In a world where many care mostly about money and themselves, there’s still people ike Jamshed Singh Kapoor. He’s all about helping others, especially the hungry in Nagpur. He feeds 400 people every day, showing his care towards the needy and hungry people on the streets.
On World Hunger Day, he marks the occasion as World Langar Day, stressing the significance of seva (selfless service) and aiding those who are in need.
“Helping others isn’t just about giving; it’s a way of life to connect with the divine,” Kapoor explains. He thinks real peace comes from doing good without expecting anything in return. Helping out, even if you don’t have much, can make you feel happy and content inside.
Kapoor started langar seva in 2013, but his commitment to helping began earlier. He saved money by skipping festivals to help the community. He’s an astrologer with three Master’s degrees and a Diploma in Paralegal Practices. Kapoor rides his two-wheeler daily, carrying vessels filled with home-cooked thepla and khichdi. He serves from 7 am to 12 noon and 2 pm to 8:30 pm.
Kapoor, in a white “Langar Seva” T-shirt, serves dal khichdi to people around Nagpur. He carries the food in a container on his two-wheeler. Langar is a community kitchen providing free vegetarian meals at Gurdwaras.
Recalling an incident from the past, Kapoor shared a touching story about a beggar who regularly received food from him. The beggar gave Kapoor a bag with some clothes, requesting they be given to the needy after his death. “I took the bag home, and after his death, I opened it. To my surprise, I found Rs 25,000 in cash inside, which he had never mentioned,” Kapoor said.
“According to the United Nations, millions of people go to bed hungry each night, so free meal services like this are crucial,” says Kapoor. He feels blessed to have never faced a shortage of resources, thanks to generous donations from the community, including grains and disposable plates.
Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, Kapoor’s langar seva continued without interruption. When asked about health concerns, he replied, “I underwent medical check-ups and followed safety protocols, but I did not fear death while doing seva.” Kapoor’s dedication is evident through personal tragedies. After losing his son and later his mother, he continued the langar seva even on their funeral days, honoring their wishes.
Looking to the future, Kapoor, now nearing old age, dreams of building a Gurudwara in Nagpur dedicated to providing langar seva 24 hours a day. His unwavering commitment to feeding the hungry serves as a powerful reminder of the impact one person can have in restoring faith in humanity.