12
February
From Jammu & Kashmir to Sri Darbar Sahib
A Journey of Pyaar, Faith & Darshan
When you sponsor a child through SAF International, you are not just paying school fees.
You are becoming part of their Ardas.
You are becoming part of their journey toward Guru Sahib.
This is the story of Ashmeet Kaur, a young girl from Jammu & Kashmir, whose heartfelt dream was simple — to have Darshan of Sri Harmandir Sahib.
Ashmeet Kaur & her story
Ashmeet lives with her mother and her younger sister. After the passing of her father, who worked as a wood contractor, her mother has been raising both daughters alone with resilience and hope.
For families without a male member, travelling long distances is not easy. Financial pressures, safety concerns, and responsibilities at home often make such journeys nearly impossible — especially from Jammu & Kashmir to Amritsar.
Yet every time Ashmeet was asked about her wish, she lovingly repeated just one thing:
“I want to do Darshan of Sri Darbar Sahib.”
Her eyes would light up whenever she spoke about it.
It was not luxury she desired — it was Pyaar for Guru Sahib.
The Longing for Darshan — A Thread From Sikh History
In the time of Guru Sahib, Sangat would travel from distant lands simply for Darshan.
Historical records describe Sikhs journeying from places like Kabul, Kashmir, and far-off regions of North India, walking for weeks and sometimes months just to sit in the presence of Guru Sahib. There were no trains, no buses, no easy roads — only Pyaar and faith that carried them forward.
Their desire was not worldly gain.
It was Darshan.
Gurbani captures this longing beautifully:
“Darshan dekh jeevaan Gur tera.”
By beholding the Guru’s Darshan, I truly live.
Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Ang 94
For a Sikh, Darshan is not just seeing with the eyes. It is feeling that inner connection that words cannot describe.
When Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji established Sri Harmandir Sahib, it became the spiritual center where Sangat from all directions could gather. The four doors symbolised openness to all humanity — but even with that openness, reaching Darbar Sahib has always required effort, sacrifice, and longing.
Even today, for many Sikhs around the world, Darshan of Sri Darbar Sahib remains a privilege.
For many of our Sikh brothers and sisters in Nepal and the Sikhs outside of Panjab, the journey to Amritsar is still something they dream about. Financial limitations, family responsibilities, and distance make it difficult. Their pyaar for Guru Sahib is no less — but the opportunity is not always within reach.
And this is why Ashmeet’s journey matters so deeply.
She was not just visiting a place. She was living the same longing that Sangat have carried in their hearts for centuries.
A Dream That Became Reality
In October 2024, Ashmeet became part of SAF International’s Education Sponsorship Program. Her education was secured. Her future strengthened. But when our team carefully reviewed her profile, they noticed something deeper.
Her longing to visit Darbar Sahib was not casual. It was coming from the heart.
And when her supporter learned of this Ardas, they chose to go beyond sponsorship. Together, with SAF’s team, they planned something special.
On June 21, 2025, Ashmeet and her family travelled to Sri Amritsar Sahib with full arrangements taken care of. For a family who would never have been able to make this journey on their own, this was nothing short of Guru’s Kirpa.
From the moment she stepped into the complex, her joy was beyond words. She bowed her head at Sri Darbar Sahib, visited nearby Gurughars, paid respects at the Shaheedi memorials, and walked through Jallianwala Bagh.
And in the midst of it all, she did what children do best — she smiled, laughed, and enjoyed a simple ice cream with her family.
One of our team members shared:
“The happiness on Ashmeet’s face was indescribable. It wasn’t just a child’s wish being fulfilled — it was faith meeting reality.”
Her mother expressed through tears that they would never have been able to visit Darbar Sahib this way on their own.
This was not just Ashmeet’s dream fulfilled.
It was her mother’s too.
A Reminder for Our Global Sangat
Many Sikhs living in Panjab may have the blessing of visiting Darbar Sahib more than once in their lifetime.
But for many of our Sikh brothers and sisters — including communities we serve in Nepal, the Sikligar and Vanjare — Darshan of Sri Darbar Sahib is still a distant dream. Distance, finances, and life circumstances make the journey difficult.
Ashmeet’s story reminds us that Darshan is a privilege. And through your support, you helped make that privilege possible for one young girl from Jammu & Kashmir.
Thank you for being part of this mission.
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