Editorial by Inder Raj Ahluwalia

“Ek Onkar Satnam”.

Three magic words that mean ‘there is but one God, whose name is Truth’. This simple concept was the springboard of Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of Sikhism, the guru who was also the repository and propagator of myriad revolutionary ideas, concepts, beliefs and practices. His life impacted society as never before, and remarkably, are to totally relevant today.

While philosophers like John Knox, Martin Luther, and John Wesley were influencing the Western world, Guru Nanak was quietly preaching a new, unique and inspiring gospel in the Indian sub-continent.

The Guru’s destiny was stamped in his childhood itself. While other children indulged in sports, fun and frolic, he chose isolation and meditation, singing in praise of God Almighty. Displaying extraordinary traits, he slept little, ate frugally, and spoke sparingly. No fakir or sadhu left his home empty-handed.

He had a stint as a cattle-grazer; had a cobra use his hood to shade his face from the sun; practiced ‘sachcha sauda’ (good bargain), by distributing rations among the poor; had a divine visitation while bathing in the Beni River; travelled extensively; prayed at a mosque; listened to people of all faiths and cultures; read extensively about Hinduism,  Buddhism, and Islam; and affected several miracles. Significantly, he applied logic to what he encountered.

Guru Nanak Dev placed truth and God above all religious ceremonies and manifestations. He preached and taught ‘Do Nama Smarana’, (Love and be devoted to God, and enjoy the bliss of union with Him).

He proclaimed and espoused theories that shaped human thinking. He addressed issues that impacted on society and contemporary existence. He challenged the Indian caste system, and endorsed women’s rights. He promoted education for all men, women and children by introducing the Gurmukhi script of the Adi Granth, which became accessible to everyone. He believed that integrity, respect and trust between different communities engendered dignity for everyone.

The Guru’s philosophy is manifest in his three fundamental principles: ‘Kirt Karni’ (working for a living); ‘Naam Japna’ (remembering God); and ‘Vand Chakna’ (sharing one’s possessions with the needy). These were the cornerstone of his philosophy, and the guiding principles of Sikhs.  

His greatest contribution to mankind was the teaching of the ‘Science of the Word’ (Naam), which forms the subject – matter of the Adi Granth which was composed and compiled by the Sikh Gurus. It proclaims that personal realization of God, and hence salvation, was attained by communion with the ‘Word’ (Shabad).

Guru Nanak was the most widely travelled man of his age, devoting  twenty-five years of his life to visiting numerous places in and out of India, in his five major tours (Udasis) of the world from 1500 to 1524. He travelled because he wanted the regeneration of humanity to create a better world. He felt he was God’s messenger of goodwill, spreading the gospel of truth, heavenly love, peace and joy. His travels threw up revolutionary ideas and reformed people everywhere.

He was also arguably the world’s first activist, environmentalist, and conservationist, extolling the value of water and vegetation. He was the first major spiritual leader to proclaim that women should be respected and not persecuted.

He was definitely among the world’s first and foremost secularists, proclaiming famously, “I am neither a Hindu, nor a Muslim. We are all children of God”. He spent his life trying to create a bridge between Hindus and Muslims.

He was the creator of ‘langar’, wherein food is served free to everyone, irrespective of caste, creed, religion or status. The langar constantly served in thousands of Gurdwaras worldwide, feeding millions, owes its existence to him. Availability of langar provided a huge boost during the covid pandemic.

His travels over, Guru Nanak settled down to a simple life at Kartarpur.  His daily routine started at dawn when he awoke, bathed and recited the sacred hymns. At daybreak, he addressed a congregation of Sikhs. After this he worked in the fields.
Guru Nanak’s wisdom and benevolence earned him everyone’s love and respect. On his death in Kartarpur in 1539, both Hindus and Muslims placed flowers over his body. The site is immortalized by a tomb and temple built over the Muslims’ and Hindus’ flowers, respectively.
Guru Nanak was among the modern era’s greatest philosophers and teachers. He reached exceptional heights of spiritual enlightenment, and his teachings have paralleled those in the Bible and other holy scriptures.

Today, the world is acknowledging Guru Nanak’s glorious, invaluable legacy, philosophy and divinity, left behind for humanity. It promotes generosity and communal harmony, and provides a healing touch to our fractured, turbulent society.  

The world owes him a debt of gratitude beyond compare.