ABOUT DASWAND
“ਘਾਲਿ ਖਾਇ ਕਿਛੁ ਹਥਹੁ ਦੇਇ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਰਾਹੁ ਪਛਾਣਹਿ ਸੇਇ ॥੧॥”
-(SGGS p.1245) (Translation: One who works for what he eats, and gives some of what he has – O Nanak, he knows the Path.)
Daswand translates to “tenth part” and refers to the practice among Sikhs of contributing one-tenth of their honest earnings towards the common resources of the community in the name of the Guru.
This falls into Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s notion of Vand Chhako, which translates to “share what you have with others.”
Who We Are
What is Daswand?
Daswand translates to “tenth part” and refers to the practice among Sikhs of contributing one-tenth of their honest earnings towards the common resources of the community in the name of the Guru. This falls into Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s notion of Vand Chhako, which translates to “share what you have with others.” Daswand is a religious obligation— a religious requirement or duty, a form of seva or humble service that is highly valued in the Sikh religion. Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s own Gurbani outlines the concept of Daswand in the line: “ਘਾਲਿ ਖਾਇ ਕਿਛੁ ਹਥਹੁ ਦੇਇ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਰਾਹੁ ਪਛਾਣਹਿ ਸੇਇ ॥੧॥ This translates to: One who works for what he eats, and gives some of what he has – O Nanak, he knows the Path (1)” (SGGS p 1245). In the time of Guru Amar Das Ji, Sikhs were encouraged to set aside a minimum of ten percent (Daswand) of their income for the common cause and the concept of Guru Ki Golak “Guru’s treasury”. It is suggested that this 10% of income a Sikh puts aside should be going to the less fortunate who are disabled, homeless, orphans, hungry and also to those in need of treatment but who do not have sufficient funds. Through this foundation, our goal is to contribute to these fields of needs and help improve the world, one person at a time.
Daswand foundation has come together due to the tremendous response from families nationwide after watching the segment “Eh vi hai zindagi.” This segment is featured every month on Lashkara TV. Through this segment we are able to show numerous individuals or families in need of help in India. The Lashkara TV team in India reaches out to the less fortunate and records their situation which represents a little bit of their life compared to an average life lived by the more privileged. We received endless phone calls and emails from people asking how they can donate. Due to the continuing support we received, we decided to put together a foundation so we can have one account in which we can all deposit our Daswand (tenth-part) for a good cause. We believe that with the union of all members of the community, together as a team not only will we be continuing the practice of what our Gurus have suggested to us but will also be making an enormous impact in the lives of others.
Our Mission
The primary goal of our foundation is to help the community give their Daswand so together as a we can make a difference in this world. This is a non-profitable foundation strictly for the service of the less fortunate. Our team is not looking for any recognition but to be that bridge leading our community to give back to those in need. We believe that the more people that contribute, and come together as one, the greater the difference we will all be able to make. So far our foundation is only helping people in India but with the continuing help and support, we believe we will be able to expand and one day become a multinational foundation helping with various good causes around the world.
What we would like to see in each of our recipients is their pain transformed into happiness. To those who see nothing but darkness, we want to show them light. For people who are disabled, but have the hearty desire to work hard like others and provide for themselves and their families; we’d like to help them get treated and if that is not an option, we’d like to give them some monetary reward for being strong and not giving up. For people who need treatment but unfortunately don’t have sufficient funds, we’d like to provide them with funds so that they will have joy in their lives.
Overall, we’d like to see smiles; smiles on the faces of the donors, as well as the recipients. Donors should feel great satisfaction after helping someones life turn around. Those of us who are fortunate enough to be given an opportunity to work hard and earn for ourselves, we feel the pain of those who are less fortunate and not given all the facilities and resources we have. Just a fraction of our resources can mean a lifetime of happiness to all those in need.
Daswand foundation is made for a very pure and prosperous cause. With your ongoing support, little by little, we can truly make an difference in the world.
Our Promise
Daswand foundation has a very strict honesty policy. We do not handle cash donations of any sort. The manner in which you can make your contribution is through cheques, bank drafts, bank transfers or depositing cash directly into the Daswand account. We want this foundation to be known as a trustworthy foundation. Daswand foundation provides supreme transparency and accountability to all of our contributors by publishing frequent reports on all the donations.
Every month we post the bank account’s summary in the Donors section. We will be posting a summary of all donations, including the total amount raised at that point in time. Donations made to our recipients are reflected in each month’s summary and are also shown in the Recipients section.