Food for Everyone

This week, James and Luke are in Hayes at Guru Nanak Sikh Academy, a faith school where they’ve been invited for a special school dinner by head of history, Mr John Perkins. The occasion is Guru Nanak Gurpurab, celebrating the founder of Sikhism, and they’ll be joining 1,600 students and staff for a Langar which is a traditional Sikh community meal

**Introduction** (0:00 – 5:44)

(Starter)

James and Luke talk about other religious festivals before Luke explains Sikhism, outlining its key beliefs, history, and the significance of Langar.

**Interview** (5:47 – 13:30)

(Main Course)

John Perkins explains the school’s role in religious festivals and why Langar is so important to students and their families. James and Luke then speak with a group of Year 12 students about the origins of Langar, the significance of the food, and the way it is served and eaten, which Luke points out is an important detail for anthropologists. They also interview Maninder who oversees the kitchen and Mandeep, the school’s chief lunchtime supervisor, they share what Langar means to them.

**Post-Interview** (13:33 – 17:46)

(Dessert)

Luke gives a description of the scene unfolding in front of them. As well as a follow up discussion with Maninder.

**Closing remarks and acknowledgments** (17:50 – 23:30)

Luke and James discuss their main takeaways from this trip back to school.

The Migration Menu has been brought to you by James Staples and Luke Heslop, with help from Vimal Dalal, Angele Ijeh, Stefeni Regalado, and Jafnah Uddin. If you have any questions or comments for us, send them in and we will address them in a future show, you can get in touch at [e-mail]. Or on ‘X’ - formerly Twitter: @migration_menu and Instagram @themigrationmenu

Menu – Food eaten

• Chickpea curry
• Naan bread
• Steamed rice
• Yogurt
• Salad
• Mango and mint chutney
• Semia paisum – milk pudding with vermicelli

Literature mentioned:

Engelke, M. (2011) ‘Material religion’, in The Cambridge Companion to Religious Studies. Cambridge University Press, pp. 209–229.

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