University of Denver Students Host First Annual Langar@DU
Partnership with Colorado Sikhs for Langar@DU promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion through shared meal on University of Denver campus
"Langar@DU was something I had a tremendous time being involved in, and seeing it all come together was truly special. The day itself is filled with a lot of fun and special tradition with the Sikh community. I
encourage everyone to attend and take in all it has to offer."
- Cole Guttman, DU Student
Students at the University of Denver host the first annual Langar@DU on Saturday, June 4th, 2022 from 11am – 2pm. In partnership with the Colorado Sikhs, undergraduate students, graduate students, staff, faculty, contractors, neighbors, family, and friends gather to celebrate a shared love of humanity and oneness while enjoying a free, vegetarian Indian meal, music, fun, games and opportunities to connect in community. The event will take place on Carnegie Green and all are welcome to attend.
Sikhs around the world serve over 6.5 million Langar meals each day in a 500-year old Sikh tradition. During this free, shared meal, the community is invited to come as they are, as all are welcomed. “When the Sikh tradition of Langar is practiced at the University, the central focus of promoting equity through preparing and sharing a meal has been inspiring for the students. In my experience, Langar is an expression of bridging diverse race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, and class identities. Through the course, the students learn how to build inclusive community across difference,” said Marji Karish, University of Denver, Adjunct Professor.
Throughout the University of Denver's 2022 and 2023 Spring Quarters, Communication students worked alongside community partners and Community + Values to create, host and implement a Langar on campus of their own, working through strategy, marketing, community engagement, event planning and leadership roles in order to make this event a reality. This course challenged students to engage in leadership roles and community planning while providing them with tools to serve others as well as skills to manage large programs in organizational settings.
“I’ve enjoyed working with the diverse student population at DU. Their outreach to every nook of DU’s population, the neighboring communities, and civic leadership has brought a truly expansive population of like-minded people together who appreciate the Unity Through Community at the center of Langar. The national and language diversity in the classes proved to widen the reach of the invitation,” shared Mr. Dilpreet Jammu, President of the Colorado Sikhs.
Fourth year DU student, Shania Vigil stated, “The implementation of this event is just the first step of our greater goal. This project has and will always be bigger than a class grade or project. This very event, and everything the Sikh community stands for, exemplifies what all of humanity should be like and how important it is to serve others for a better and more inclusive world."
"This event represents the 4D Experience at DU so well. It celebrates connection and a commitment to ‘unity through community.' Students explored new ideas and created new connections throughout the 10 weeks. It is amazing to see all the students have done to plan this event in partnership with so many at DU and in the Sikh community," said Chase McNamee, Senior Project Manager in the Office of the Provost, who oversees Community + Values.
The Langar@DU takes place on the University of Denver campus and welcomes the community to take part. For additional information please visit https://www.du.edu/community-values/langaratdu
Author contact information:
303-475-6169
jack.caruso@du.edu
For full press packet, visit here: Press Packet