With Guru Nanak Jayanti around the corner, The Pioneer sits down with Tejdeep Kaur Menon, the driving force behind Telangana Sikh Society, sharing the society’s impactful initiatives that are transforming lives, embodying the values of compassion and more
Tejal Sinha
Nested in the heart of Telangana, where ancient traditions meet modern aspirations, lies the vibrant Telangana Sikh Society. This flourishing community is a shining exemplar of unity, diversity and spiritual growth, weaving together the rich cultural heritage of the Sikhs with the warm hospitality of Telangana.
This thriving community is a testament to the power of unity, where the timeless values of Sikhism blend harmoniously with the rich heritage of South India.
With its roots firmly planted in the principles of equality, compassion and selfless service, this society has blossomed into a beacon of hope, warmth and celebration. From the majestic Gurudwaras that stand as sentinels of faith to the vibrant festivities that dance with joy and different services, every moment is a testament to the boundless spirit of the Telangana Sikh community.
Here, the gentle waters of the Musi River merge with the sacred sounds of the Gurbani, creating a symphony of love and unity. Founded in 2018 by Tejdeep Kaur Menon, the Telangana Sikh Society is a registered NGO dedicated to promoting social welfare, education, and cultural preservation within the Sikh community. As an apex body for Sikhs in the state, the Telangana Sikh Society serves as a welfare institution and NGO, catering to the needs of the downtrodden and marginalised. “We focus on those who have been left behind in the developmental process for various reasons,” explains the founding president in an exclusive chat with The Pioneer.
She further goes on to highlight that there are 44 Gurudwaras across Telangana, serving a sizable Sikh population of approximately 4.5 to 5 lakhs. However, a significant portion of this community struggles with poverty. “Many, who are likely to be migrant workers, employed as welders, or manufacturing pots and pans. They face numerous challenges associated with poverty, including homelessness and displacement.”
She highlights the plight of these migrant workers, who often settle in an area for 20–30 years, only to be forcibly relocated due to infrastructure development or private interests. “Governmental agencies and private entities frequently displace them, citing reasons such as road widening or construction projects.”
Despite these challenges, the Telangana Sikh Society remains committed to addressing the community’s needs, working tirelessly to provide support and resources to our members, ensuring their well-being and empowerment.
Her dedication to the organisation’s mission is evident in her words, “We strive to create a better future for the Sikh community in Telangana and we will continue to work towards this goal.”
The Telangana Sikh Society has established itself as a beacon of hope for the marginalised Sikh community, providing essential services and advocacy. Menon explains, “When our community members face challenges, we intervene, navigating courts and government agencies to ensure they receive a fair deal.”
One of the organisation’s significant achievements is securing housing and land for displaced Sikh families. “We’ve successfully obtained BHKs and alternative land for our community members, including four Sikh families who were previously denied land due to neighborhood pressure.”
Then comes healthcare, which has been another critical area that they have been focusing on. The society provides free medical treatment, including cashless hospitalisation, physiotherapy and medication, primarily targeting those with congenital issues, accidents, or professional hazards. Menon notes, “We’ve supported over 2,000 patients, often accompanying them throughout their treatment journey.”
The organisation conducts regular health camps, including eye camps, in collaboration with hospitals like Lawrence and Mayo. “We screen patients and provide free spectacles to those below the poverty line, while others receive a 25% discount.”
Menon highlights the society’s partnerships with Punjabi doctors, leveraging their expertise to benefit the community. “Our network of doctors provides specialised care, from dental to orthopedic services, at subsidised rates.”
The Telangana Sikh Society’s initiatives extend beyond the Sikh community, supporting anyone in need. “We’ve helped patients from various backgrounds, including migrant workers and those with cancer.”
In addition to healthcare, they operate several skill development hubs, offering training in fashion designing, computer courses and pre-primary teacher training. During summer holidays, the society conducts spoken English classes for children across various locations. Menon reflects, “We’ve exhausted the population in some areas, but neighboring communities also benefit from our initiatives. We offer various programs, including computer courses, spoken English classes and women’s empowerment initiatives. However, during school seasons, it becomes challenging to engage children in our programs.”
To address this, the society organises residential children’s camps, providing a holistic experience. “We’ve hosted two massive camps, catering to 600 children, focusing on moral code, art, music and critical issues like alcoholism, abusive families and women’s empowerment.”
The COVID-19 pandemic temporarily halted these camps, but society has since shifted focus to women’s development centers, offering 45- to 60-day courses.
Emphasising the society’s commitment to preserving Sikh history and culture. “We showcase cultural events and exhibitions in Hyderabad, promoting our rich heritage.” During the pandemic, society sprang into action, distributing essential supplies. “We provided millions of packets of food, rice, milk, and cooked meals to suburbs of Hyderabad.”
Going ahead, she recounts the initial challenges to us, including a promised land allocation from the government that never materialised. The organisation collects funds from the community and channels resources from other institutions. A notable example is the approximately Rs 1 crore secured for Gurunanath High School’s repairs and infrastructure development.
She notes, “We support schools with outdated infrastructure, addressing pressing issues like waterproofing, toilets and drainage.”
Menon highlights the organisation’s focus on holistic support. “We conduct group marriages, providing newlyweds with essential items like gas cylinders, almirahs, TVs and more.” The society’s healthcare initiatives are comprehensive. “We partner with Dental Hospital for regular screenings, education, and treatments like fillings and root canals.”
Serious cases are transferred to government hospitals like NIMS, NAMS and Milofa, with the society covering expenses. “We utilise the Centimeters Relief Fund on a case-to-case basis, addressing expensive treatments for accidents and orthopedic, plastic and vascular surgeries.” Particularly among lower-middle-class families. “We regularly counsel our community members on obtaining driving licenses and adhering to traffic rules.” To amplify this initiative, the society collaborates with traffic authorities. “We organise sessions where traffic cops engage with our community, highlighting the importance of road safety.”
Menon notes that many families in the community are vulnerable to road accidents. “Often, you’ll see a mother, father, and child on a single bike, which is alarming.”
The Telangana Sikh Society’s proactive approach aims to mitigate such risks. “We strive to empower our community members, ensuring they prioritise road safety and responsible driving practices.” As we are going to celebrate Guru Nanak Jayanti tomorrow (November 15), the society is organising an eye camp for the poor and needy at the exhibition grounds. “We’ve been organising several such camps every year. Instead of just focusing on general health camps, we try to focus on the importance of maintaining their eye and dental health. Cleaning of teeth, the filling procedure for kids, we’ve been doing regularly. When there are any serious cases, we transfer it to the hospitals and pay for it.”
In a world often marked by division and inequality, the Telangana Sikh Society stands as a shining example of humanity’s capacity for kindness, generosity and love.
