GURU GOBIND SINGH

GURU GOBIND SINGH

"MIGHTY MESSENGER

 OF LOVE & JUSTICE”

“ A POET & PHILOSOPHER PAR EXCELLENCE"

by

Prof. Iqbal Singh Sachdeva

Never ever before in the history of mankind was a born a man, who was such a mighty messenger of God Almighty who spread the message of Love and Justice and Peace with such  single minded seriousness and sincerity, as Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Prophet of the Sikhs – nay, all humans.

 Guru, fearlessly preached and practiced the philosophy of Love, Truth and Justice for all in the face of tyranny of the mighty Moguls and thought no sacrificed big enough, even the lives of his father and sons. He imbibed the Sikh values of 'Share & Care' and 'Universal Brotherhood', which are still being kept alive by, though small yet powerful, Sikh community, world over.

 In keeping with his faith in the democratic philosophy of 'Power to the People', Guru Sahib, on the first day of Baisakh (April 13),   established the institution of Khalsa (True & Pure) and himself bowed before the 'Panj Piaras' (the five chosen ones) to be baptised with Amrit (Nectar) (prepared with water, sweet rocks and the 'Khanda' (double edged sword) stirred  into  'Bata' (a large steel bowl) all representing the iron will to fight against tyranny and injustice.   The sweetness of the Amrit  (nectar), however, symbolized the humane touch for those who suffered, friends and foes alike.

Guruji gave a unique dress code and a behavior pattern to his followers, to integrate them emotionally and culturally.  This was not an act of regimentation, as some may brand it,  but inculcation of a unique life style amongst the Sikhs to selflessly serve the society.  No surprise that Sikhs all over the world enjoy   distinct looks.  Successful,  generally as they are, enjoy the reputation of being  large hearted people towards charities and causes which deserve compassion.

Inspired by Guru’s  great teachings, Sikhs have always made sacrifices for all just causes, achieved outstanding success in many walks of life- social, cultural, economic and political -  due to  a strong belief in right actions,  amply demonstrated their staunch patriotism in the freedom struggle of India. Sikhs, with their martial mind set,   have also excelled in the Armed Forces and received highest  gallantry awards.

Guru Gobind Singh was not just a warrior, as some may perceive him, but also a scholar, poet, philosopher and an intellectual par excellence. With his profound knowledge of languages like Sanskrit, Persian, Brajbhasha and Punjabi, he gave this world  remarkable literature, which may make even some of the noble laureates, feel small. ‘Dasam Granth’, Chandi ki War’, and ‘Jap Sahib’ are such unique compositions, which enthrall the faithfuls, and the students of literature alike.

The mighty grandmaster came and led this world for a short span of only 46 years, leaving behind foot prints on the sands of time, for us to follow and make our lives happier, loving, prosperous and sublime. The more you know and understand him and his philosophy of life, the more you admire him with  faith. Now we can  transform our lives into a successful, action oriented and prosperous ones by understanding and following the message of Love, Peace and Justice brought to us by Guru Gobind Singh - ‘The  mighty messenger of God Almighty’.