On the 16th of November, Chungthang breathed the sigh of relief as we inaugurated the most critical bridge connecting the village from the rest of Sikkim, which had got cut off due to the glacial floods ravaging down the Teesta during the early hours of 4th of October 2023. Standing tall and proud on the bridge, I looked over the village and saw the golden shrine shining next to the ‘Nishan Sahib‘ among the silhouette of houses, the shrine of Chungthang Gurudwara which stood undeterred amidst the deterred town, epitomizing Humanism we had witnessed over the last six weeks.
D+1 Day – 05th of Oct-23
The dawn after the D Day, as I, along with my team decided to head to the riverbank to inspect and plan the course of action, I saw the last hairpin bend had swept away along with most of the village. Standing before the hairpin bend, I saw a couple of ‘Men in Pagdi’ on the far bank, clearing their way through the muck, guiding the locals to their desolate homes, feeding them food, water & chai. The sight gave me an instant assurance, amidst the chaos, that Chungthang was in the most caring hands and that the village for sure, shall rise from the ashes. Those were the hands of – The Silent Sardars of Chungthang.
Chungthang, once a beautiful village, set in a valley of a Himalayan Mountain, hugged by the waters of Lachen Chu & Lachung Chu, confluence into Teesta forming the backwaters of Teesta Urja Dam, was devastated by the floods, with half the town submerged in muck, washing away more than 130 local houses leaving more than half the population homeless. The residents, who built the town brick by brick over generations, were stranded with no food, water or shelter and had lost everything they owned. Amidst the slushy desert, they found their heavenly abode at the Chungthang Gurudwara, which had put into action, their only war cry – ‘Sarbat da Bhala – Kar Sewa’ [May Everyone Prosper – Volunteer Selfless Service]
The sardars in turban were like the knights disguised as simple men dressed in shades of whites. These Saint-like men went out of their way in service to the entire village. The Gurudwara had sheltered hundreds of homeless locals, stranded tourists, units of the Armed forces who had lost their barracks & quarters and were carrying out rescue & relief operations, disaster relief teams, volunteers from NGOs, officials of state & local administration and many more. The sardars worked silently day & night providing food, water, shelter and most of all, ‘hope’ to anyone and everyone who knocked the ‘Dwar of Guru’.
Gurudwaras, since ages, have been an embodiment of service to Humanity and ‘Gurudwara Nanak Lama Sahib’ of Chungthang, under the humble ‘Babaji’, as everyone knows him, was proving it every day through its actions. The Sikhs of this place were not just tirelessly devoted to the various forms of service such as cooking, feeding, cleaning, providing medical aid & sheltering, but were also passionately involved in the rescue & relief operations. Some strong ones held shovels & pickaxes, clearing the debris from the houses and the road, along with the men in uniform, some were shifting essentials & relief material and some including Babaji himself were pulling and pushing ration over the zip line. And the ones strong at heart were serving ‘shakkarpara’, water & hot tea to all. Their efforts were beyond measure, as the Gurudwara had turned into a gathering place for meetings, discussions & decisions, safe space for kids, ladies & elderly, resource centre for all who needed power to charge their phones, batteries, equipment & machinery, solace for parents who left their kids at the school which now functioned from Gurudwara, and all this, along with it being the peaceful shrine for all prayers to be heard.
As me and Preethi stood on the bridge, gazing in awe we realized, the golden shrine gets its gleaming brilliance from the selfless service, silently radiating from them- ‘The Silent Sardars of Chungthang’.
And with that thought, we crossed over the bridge and headed straight in the direction of the Golden Shrine.
Our Gratitude to The Silent Sardars of Chungthang – Yadvender Singh, urf Babaji; Bhupinder Singh, Granthi; Arshadeep Singh; Taranjeet Singh, Langari (Cook); Devidayal Sharma; Chandan Kumar Sharma; Ajay Kumar.
December 10th, 2023 at 7:15 pm
Jo Bole Soo Nihal, Sat Shri Akal
Salute to Silent Sardars of Chungthang
Salute to Faujis
December 10th, 2023 at 7:16 pm
Thank you 🙏🏽
December 10th, 2023 at 8:16 pm
Wow, I felt I was in chungthang with u guys. Very nicely written 🙂.
December 10th, 2023 at 8:19 pm
Thanks for this article which highlights the activities and practical implication of the Sikh Principal…Sarbat da Bhala.
December 10th, 2023 at 8:27 pm
Absolutely wonderful
The grit and determination shown in the face of adversity is exceptional and praiseworthy..
Way to go champs👏🏻👏🏻👍🏻
December 10th, 2023 at 9:43 pm
Thanks Major Prashant for the writing on the role of Gurudwara . God comes in some form to help.
December 10th, 2023 at 11:05 pm
Thanks for this article Major Saab. All of us must be greatful to these silent sardars, who stood shoulder to shoulder with our fauji team in time of crises. Our sincere prayers will always be there for our faujis and the silent support systems 🙏
December 11th, 2023 at 12:11 am
Yes, I too have sardars to be as big hearted and helpful as they are physically strong. God bless them.
December 11th, 2023 at 9:28 am
Sir and ma’am,beautiful penned down, after flash flood Gurudwara kept everyone on job by providing food and shelter,
All credit to Yadwinder saab, a great silent warrior 🪖
December 11th, 2023 at 11:10 am
There is no parallel in history wrt the selfless, humane and benevolent service of the Sardars all over the world. I myself was stationed at Chungthang from 2008 to 2014 being involved in the Teesta -lll Hydroelectric project which unfortunately got hugely damaged due to GLOF. CHUNGTHANG witnessed a massive Earthquake in 2011 and cloud burst like flash floods in 2012 which wreaked havoc in Chungthang. I feel disheartened to think why God has been so unkind to Chungthang time and again. I also feel blessed to have had the opportunity of contributing my bit during the construction of this beautiful sacred Gurdwara Nanak Lama Sahib which always comes to the rescue of the public 24×7 ×365 in the times of crisis. May Guru Nanak ji bless all 🙏🙏
December 11th, 2023 at 11:18 am
Great Humanity work carried out by the Sikhs and local people of Chunthang.Hattsoff
December 11th, 2023 at 4:37 pm
🙏🏽🙏🏽
December 11th, 2023 at 4:38 pm
Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us 🙂 and heartfelt appreciation to your tenure in chungthang 🙂
December 11th, 2023 at 4:39 pm
Thank you 🙏🏽
December 11th, 2023 at 4:39 pm
🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
December 11th, 2023 at 4:39 pm
Thank you so much 🙏🏽
December 11th, 2023 at 4:39 pm
🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
December 11th, 2023 at 4:39 pm
Thank you 🙏🏽
December 11th, 2023 at 4:40 pm
Thank you 🙏🏽
December 11th, 2023 at 4:40 pm
Thank you 🙏🏽
December 13th, 2023 at 6:00 pm
Wow! There is no way one can repay the service being done by the selfless and brave people at the gurdwara, especially during trying times like these. May the world know more such courageous acts of humanity. Thanks for sharing.
December 14th, 2023 at 8:11 am
Thank you 😊
January 7th, 2024 at 10:33 pm
Truly these sardars are the real warriors for their selfless service everytime. Very well written sir. God bless these people.
January 7th, 2024 at 10:34 pm
Thank you so much 🙏🏽
August 15th, 2024 at 9:45 pm
We have been there together and had the prashad at the langar and also during Lohri. It never ever crossed my mind that places could be so vulnerable. It was so difficult to get through to you all…and the relief that you all were safe …will never forget that. Babaji and your teams worked on all fronts…gave your best and made us so proud. Salute!!!!
August 15th, 2024 at 10:11 pm
Thanks for sharing 👍
Hats off to the spirit of Sikhs…
May Waheguru keeps the Silent Sardars of Chungthang in Chardi Kala.
August 15th, 2024 at 10:11 pm
Thank you so much 😊🙏🏽
August 16th, 2024 at 2:36 pm
Legacy of Guru Nanak Dev ji is being diligently propagated by Sikh community world over without seeking any publicity or glory. Sikh quam is blessed by the Gurus and have the pious duty in the service of humanity. Sikhs have seen worst times over centuries and evolved themselves to help the people in distress. There is a lot others are learning from Sikhs. Thank you for highlighting the silent Sardars not for glory but for motivating the world for doing hood to others when in need.
August 16th, 2024 at 2:37 pm
Very true indeed.
August 16th, 2024 at 3:30 pm
Bless these ever caring Sanjay Ji’s
May their tribe always increase .
Beautifully written felt as if I was present there and seeing everything with my own eyes. at Chungthang
August 18th, 2024 at 8:35 am
I happen to serve in this area from 1995 to 1997 and have this Gurudwara Sahib flourishing day by day .There were some controversies but good to see with the grace of Siri Guru Nanak Dev ji we find an magnificent Gurudwara Sahib .Waheguru ji bless you all.
August 18th, 2024 at 10:29 am
Sikhs are carrying the message of Shree Guru Nanak Devji. Sat at da Bhalla. Salute to all those doing great service to the humanity.
August 18th, 2024 at 10:36 am
Completely agree!!
August 18th, 2024 at 10:52 am
Well versed brief for the Silent Sardars. It’s a great tribute to their selfless service.
Seldom recognised.
May Waheguru bless them keep up the Legacy.
“Nanak Naam charhdi kala,
There bhaaney Darbar da bhalaa “
August 18th, 2024 at 10:57 am
Prashant having seen Chungthang in better days, I am not surprised that the Lama who looked after this monastery cum gurdwara which is historic has now been taken over by Vava jies.
August 18th, 2024 at 10:58 am
🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
August 18th, 2024 at 11:01 am
Beautiful write up. Chardi kala to “silent sardars of Chungthang”.
Namak naam chardi kala tere bhane sarbat Da bhalla.
August 18th, 2024 at 11:19 am
May Heavens choicest blessings be showered on the devoted and dedicated SEVADARS of the Gur Dwara Sahib located in Chungthang SIKKIM.
August 18th, 2024 at 11:21 am
🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
August 18th, 2024 at 11:26 am
May Heavens choicest blessings be showered on the devoted and dedicated SEVADARS of the Gur Dwara Sahib located in Chungthang SIKKIM.. Silent Sardars and all associated with holy place deserve all praise and admiration.Gods grace and mercy be upon them everywhere and every time.🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
August 18th, 2024 at 12:25 pm
Guru Nank ji during 4th udasi , travelling down from Gurudangmar , was welcomed locals , who were being troubled by a Demon . Guru ji came to their rescue . He called this place” changi than “”. Local people called it Chung thang .
Demon tried to Kill guruji by rolling a huge Rock from top of Hill, but he stoped it with foot. ” Foot mark is visible on Rock & water flow,s continuously in Rock . Gurdwara is reconstructed by Baba Harbans Singh ji , with lots of accommodation for pilgrims .
Visited in 2015 , son was posted arround .
August 18th, 2024 at 12:39 pm
Waheguru Ji.
DAAS. NU. B. Aethe. SEWA. DA. DAAN. BAKSHAN. JI
HOPE. TO. VISIT. SOON. JI
August 18th, 2024 at 12:58 pm
SIKHS are the only community who are undoubtedly LIVING the teachings of the revered Gurus. All over the world they reach out to help the needy in times of distress and calamity selflessly without discrimination. The hallmark of true humanity. They ‘walk the talk’. 🙏
August 18th, 2024 at 1:00 pm
Completely agree 🙏🏽
August 18th, 2024 at 1:31 pm
Nanak naam chardikala terey bhaney sarbat da bhala. Boley so nihal Sat Sri Akal ji 🙏
August 18th, 2024 at 1:32 pm
Thank you 🙏🏽🙏🏽
August 18th, 2024 at 1:43 pm
Sardars and SEWA are synonymous. Sarbat da bhalla is in the DNA of the Khalsas. Have been to this area while in service and can well appreciate the conditions under which sewa is being performed. “Nanak NAM charhdi kala_terey bhanrey sarbat da bhalla”
August 18th, 2024 at 1:43 pm
🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
August 18th, 2024 at 3:07 pm
Bhai Yadvender Singh is a friend and a saint…. Local people have such good relations with him… Cherish the memories of my Chungthang days.. Starting 1983..when Gurudwara was in a Hut… Dad ka name is still there on the original foundation stone
August 18th, 2024 at 3:11 pm
Cl
August 18th, 2024 at 3:17 pm
True to the hukum of Waheguru selfless service to humanity is the creed of Sikhism and the same has been carried out in Chungthang Gurdwara by sewadars against all odds with divine blessings…Chardi Kalan always.
August 18th, 2024 at 3:18 pm
True to the hukum of Waheguru selfless service to humanity is the creed of Sikhism and the same has been carried out in Chungthang Gurdwara by sewadars against all odds with divine blessings…Chardi Kalan always.
August 18th, 2024 at 3:36 pm
🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
August 18th, 2024 at 3:36 pm
🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
August 18th, 2024 at 4:33 pm
Vaheguru ji ka khalsa
Vaheguru ji ki fatah .
Nanak nam chardi Kala tere bhane sarbat da bhla.
August 18th, 2024 at 4:44 pm
Amazingly beautiful knowledge. I am an ardent follower of Guru Nanak dev ji.
August 18th, 2024 at 4:53 pm
Thank you 😊
August 18th, 2024 at 6:22 pm
Service before self and for all in need that’s the motto of the true Sikh and blessed indeed the sevadars of the shrine who helped those in dire distress. Wahe Guruji da Khalsa Wahe Guruji di Fateh🙏
August 18th, 2024 at 6:23 pm
Service before self and for all in need that’s the motto of the true Sikh and blessed indeed the sevadars of the shrine who helped those in dire distress. Wahe Guruji da Khalsa Wahe Guruji di Fateh🙏
August 18th, 2024 at 6:32 pm
Sikh DHARAM IS ONE AND only one who serve to humanity irrespective of cast creed or religion, region, state or country. They try to reach the site where the help is required with food medicine and all other things needed. A great religion and great people who have got the ZASBA AND ENTHEOUSISM TO HELP THE SUFFERINGS PEOPLE ANY WHERE IN WORLD. MY GREATEST SALUTE TO THEM.MAY GOD AND GURU NANAK DEV SHAIB ALL WAYS BLESS THEM.
August 18th, 2024 at 6:36 pm
Nanak Naam Chardi Kala tere bhane sarbat da bhala
August 18th, 2024 at 7:20 pm
Reading it instils in me a sense of satisfaction and pride that there are Sikhs who still work selflessly for Sarbat da Bhala. May Waheguru bless them and through them the message of the gurus goes to the world. Hope the babas of Punjab are listening. And yes, thanks for sharing this.
August 18th, 2024 at 7:55 pm
🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
August 18th, 2024 at 7:55 pm
🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
August 18th, 2024 at 8:04 pm
Much love and care
August 18th, 2024 at 8:10 pm
Waheguru ji chardikalan che rakhan sabnu
August 18th, 2024 at 8:32 pm
🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
August 18th, 2024 at 8:39 pm
In time of despair our Sikh community has always come forward and helped the needy. I’m proud to be a Sikh myself. As in many other communities there are some draw backs as well in our in some places but mainly the Sikh’s are ever ready to help always. Proud Sikh and Indian. 🙏🏼
August 18th, 2024 at 8:45 pm
May God bless all and give ‘sadbudhi
August 18th, 2024 at 9:14 pm
What a great Community and beliefs.. humanity defined very beautifully 🤩
August 18th, 2024 at 9:23 pm
🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
August 18th, 2024 at 9:23 pm
🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
August 18th, 2024 at 9:24 pm
🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
August 19th, 2024 at 12:39 pm
Sub Guru Nanak Devji dee Meher
August 19th, 2024 at 2:38 pm
Thank you 😊
August 19th, 2024 at 5:18 pm
Ra
August 19th, 2024 at 7:39 pm
I am a Hindu Brahmin but I am blessed and so fortunate that I am born in the land where Guru Nanak Dev preached his sermon. The twin principles of Shastra ( to protect the weak) and Seva ( to serve humanity) the Sant sipahi s of Guru Govind Singh have spread this msg far and wide We have many such examples of the selfless service of this great community. We are blessed to have Sikhs within us.
August 19th, 2024 at 10:59 pm
Very true , the people who follow teachings of Baba Nanak g , take up humanity as their religion. Irrespective of any difference in terms of caste , creed , etc , they tc of everyone’s happiness and helping others and protecting the weak n the deprived ones is a significant part of their character.
August 20th, 2024 at 9:48 am
Dhan Dhan Sri GURU NANAK DEV JI MAHARAJ JI DI KIRPA DA SADKA.👏👏👏👏👏
August 20th, 2024 at 9:49 am
Excellent n dedicated served to the mankind. Waheguru ji.
August 20th, 2024 at 11:13 am
Dhann Guru Nanak!
Hi 3 Golden Rules were
Dharam di Kiret karo
Naam Japo.
Vannd Chhako.
And All the Gurdwaras of the world are practicing this!
Dhann Guru Nanak!!
August 20th, 2024 at 2:27 pm
With one light the Creator Brought the His Creation into existence. We all are bearing the Light of Creation and HOW can we say who is bad or good ! With this view of perceiving HIS Creation, Baba Nanak blessed his disciples and showed ways of selfless services to humanity. These disciples were know as Sikhs ” The Learner” .
August 20th, 2024 at 11:38 pm
Salute to the Vision of our Gurus who created a strong foundation of 249 years starting from Guru Nanak Dev ji in 1469 to Guru Gobind Singh ji in 1708 sowing the Seeds of
Kirat karo – work hard
Naam japo – Recite the Naam
Vand chako – Share what you have
Thus creating Sant Sipahi 🙏🏻
August 20th, 2024 at 11:40 pm
Salute to the Vision of our Gurus who created a strong foundation of 249 years starting from Guru Nanak Dev ji in 1469 to Guru Gobind Singh ji in 1708 sowing the Seeds of
Kirat karo – work hard
Naam japo – Recite the Naam
Vand chako – Share what you have
Thus creating Sant Sipahi 🙏🏻
August 21st, 2024 at 8:02 am
We the Indian Nation are blessed to have Sikhs with us . Thank God for the great Path shown by Guru Nanak Sahib ji
August 21st, 2024 at 8:06 am
We the Indian Nation are blessed to have Sikhs with us . Thank God for the great Path shown by Guru Nanak Sahib ji
August 21st, 2024 at 2:55 pm
Sewa and Shastra….the guiding principles of Sikhism should be imbibed by all humanity. A true Sikh symbolizes Dharma!
Let us serve humanity like a true Sikh.
November 28th, 2024 at 12:21 am
So proud to read selfless service of my community – the real sikhs of Guru Nanak who follow his teachings in their deeds. Waheguru bless them. And thanks to Preethy Rao for this article & people like her who recognise what is good for humanity & communal harmony.
November 28th, 2024 at 7:47 am
Thank you so much
November 30th, 2024 at 6:55 pm
GREAT SALIENT WORRIERS. SALUTE TO U ALL FOR URcontribution to humanity. Great work.
November 30th, 2024 at 7:08 pm
Thank you so much for your kind words 🙂
December 3rd, 2024 at 6:55 pm
Sardars have always served This community is very great
All hats to them
December 3rd, 2024 at 6:55 pm
Thank you so much 🙂