In the heart of East Africa, where resilience meets hope, one man’s mission has redefined the meaning of service and leadership. Inderjit Singh Thethy, the dynamic Chairman of the Ramgarhia Youth Association (RYA), is not just a name but a powerful force behind one of Kenya’s most active and impactful Sikh-led NGOs. Born and raised in Kenya, Inderjit’s life is a remarkable journey of rising from humble beginnings to becoming a beacon of compassion and community upliftment.
Inderjit’s path with RYA began in 2006, and since then, there has been no looking back. With sheer dedication and a strong moral compass rooted in Sikh values of seva (selfless service), Inderjit and his team have not only uplifted their community but have made a lasting difference across Kenya’s humanitarian landscape. In a country where the Sikh community is a minority, Inderjit’s inclusive and action-driven leadership has turned RYA into a symbol of unity, kindness, and positive change.
Ramgarhia Youth Association: The Backbone of Sikh Humanitarian Work
The Ramgarhia Youth Association is a sub-committee of the East African Ramgarhia Board—East Africa’s largest Sikh institution by membership. While RYA holds its roots in the Sikh community, its mission extends far beyond religious lines. Their primary focus lies in serving underprivileged communities, irrespective of faith, race, or background.
Over nearly two decades, RYA has grown into one of Kenya’s most recognized and rapidly expanding charities. It has made a significant mark with initiatives that span education, healthcare, food security, and especially water accessibility in arid regions.
Water for Life: 17 Boreholes and Counting
One of RYA’s most groundbreaking contributions is the commissioning of water boreholes in drought-stricken and arid areas. With access to clean water being a daily struggle for many in Kenya, the RYA team took it upon themselves to provide sustainable solutions.
To date, they have successfully drilled and commissioned 17 boreholes across regions like Makueni, Machakos, Baringo, and Turkana. These water projects have transformed lives, enabling entire villages to access clean drinking water, promote hygiene, and even support small-scale farming. The impact is visible not just in statistics but in the smiles of women and children who no longer have to walk miles in search of water.
Guru Nanak’s Langar Truck: A Kitchen on Wheels
In April 2019, RYA introduced a heartfelt initiative that perfectly embodies the Sikh spirit of Langar—a free communal meal. Taking the concept a step further, RYA launched Guru Nanak’s Langar Truck, a mobile kitchen that provides hot, nutritious meals to the homeless and vulnerable communities throughout Kenya.
This innovative truck has become a lifeline for many, especially in urban areas where homelessness and hunger intersect. The truck’s presence is not just about food—it’s a reminder that kindness can roll up in a truck and change someone’s day.
Pandemic Response: Feeding 85,000 Families
When the COVID-19 pandemic gripped the world, RYA responded without hesitation. Using the Guru Nanak Langar Truck, they launched a COVID-19 food support program. As the economy slowed and families struggled to survive, RYA ramped up its efforts, distributing an astonishing 280 tonnes of food to nearly 85,000 families across Kenya.
At a time when despair loomed large, Inderjit and his team brought hope in the form of warm meals and essential supplies. Their selfless actions during the crisis turned the NGO into a national and international example of responsive, people-centered humanitarian work.
Empowering Women: Re-Usable Sanitary Pad Project
RYA’s compassion also extends into areas often overlooked—like menstrual health. In January 2020, RYA launched a bold project to distribute reusable sanitary pads to women and girls in underserved communities. These kits, given free of charge, are not just hygienic solutions but powerful tools of dignity and empowerment.
By providing these resources, RYA has helped reduce school absenteeism among girls and has challenged cultural stigmas surrounding menstruation. The initiative is a testament to their forward-thinking approach and commitment to holistic development.
Global Collaboration and Recognition
The outstanding work of RYA under Inderjit’s leadership hasn’t gone unnoticed. Over the years, the organization has partnered with globally recognized charities such as Khalsa Aid International, Kenya Red Cross Society, and Elephant Corporation USA. These collaborations have amplified RYA’s impact and extended its reach.
RYA’s milestones have been celebrated with several global honors, recognizing their unrelenting dedication to humanitarianism. Yet, Inderjit remains grounded, always attributing the success to teamwork, community support, and divine blessings.
Leadership with Heart: The Man Behind the Mission
What sets Inderjit apart is his ability to lead with both head and heart. While he is strategic and visionary, his personal touch in every RYA initiative makes a difference. Whether it’s visiting water projects, participating in food drives, or engaging with volunteers, Inderjit is always present, not as a chairman above the people but as a fellow servant of humanity.
He often speaks about how his Kenyan roots and Sikh upbringing instilled a sense of responsibility to give back. That sense of responsibility has now translated into a legacy that touches tens of thousands of lives each year.
The Road Ahead: Sustaining Change, One Life at a Time
As RYA steps into its next chapter, Inderjit envisions expanding its scope further—more boreholes, more educational scholarships, more meals served, and deeper partnerships with international humanitarian networks. The goal is not just to serve but to create self-sustaining communities that can thrive long after the help has been given.
RYA’s story is more than just a narrative of charity—it is a movement of love, resilience, and shared humanity. It proves that when community spirit is driven by purpose, even a small organization from a minority group can lead monumental change.
In Kenya and beyond, the name Inderjit Singh Thethy now stands for hope, unity, and service. And through the tireless efforts of RYA, the world is reminded that faith in action can indeed transform nations.
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