Welcome to the ‘Being at University’ podcast. I’m Harriet Harris, Chaplain to the University of Edinburgh, and in this first series, we explore what it is like being people of particular faith or belief at University.

If we follow faith or belief traditions, these are profound shapers of our values, our choices and lifestyles, how we conduct our relationships: in short, they provide the inner compass by which we navigate our lives.

What I love about this series is hearing students talk about how their faith or beliefs bring them joy, deep friendships, a feeling of support during hard times, and a sense of perspective. And we hear lots throughout this series about arriving new at university, making friends, joining societies – the stuff of student life.

Today I’m joined by Japjot Singh and Arjandeep Singh Bawa, who is speaking about being Sikh at University. Both Japjot and Arjandeep are in their first year and met on their Computer Science course: Arjandeep from India, and Japjot from Scotland. They talk about why they chose Edinburgh, what is was like to arrive, their experience of inclusion and diversity, and what they love about their religion, including Sikhism’s radical equality and hospitality - the practice of giving free food to all-comers. They love to raise awareness of Sikhism amongst their friends and fellow students, and took part in the much-enjoyed and appreciated celebration of Guru Nanak’s birthday last November when the Sikh Community gave out delicious free food to students in Bristo Square!

Music: ‘Avulekile’ by Soweto Melodic Voices, from their CD Harambee, 2014.

Soweto Melodic Voices is a youth choir from Soweto, supported by the University of Edinburgh Chaplaincy to perform at the Edinburgh Fringe, to inspire young people and schools in Edinburgh, and to record music in Soweto. For details of the Edinburgh-Soweto link see here.