At the heart of Shimla’s scenic hills, amidst the bustling chaos of a government hospital, one man stands as a beacon of hope and humanity. Sarbjit Singh Bobby, or “Vella Bobby” as he is lovingly called, has spent over a decade quietly transforming lives through his langar (community kitchen) at Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC). For Bobby, service is not a task—it is a way of life.
Every day, from the early hours of dawn until late into the evening, Bobby and his team serve over 3,000 meals to patients and their attendants. These meals are more than just food; they are a lifeline, a reminder that even in the most challenging times, humanity prevails.
But this is not just the story of a man. It is the story of a tradition that has its roots in Sikhism and speaks of equality, love, and compassion—a tradition called langar.
Sarbjit Singh Bobby’s journey began on October 25, 2014. It was a modest start. In the early days, he would serve tea, biscuits, and porridge to cancer patients and their families. This simple act of kindness soon gained momentum. On December 25, 2014, thanks to the power of social media and the goodwill of the community, the initiative blossomed into a full-fledged langar.
Today, the langar operates from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., offering tea, bread, khichdi, kheer, and more. What started as a small effort has grown into a sanctuary for thousands. “By the grace of God, this langar service is going on,” Bobby says, his voice filled with gratitude and humility.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Bobby’s langar is the “Roti Bank,” an initiative that exemplifies the collective power of kindness. Over 33,000 schoolchildren from Shimla and nearby areas contribute rotis to the langar.
Every school has a designated day when students bring an extra roti from home. These rotis travel from remote villages like Kunihar, Tattapani, and Sunni to reach IGMC Shimla. “The farthest roti we get is from Kunihar, where around 800 children contribute. In Sunni, about 1,100 children participate,” Bobby shares with pride.
This simple yet profound act not only feeds the hungry but also teaches children the value of empathy and service. Through the Roti Bank, Bobby has created a ripple effect, turning thousands of young hearts into torchbearers of compassion.
The concept of langar has been a cornerstone of Sikhism for over 500 years. Introduced by Guru Nanak Dev Ji, it embodies the principles of equality, community, and selfless service. In a langar, people from all walks of life—regardless of caste, religion, or status—sit together to share a meal. It is a profound act of unity, breaking down social barriers and reminding us of our shared humanity.
Bobby’s langar at IGMC Shimla carries this tradition forward. In a world often divided by differences, his langar stands as a reminder that love and service transcend all boundaries.
Running a langar of this scale is not without its challenges. Every morning begins with the same question: “What will we serve today?” The team prepares 150 kg of rice, 70 kg of lentils, 100 liters of milk, and uses five gas cylinders daily. There are days when machines break down, water supply is disrupted, or resources fall short.
Bobby recounts a particularly difficult period when the langar’s electricity was cut for 18 months due to political interference. “It was very unfortunate. People supported us, but there were also those who were jealous and tried to create obstacles,” he recalls. Despite these challenges, Bobby’s resolve never wavered.
“When we face challenges, we remind ourselves why we started. The patients and their families need us. That keeps us going,” he says, his eyes reflecting both the struggles and the triumphs of his journey.
Bobby’s commitment to service extends far beyond the langar. Since 1998, he has been operating a free dead body van service in Shimla. For families dealing with the loss of a loved one, he provides transportation from homes to cremation grounds or hospitals.
What began as a volunteer effort with an organization soon became a personal mission. “The organization’s driver wasn’t available at night or on Sundays, so I stepped in. Eventually, I got my own van to ensure the service continued,” Bobby explains.
This quiet, selfless service has brought solace to thousands of grieving families. “It’s not just about transportation; it’s about being there for people when they need it the most,” he says.
Over the years, the langar has become more than just a source of food—it is a symbol of community and togetherness. People from all walks of life come to the langar, not just to eat but to contribute and celebrate.
“People celebrate their birthdays, anniversaries, and other special occasions here by sponsoring meals,” Bobby shares. “Everyone is welcome because the patient never asks about caste, religion, or political affiliation.”
This spirit of inclusivity and love has made the langar a place where differences dissolve, and humanity shines.
For those who have experienced Bobby’s langar, it is not just a meal—it is an emotional lifeline. Patients and their families, often far from home and burdened by the stress of illness, find comfort in the warm meals and kind smiles.
Bobby’s work has inspired countless others to step forward and contribute. Volunteers, donors, and well-wishers from across the region have joined hands to keep the langar running. His story serves as a powerful reminder that one person’s vision can ignite a movement.
“Seva is not about doing something big; it’s about doing whatever you can, with love and sincerity,” Bobby says.
As the aroma of khichdi and kheer fills the air at IGMC Shimla, it carries with it the essence of selfless service. Bobby’s langar is not just about feeding the hungry—it is about nourishing souls, restoring dignity, and building a community where no one feels alone.
In the quiet hills of Shimla, amidst the hum of a bustling hospital, Sarbjit Singh Bobby’s langar stands as a testament to the power of compassion. It is a reminder that even in the face of adversity, humanity can shine its brightest.
As Bobby says, “By the grace of God, this langar service is going on.” And with the love and support of the community, it will continue to be a beacon of hope for generations to come.