The evening featured a diverse array of performances, celebrating Sikh traditions and culture. / Snapsindia/Mohammed Jaffer

Guru Nanak Dev's 555th birth anniversary was commemorated at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) on Nov.9, drawing a diverse crowd to celebrate his teachings of unity and oneness. Titled "Oneness: A Light for Humanity," the event, organized by the nonprofit Let's Share a Meal, focused on Guru Nanak's message of equality and featured notable figures from India and the United States.

Let’s Share a Meal, active since 2012 in providing meals to homeless shelters and elderly homes, organized the event as an homage to the spirit of Langar—the community kitchen tradition introduced by Guru Nanak and later institutionalized by his followers. The 2,800-seat NJPAC venue was packed, showcasing the broad support for Guru Nanak’s ideals across communities.

Prominent figures from the US and India joined the celebration. Speakers included Indian American hotelier and Padma Bhushan recipient Sant Singh Chatwal, Giani Ranjit Singh, the head granthi of Gurdwara Bangla Sahib in New Delhi, and Michelin-starred chef Vikas Khanna. The event’s host, Onkar Singh, trustee and chair of the anniversary celebration, was commended for his dedication to spreading Guru Nanak’s message of universal brotherhood.

 

Prominent figures from the US and India joined the celebration. / Snapsindia/Mohammed Jaffer

Sant Chatwal presented the Oneness appreciation award to Vikas Khanna, honoring his humanitarian efforts and commitment to the values of Sikhism. “Just like the Guru ka Langar in India, the mission of Oneness, run by Onkar Singh, is to serve free food to all, particularly the homeless, which will help our community become known in America,” Chatwal said, highlighting the four community centers now operating in multiple states and Canada.

The evening featured a diverse array of performances, celebrating Sikh traditions and culture. Youth musicians, revered singers Bhai Satvinder Singh and Bhai Harvinder Singh, and speed-painter Vilas Nayak showcased their talents, with Nayak capturing Guru Nanak’s teachings through live art. Vocalists Hargun Kaur and Simran Kaur Aden performed Patti Likhi, a composition by Guru Nanak, accompanied by live calligraphy. Singer Kanwar Grewal energized the audience with his rendition of faqir-style performances, while Harshdeep Kaur, the finale performer, opened with the Mool Mantra and concluded with “Nanak aaya, Nanak aaya,” a tribute she composed for Guru Nanak’s 550th anniversary in 2019.

The emcee, Satinder Satti, engaged the audience with her knowledge of Sikhism, weaving the program’s themes with ease. The event raised an estimated $750,000, with funds supporting Let’s Share a Meal’s mission of organizing monthly food drives and providing aid to underserved communities. According to the organization, its initiatives have touched the lives of over 100,000 people to date.

Reflections from key figures

Speaking on the success of the event, organizer Onkar Singh noted, “This huge event, Oneness, has become super successful today with the support and cooperation of the entire community. Following Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s teaching of vand chhakna (sharing with others), we are reaching out not only to Sikhs but also to the entire world. People filling this 3,000-capacity hall show they dearly love this cause of humanity and adhere to the Guru’s direction.”

Sant Singh Chatwal emphasized the importance of service, or seva, in Sikhism, saying, “The mission of Oneness…is to serve free food to all, particularly the homeless, which will get our community known in America. Langar conveys Guru Nanak’s message that all humans are equal, beyond caste and creed.”

Vikas Khanna, a celebrity chef who grew up in Amritsar, spoke passionately about the importance of Langar in his life. “My life started in Amritsar. Langar gave me identity. I am part of the Sikh community – I feel their pain, and I am the cheerleader in their progress.”

Sant Chatwal presented the Oneness appreciation award to Vikas Khanna, honoring his humanitarian efforts and commitment to the values of Sikhism. / Snapsindia/Mohammed Jaffer

Giani Ranjit Singh, head granthi of Gurdwara Bangla Sahib, New Delhi said, “I commend Onkar Singh and his team for the Oneness event. This mission of free langar across America exemplifies Guru Nanak’s greatness, and I hope his message continues to spread worldwide.”

Sunil Hali, Promoter of Radio Zindagi, The Indian Eye, NDTV, and Aastha: “The Oneness event, held at the prestigious NJPAC, reflects Sikhism’s principle of Ik Onkar, and I am honored that Onkar Singh leads this effort. For 555 years, Guru Nanak’s message of love has guided us, and I appreciate the contributions of the Sikh community and soldiers globally.”

Juned Qazi, New Jersey Businessman and Political Activist: “Oneness brings together all communities, not just Sikhs. Sikhism’s emphasis on seva (service) for the poor and needy is inspiring, and I congratulate the Sikh community and everyone here for honoring Guru Nanak’s 555th birth anniversary.”

Mohan Singh Sandhu, Community Activist in NY-NJ: “Today’s Oneness event is a true reflection of Guru Nanak’s principles of humanity, equality, and charity. It is a vital reminder of the path to global peace and harmony, and I am grateful to the organizers for promoting Guru Nanak’s teachings.”