Local United Sikh member returns from relief effort in Puerto Rico
Some of the most devastated areas in Puerto Rico are just now getting relief help and among one group reaching the most desperate areas is a West Chester man.
“You go there , there are power lines still down on the road, rubble is still everywhere,” said Jaipal Singh, who is a disaster coordinator with United Sikhs. “Hurricane Maria wiped out 95 percent of the island.”
United Sikhs is a global organization that responds to disasters around the world.
Singh said he’s aware Sikhs stand out in western society for their long beards and turbans, but he’s hoping people begin to associate that with the kind of service to others that is a major part of their faith.
“It’s service plus selflessness. You do service with no benefit for your own,” Singh said.
One remote community had been without water since Maria hit but United Sikhs made it to the area and worked for days to restore the water system.
More than 60,000 people rely on the water system.
“As a Sikh, the Guru is always pointing us to how humble can you be and how can you serve humanity in the most humble way,” Singh said.