Guru Nanak Dev Gurdwara, Hull, was the setting for a special programme marking the official launch of SEVA – Helping Everyone in Need, a community initiative established in loving memory of Sardar Sewa Singh Gola, whose determination, faith and commitment to the Sikh community helped shape the foundations of Sikh life in Hull.
The event brought together members of the Sikh community, representatives from neighbouring Gurdwaras, people of different faiths and backgrounds, and friends united by a shared belief in helping others.
The programme celebrated not only the beginning of a new community initiative but also the life and legacy of Sardar Sewa Singh Gola , whose values of honesty, compassion, perseverance and selfless service continue to inspire his family.
A spiritual beginning to a new chapter
The programme featured devotional Kirtan performed by Bhai Satinderbir Singh Ji from Sri Harmandir Sahib, the Golden Temple in Amritsar, creating an atmosphere of spiritual reflection, remembrance and unity.
Kirtan is an important part of Sikh worship, bringing people together through the singing of hymns from Gurbani and reminding the congregation of the teachings of the Sikh Gurus.
A particularly memorable moment came when Bhai Satinderbir Singh Ji pressed the button on a laptop to officially launch SEVA, marking the initiative going live and beginning its journey to reach people who need help, guidance and support.
The symbolic launch represented the transformation of a family’s tribute into a wider commitment to serving humanity.
For the family of Sardar Sewa Singh Gola, the occasion was deeply personal. Through SEVA, they hope to continue his legacy by turning the values he lived by into practical acts of kindness that benefit people across Hull and the surrounding communities.
A gathering that united people across faiths
One of the most significant aspects of the event was the participation of people from different faiths, backgrounds and walks of life.
Their presence reflected the inclusive spirit of SEVA and demonstrated how a shared commitment to helping others can bring communities together.
Sikhism teaches the importance of humanity, equality, compassion and respect for all. These principles are reflected in the Sikh tradition of Seva, which encourages people to help others without discrimination or expectation of reward.
The Sikh principle of Sarbat Da Bhala — wishing for the wellbeing and prosperity of all — reinforces the belief that everyone deserves dignity, kindness and support, regardless of their religion, ethnicity, culture or personal circumstances.
SEVA has been established in this spirit. It welcomes people from all faiths and backgrounds and aims to support individuals and families who may be experiencing hardship, facing everyday challenges or struggling to find appropriate assistance.
The gathering demonstrated that community service is not limited by religious or cultural boundaries. Instead, it provides an opportunity for people to work together, build understanding and make a positive difference in the lives of others.
Support from neighbouring Sikh communities
The launch was attended by committee representatives from neighbouring Sikh temples, highlighting the importance of unity and cooperation within the wider Sikh community.
Among the guests were Mr Gurmeet Singh Atwal and Mr Harbans Singh Soomal from Scunthorpe, and Mr Tija Singh from Doncaster.
Their attendance demonstrated support for the initiative and the shared values of service, compassion and community responsibility.
The gathering provided an opportunity for members of different Sikh communities to come together, recognise the importance of supporting people in need and encourage greater cooperation between local organisations.
SEVA hopes to build positive relationships with Gurdwaras, charities, community groups and public services so that people experiencing difficulties can be guided towards appropriate help.
The participation of representatives from neighbouring communities reinforced the message that when people work together with a common purpose, they can create stronger and more supportive communities.
Remembering Sardar Sewa Singh Gola: A legacy built on faith and commitment
At the heart of the launch was the memory of Sardar Sewa Singh Gola, whose life and contribution to Hull’s Sikh community remain an important part of his family’s history and the city’s wider cultural heritage.
Having arrived in Hull in the early 1970s, Sewa Singh Gola was among the early Sikh settlers who helped establish the foundations of Sikh community life in the city. During a period when the Sikh community was considerably smaller, he remained committed to his faith, his identity and the values that guided his life.
His generation faced challenges in establishing a place for Sikh worship and community life. Through perseverance and collective effort, the early Sikh community helped lay the foundations for the development of the Gurdwara, which became an important place of worship, gathering and support for Sikh families in Hull.
For his family, his contribution was about more than the establishment of community institutions. It was also about preserving faith, maintaining cultural identity and encouraging future generations to live with honesty, kindness and respect for others.
His commitment to the Sikh community and the values he passed on to his family continue to inspire the work being undertaken through SEVA. For his sons and family, establishing SEVA is a way of honouring his memory through action rather than words alone.
The initiative seeks to carry forward his principles by supporting people experiencing hardship, encouraging compassion between communities and ensuring that those in need have somewhere to turn for guidance and assistance.
Although Sewa Singh Gola is no longer with his family, his influence continues through the people who remember him and the positive work inspired by his life.
Continuing his story through Hull History Centre
The work to preserve Sewa Singh Gola legacy has also received support from Pete Eaves and Solomon Clarke of Hull History Centre, who have continued to support efforts to recognise and preserve his story as part of Hull’s social and cultural history.
Their involvement reflects the importance of recording the experiences of early Sikh settlers and recognising their contribution to the development of the city.
Previous community and historical events have helped bring Sewa Singh Gola story to a wider audience, highlighting the experiences of early Sikhs and the determination required to establish community life in Hull.
Preserving his stories will help future generations to understand the contribution of different communities to Hull’s identity and heritage.
The launch of SEVA provides another way to carry this legacy forward. It connects the history of an early Sikh pioneer with a present-day commitment to compassion, inclusion and community service.
In this way, remembrance becomes an opportunity to inspire meaningful action and encourage others to continue the work of helping people in need.
SEVA: A non-profit community initiative dedicated to helping people
Its purpose is not personal gain or commercial profit. Its focus is on people and on finding ways to provide support, guidance and assistance to those who need it.
The group aims to help individuals and families who may be experiencing financial hardship, facing language barriers, struggling with everyday tasks or unsure where to find the right support.
SEVA hopes to work alongside Hull City Council, the NHS, charities, local organisations and community groups to help people access appropriate services.
It also hopes to organise Langar Seva for people experiencing hardship, reflecting the Sikh tradition of providing food freely and treating everyone equally.
Donations dedicated to people in need
Transparency and the responsible use of donations are central to SEVA’s commitment.
All donations received by SEVA are intended to be used solely to help people in need and for charitable purposes. No wages, personal expenses or community running costs are deducted from the donations.
The group is committed to ensuring that the money raised for its charitable work serves the purpose for which it was given: supporting people who need help.
SEVA also plans to raise funds through the sale of branded merchandise, including hoodies, T-shirts, keyrings and pens. Profits generated from merchandise sales will go towards charitable donations and helping people in need.
Whether someone contributes financially, volunteers their time, offers practical assistance or simply shares information about the initiative, every contribution can help the group reach more people.
The aim is to build a community in which kindness leads to action and those facing difficult circumstances feel supported rather than forgotten.
Inspired by Sarbat Da Bhala: The Wellbeing of All
The guiding philosophy behind SEVA is rooted in the Sikh principle of Sarbat Da Bhala, which expresses a wish for the wellbeing and prosperity of everyone. Sikh teachings encourage people to live honestly, share with others and serve humanity without discrimination.
These principles are reflected in the values SEVA hopes to promote:
• Humanity: Treating every person with compassion and dignity.
• Equality: Supporting people without discrimination.
• Diversity: Welcoming individuals from all faiths, cultures and backgrounds.
• Selfless service: Helping others without expecting anything in return.
• Compassion: Recognising hardship and responding with kindness.
• Integrity: Ensuring funds raised for charitable purposes are used responsibly
SEVA believes that helping people should never depend on their religion, background or personal circumstances.
Its vision is to encourage stronger community connections and work collaboratively with existing organisations so that people can find appropriate support when they need it most.
Looking towards the future
The official launch at Guru Nanak Dev Gurdwara, Hull, on Saturday 24th October 2026, marked an important milestone for the family of Sardar Sewa Singh Gola and everyone who came together to support the initiative.
The devotional Kirtan performed by Bhai Satinderbir Singh Ji, the participation of people from different faiths, the attendance of neighbouring Gurdwara representatives and the continued support for preserving Sewa Singh Gola history all contributed to a meaningful occasion.
For his family, SEVA represents an opportunity to ensure that his values continue to have a positive impact on the lives of others. The initiative now looks towards building relationships, encouraging volunteers, raising awareness and helping people find support when they need it.
Its message is simple: compassion should have no boundaries, kindness should be available to everyone, and nobody should feel that they have to face life’s difficulties alone.By bringing people together through selfless service, SEVA hopes to build a stronger, kinder and more inclusive community across Hull and the surrounding areas.
SEVA – Helping everyone in need
Guljar Singh Gola and Dalwender Singh Gola, sons of Sardar Sewa Singh Gola, established SEVA – Helping Everyone in Need to support the community and honour their father’s legacy through humanity, equality, diversity, compassion and selfless service, helping people of all faiths and backgrounds.
Learn more about Sewa Singh Gola and SEVA or find out how to get involved: www.sewasinghgola.co.uk