Harteerath Singh on Sewa, Sikhism, Social Media, Karan Aujla & Ranveer Singh | Bani Anand | AAE S5

From an easy life of privilege to serving humanity, Hemkunt Foundation's Harteerath Singh has had an extraordinary journey so far. In this interview, Harteerath Singh speaks openly about chasing fame, realising he didn’t want to become a “money-making machine,” and discovering genuine peace through serving others. While working in flood-hit Punjab this year, Harteerath found clarity, purpose, and a sense of fulfilment he had never known before."Everything I do on social media is clickbait"Harteerath delves into the complex relationship between social media and social work, explaining how he uses attention and clickbait strategically to raise awareness — including generating over ₹5 crore during the Punjab floods through Instagram. He contrasts this with volunteers filming everything for content and celebrities using sewa as publicity, highlighting rare exceptions like Tapsee Pannu who serves without cameras.Did Harteerath pay Karan Aujla and Ranveer Singh for social media posts?Harteerath addresses criticism with notable composure, from allegations of misusing donations to rumours about luxury cars or paying celebrities like Ranveer Singh and Karan Aujla for posts. He clarifies that he has never taken a salary and earns independently through his family’s construction business, while acknowledging the privilege that enables him to serve on a large scale.Faith forms the foundation of his life. He explains the significance of the turban and the kada, and how Sikh values such as Chardi Kala and Sarbat da Bhala guide him. He also speaks about equality within Sikh spaces, no VIP queues, four doors in every gurdwara welcoming all, and why representation matters as the Sikh population continues to decline.How the Hemkunt Foundation was formedHe recounts the moment that changed everything: witnessing destruction during the 2013 Uttarakhand floods. Harteerath credits his father’s tough love, including cutting off financial support at 18, for shaping his discipline and resilience. He also speaks about the pressures of humanitarian work, including death threats against him and his family.Harteerath celebrates the warmth of Punjabi culture, the humour, the language, the nicknames, and the music. He admires artists like Karan Aujla and explains how using streetwear helps make sewa relatable to younger generations.The conversation closes with what he’s building now: homes and bridges in Punjab, along with preparations for India’s largest winter drive. And when he steps away from service, he unwinds with PlayStation, Formula 1, and long gedis, revealing the person behind the mission.(0:00) Episode begins(2:47) Why he chose to do sewa(5:54) Volunteering for social media(7:44) Celebrities doing sewa for PR(8:50) Should social work be advertised?(9:25) Accusations of making money(10:29) His income source(14:37) The harshest comment he heard(16:04) Harteerath's latest controversy(16:52) On collaborating with Karan Aujla, Ranveer Singh(17:33) How his dad grounds him(18:27) The meaning of the turban(21:36) His bond with his dad(23:30) Receiving death threats(25:05) Sikh history and lack of recognition(26:18) Sikh teachings that guide him(28:25) No discrimination in sewa(29:40) No discrimination in gurdwaras(32:40) Following Sikh principles(34:49) Low awareness of Sikhism(36:31) Why the next generation will be better(37:52) The significance of his kada(39:30) Making sewa look cool(41:13) Requests for concert tickets(44:47) Punjabi music(45:05) On Karan Aujla(45:43) Why representation matters(46:05) On Diljit Dosanjh(47:29) Speaking Punjabi(51:08) Nicknames in Punjab(54:54) What he’s working on now(56:38) How Harteerath unwinds AfterHoursFollow us: Instagram:   / allabouteve_in   Facebook:   / allaboutevein  Pinterest:   / allabouteve_in  Website: https://allabouteve.co.in/