Transforming Sikligar Sikh Lives: Community Development in Miryalguda, Telangana

Community Overview: In the summer of 2017, SAF International initiated a Community Development Project in Miryalguda, Telangana, to uplift the highly marginalized Sikligar Sikh community. Over the years, this project has grown into a beacon of hope for the families and children living in extreme poverty. Through education, infrastructure improvements, and community engagement, SAF has made significant strides in transforming the lives of those in this neglected Sikligar Sikh community.

Challenges Faced

The Sikligar community in Miryalguda faces numerous challenges, including limited access to education, inadequate water supply, poor sanitary conditions, and overcrowded living spaces. Families in this community reside in small, single-room houses, with as many as eight people living together. The only water source is a community tap that runs for just an hour or two  a day, leaving many without sufficient access to clean water. Sanitation is another major issue, with poorly constructed bathrooms offering no privacy, particularly for women. The primary breadwinners, usually men, rely on making household appliances from scrap materials, but with the rise of mass-produced goods, their income has drastically dwindled, trapping them in a cycle of poverty.

Progress and Expansion:

• 2018 Update:

  SAF took immediate action by supporting two Sikligar communities, one with 60 families and another with 30. After the local school shut down in September 2017, SAF ensured the children’s education continued by temporarily transferring them to a government school. By June 2018, these children were permanently enrolled in a private school, and SAF provided them with uniforms and school bags.

• 2019 Update: 

  This year marked a significant milestone, as SAF successfully organized a trip for 40 Sikligar Sikhs to visit Sri Harmandir Sahib on Vaisakhi, many for the first time in their lives. The program continued to expand, with more children being accepted into the Educate a Child Program.

• 2020 Update: 

  Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, SAF approved more children and families in the area and began working on improving the local Gurdwara. Although the project faced delays due to the pandemic, SAF provided essential food aid to families as part of the Educate a Child Program.

• 2021 Update: 

  SAF made significant progress, drastically increasing the number of children enrolled in the child sponsorship program. A SAF team member stayed with the community for two months to better understand their needs, which led to more effective aid delivery. The local Gurdwara underwent major renovations, including a new Sukhassan room, Langar hall, and an extended main darbar hall – which was completed all by SAF India.

• 2022 Update:

  With schools reopening in Telangana, children in the community were eager to return to their education after a long gap. While online learning during the pandemic was challenging, the community remained resilient, and SAF continued to support 32 children in their educational pursuits.

• 2023 Update:

  SAF witnessed increased school enrollments, allowing the organization to support more children. Our Founder's dedication was evident as he spent five days living with the community, teaching Gurbani, Dastaar tying, and the seva of Guru Granth Sahib Ji. This hands-on engagement helped strengthen the bond between SAF and the community.

• 2024 Update:

  As we continue our work in Miryalguda, we currently support 21 children. Last year, we transferred them to a better school, resulting in improved academic performance. While Gurmat classes were delayed, we are thrilled to introduce Panjabi and Sikh history classes starting in Fall 2024. The deep bonds we've built over the past six years have earned us respect within the community, and we remain committed to enriching the lives of these children. Your support has been crucial to this journey, and we thank you for standing with us.

The journey in Miryalguda has been one of overcoming adversity and building a brighter future for the Sikligar Sikh community. Through sustained efforts in education, infrastructure, and community engagement, SAF International has created a lasting impact. As we look forward to new initiatives and continued growth, we invite you to join us in this mission to empower the lives of those in need!