A young sewadal saint from Leicester Sangat in the UK, Vinay Hansrani took the initiative to raise a large sum of money in order to donate 1,000 Easter chocolate eggs to local hospitals. He did this with the help of his wife, Sushma ji and Leicester sadh sangat. These 1,000 Easter eggs were donated on Easter Monday 5th April 2010 by Vinay ji, Sushma ji, local committee member, Reverend Hardev Singh ji along with his wife, Kashmeer Kaur ji, local saints and Executive member UK in charge social and welfare, Reverend M.S. Bhumbra ji.

The first hospital was Royal Infirmary Hospital, Leicester where the above saints were met by Ms Susan Grewcock (Senior Play Specialist) of the children’s ward. She expressed that this act of kindness was much appreciated. She was available for the following comment: “It’s very nice that the Mission has donated so many Easter eggs as Easter is meant to be a time of celebration and it’s not very nice to be in hospital. It’s good that the children in the hospital won’t be missing out.”

After the eggs were donated at the Royal Infirmary, a young saint gave a brief overview of the Mission and placed emphasis on Baba Hardev Singh ji Maharaj’s teachings and that they have encouraged the donation of Easter eggs as it is a small gesture to give some happiness to those that are ill during the time of a festival. The young saint also went on to say that the Social and Welfare department of the mission arrange blood donation camps, luncheon clubs and help children, elderly and the whole of humanity irrespective of caste, colour and creed. He concluded by saying the Mission believes in equality and uniting for the good of humanity.

The final hospital was Glenfield Hospital, Leicester where the above saints were met by Ms Sarah Mayoh-Smith (duty manager) who warmly welcomed the members of the Mission and took the saints to the children’s ward and an elderly ward. Sarah was very happy to see this contribution from the Mission and her thoughts were as follows: “It’s an excellent thought and a way to put the Mission’s views across through actions. Diversity in the sense of everybody working together as a team is a good attribute. I, myself have Afro-Carribean and Indian relatives and it’s fantastic to see people from all cultures coming together and celebrate Easter together regardless of their backgrounds.”

When the eggs had been donated at this final hospital, it was heart rendering to see a child of no more than 10 years old who had just undergone open heart surgery; incredibly happy to receive an Easter egg despite his pain. To conclude, Reverend Bhumbra ji explained that the Mission has been donating Easter eggs in various Leicester hospitals since 2007 but this was the first time when the Mission has donated to more than one hospital. He also emphasised the spiritual philosophy of the Mission and the teachings of Baba ji. On a final note, Reverend Bhumbra ji prayed for the good health of all of the children and good health of nurses and Doctors so that God can give them strength to continue their good work.

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