Inter-religious engagement for Zero Hunger: Statements from religious actors

Healthy and natural food is a human right. Today there is enough global wealth and food. Yet many people are starving. It is a false notion that material affluence leads to justice, and a meaningful and dignified life. Rather the sacrifice of affluence does. Timeless spiritual wisdom, which is at the heart of Sikhi, the Sikh Religion, inspires us to live a modest and natural life in harmony with the Creator and creation, spreading unity and well-being amongst all sentient beings. Spiritual wisdom reminds us that justice and peace of mind can only be accomplished if accepted attitudes as well as political, educational and economic models are questioned. The wisdom of Sikhi supports this process of deconditioning.

If we want to make sure, that no new-born has to face malnutrition, we need to reconsider our life style. Because the outer condition of the world is the collective expression of our inner state of mind. Focusing primarily on political, financial and technical solutions or treaties will never save the lives of those who are starving. We as human beings need to change. We have to overcome the misconception that natural resources that the all-inherent, nameless and formless Creator unconditionally provides for all beings belong to individuals, companies or man-made entities such as nations. We have to understand that a person is prosperous who is wise, and lives a conscious, ethical and virtuous live and not who lives a luxurious life at the expense of others. We have to surmount the selfishness and shorttermism that leads to exploitation, injustice and environmental destruction and look beyond our current physical life. We have to understand: We are one human family with a common spiritual origin and a spiritual mission. We are one body. Good development is like good medicine: it has no side-effects on the whole body.

The Sikh tradition of Langar reminds us of three things: Our soul needs spiritual wisdom. Our body needs pure food. The needy once need access to food free of cost regardless of their background. The moment we accept that we eat and work to live, and do not live to eat and work, we are able to distinguish between necessities and unquenchable desires that lead to exploitation. We will then conform to our role of guests on Mother Earth. Let us join as brothers and sisters and make this world a place free of hunger!

Khushwant Singh is a representative of Sikhi & Head of the Council of Religions in Frankfurt, Germany

WFP Religious leader statements