid, student photographers, and Rhodes Scholars. We successfully hosted over 200 attendees, sharing traditional meals and imparting Sikh teachings such as Vaṇḍ Shhakō (Punjabi: ਵੰਡ ਛਕੋ), emphasizing the importance of sharing with the community, a core teaching of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
Additionally, the annual Vaisakhi formal at Exeter College allowed us to celebrate this special day together. Life as a Sikh in Oxford proved to be rich and fulfilling, bringing many of us closer to our roots than we could have ever imagined.