Texas Sikh community feeds those affected by govt shutdown

HOUSTON:In a unique gesture, the Sikh community in San Antonio, Texas, offered free meals to fellow American government employees affected by the ongoing shutdown that has left thousands without pay in the US. The partial government shutdown, which entered the fourth week, has left more than 800,000 federal government workers out of work across the key departments.

President Donald Trump wants to build a ₹5.7-billion US-Mexico border wall, which according to him is a must to prevent flow of illegal immigrants into the US. The Democrats assert that such a move is a “waste” of taxpayers money.

All federal employees, who have been forced to work without pay, or have been furloughed during the partial government shutdown, were offered freshly prepared, hot vegetarian meals for three days starting January 11. The Sikh community workers prepared the gurdwara menu which comprised lentils, vegetables, rice and tortillas.

“Workers and families affected by the shutdown are invited to Sikh Centre all weekend for free meals starting today,” the Centre posted on its Facebook on Friday.

The idea that originated from the community’s willingness to offer help during this hour of difficulty for many American families soon drew many volunteers who offered to come and cook to feed everyone who would come to enjoy the meals.

“Sikh community is there to support the employees who did not receive their pay cheques. Also, the community appreciates their services and believes in giving gratitude for doing a wonderful service for the nation,” Balwinder Dhillon, president of the Sikh Center of San Antonio, told reporters.