See 'A Table for Sixty Thousand,' meet director July 15
The main gallery at Water Street Studios, 160 S. Water St. in Batavia, will host a free screening of the documentary film, "A Table for Sixty Thousand," at 6 p.m. Friday, July 15. The film's director, Teresa Singh, will also be in attendance.
"A Table for Sixty Thousand" tells the inspiring story of how 60,000 meals are served each day at the historic Harmandir Sahib (the Golden Temple) in Amristar, India, where, for more than 400 years, the Sikh practice of Langar (free community kitchen) has ensured that good nutrition is a basic human right.
These vegetarian meals are prepared and shared by visitors at no cost. Anyone can participate in the preparation, cooking, serving and sharing of the meal. The meal is prepared on the practical concept of seva (voluntary service of labor, material resources and, most importantly, companionship) where the seva is done not as charity for others but for one's own solace.
In 2014-15, students from University of Michigan spent one month to study how the concept of langar (free community kitchen) works. The documentary is based on over five years of study and also incorporates some of the experiences of students from the University of Michigan. It provides a glimpse of why volunteers come, how the food is acquired and how it is prepared and served. Interviews with one of the the Golden Temple chefs and with a family that sponsored an entire day's meal is part of the documentary. The film also attempts to draw "best practices" lessons that may be helpful for other organizations interested in food-related issues.
It is estimated that langar is responsible for over one million free meals everyday in the state of Punjab and not only provides nutrition to the poor and rich, but also provides a stage where people from all walks of life can come together. It offers a space where people can learn how to cook a nourishing meal. Langar, as practiced at the Golden Temple, is a Sikh practice and was partly started to break the barriers of caste and gender, and contains lessons that are valuable for all communities."
See the free film, enjoy an Indian snack and meet the director. Call (630) 761-9977 or email Teresa at talk@russayog.com to reserve your seat.
There will be a "Talk Back with the Director" after the screening.
A $5 suggested donation will support Water Street Studios.
Bring a blanket or yoga mat. They will provide chairs as well. To learn more, visit www.waterstreetstudios.org or on the event Facebook page.