By Ravee Singh Ahluwalia
Even as CSR budgets and charitable activities grow more visible, Punjab’s deeper potential for genuine seva remains underused when philanthropy is treated as a pathway to power and prestige instead of a sincere commitment to Sarbat da Bhala the welfare of all.
Punjab has always been a land known for its generosity, courage and a strong sense of community. The spirit of seva selfless service runs deep in the region’s social and spiritual fabric. Yet, as someone who has spent years leading an NGO working across causes such as road safety, environmental conservation, livelihood creation, bird care, and heritage preservation, the meaning of social service in this region appears to be shifting and not always in the right direction.
Managing an NGO in Punjab is an extraordinary privilege but also a persistent challenge. The most daunting among these challenges is sustaining funding. Whether through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives or individual philanthropy, resources often arrive sporadically and with explicit or implicit conditions. Many still view charitable giving as a means of political entry or personal branding, a way to gain visibility rather than create long-term social impact. For some, philanthropy becomes less an expression of compassion and more a strategy for social recognition.
What is equally concerning is not just the scarcity of funds but the scarcity of genuine participation. Society is replete with people who can eloquently describe the problems around them, yet far fewer commit to working on solutions. The language of social change is now common in conferences, social media campaigns, and drawing-room conversations, but authentic action remains rare. It is often easier to critique systems than to step into the demanding role of changing them. Real transformation, however, demands doers who are willing to confront difficulties, experiment with solutions, and accept that meaningful change begins at a personal level.
This experience has also shaped how decision-making and emotional responses are viewed within social work. Public discourse frequently divides outlooks into positive and negative, as if these are the only two meaningful states. Being relentlessly “positive” can sometimes make people overlook uncomfortable realities, while persistent negativity can lead to pessimism and paralysis. A more constructive approach is a state of neutrality remaining present, observant and grounded enough to assess situations clearly and then act with balance. This form of neutrality does not imply passivity; instead, it enables conscious, well-considered decisions, particularly in moments of uncertainty, criticism or financial strain.
The spiritual heritage of Punjab offers a profound lens for understanding this responsibility. The teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji and the principle often encapsulated in the idea of Aham Brahmasmi point to an essential oneness with the divine, and by extension, with one another. This understanding underlies the Sikh concept of Sarbat da Bhala – the welfare of all which calls for concern that extends beyond individual or group interest. Yet, in contemporary life, visible boundaries of wealth, class, religion and ideology are often reinforced rather than reduced. The result is a society that frequently speaks of unity while practicing separation.
Reclaiming the essence of service requires a broader definition of giving back. Social responsibility is not limited to donating money; it also includes contributing time, talent, intellect and empathy. Each individual has the capacity to support change, whether by mentoring a young person, participating in road safety initiatives, planting trees, caring for birds and animals or helping preserve local heritage. When even a small portion of personal and professional energy is directed towards constructive action, the collective outcome can be substantial.
Social service, then, is not a weekend exercise or a public-relations strategy; it is a mindset and a way of living. It involves recognising that personal freedoms and opportunities are linked to the wellbeing of others in the same ecosystem. Punjab’s history and spiritual traditions emphasise that lasting fulfilment arises less from accumulation and more from contribution. When individuals and institutions serve without being driven primarily by credit or visibility, they realign with the ethos that has long defined this region a sincere pursuit of Sarbat da Bhala – the welfare of all.
(The views expressed by the author are personal.)
About The Author
Ravee Singh Ahluwalia leads Patiala Foundation, an NGO from Punjab with Special Consultative Status under UN ECOSOC since 2018, focused on safer roads, greener environments, dignified livelihoods and the preservation of local heritage. As a social entrepreneur and community advocate, he collaborates with government, corporates and citizens to design practical, on-ground solutions for everyday civic challenges.
