Milpitas, California: Satnam Singh Chahal, Executive Director of the North American Punjabi Association (NAPA), has expressed serious concern over reports and a viral social media video allegedly showing an elderly Muslim man being asked to chant religious slogans before being allowed to receive food at a Bhandara in Siddharthnagar, Uttar Pradesh.
Chahal stated that regardless of an individual’s religion, caste, ethnicity, or social background, every human being deserves dignity and respect. Any act that compels a person to publicly proclaim religious beliefs or slogans as a condition for receiving food, assistance, or humanitarian support is deeply troubling and contrary to the principles of humanity.
“The essence of all great religions is compassion, service, and respect for human dignity. Food distribution programs, langars, bhandaras, and charitable initiatives should unite people rather than create divisions or subject anyone to embarrassment or humiliation,” said Chahal.
He emphasized that such actions are not only against the spirit of religious teachings but also against our collective moral character as a society. Humanitarian aid should never be conditioned upon religious expression, political allegiance, or ideological conformity.
“The Sikh tradition of Langar teaches us that every individual sits together and receives food equally, without discrimination and without being asked to prove their faith. Similar values of compassion and equality exist in all major religions. We must uphold these principles rather than undermine them,” Chahal added.
NAPA urges community leaders, religious organizations, and civil society groups to promote interfaith harmony, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence. The association also appeals to authorities to ascertain the facts surrounding the incident and ensure that no individual is subjected to religious coercion or humiliation.
“At a time when societies around the world are facing growing polarization, we must reject any behavior that demeans fellow human beings. Such actions are not only against our religions but also against our moral values and should be avoided at all costs,” Chahal concluded.