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Ideology of Guru Nanak Dev Ji and Sindhiyat Leading to a Virtuous World Commemorating 550th Anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Birth Ideology of Guru Nanak Dev Ji and Sindhiyat Leading to a Virtuous World Commemorating 550th Anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Birth Editors Dr. Mandeep Kaur Kochar Dr. Gurjit Kaur Pahwa Dr. Pargat Singh Garcha TWENTYFIRST CENTURY PUBLICATIONS PATIALA First edition published in 2019 by TWENTYFIRST CENTURY PUBLICATIONS # 79, Sheikhpura, P.O. Punjabi University, Patiala (PB) - 147002 Ph. 90564-53888, 92167-53888 e-mail : [email protected] In Association with BOOKMAN B-41, Sawan Park Ashok Vihar, Phase - 3 Delhi - 110052 The responsibility for the facts or opinions expressed in the papers are entirely of the authors. The Colleges, Editors and the publisher is not responsible for the same. © Reserved Ideology of Guru Nanak Dev Ji and Sindhiyat : Leading to a Virtuous World by Dr. Mandeep Kaur Kochar, Dr. Gurjit Kaur Pahwa & Dr. Pargat Singh Garcha ISBN: 978-81-943233-9-6 Price : 400/- Laser Type Setting Roshan Dhindsa & Manpreet Singh Printed in India at Twentyfirst Century Printing Press Patiala Peer Review Committee Dr. Manu Chadha Dr. Jasleen Kaur Dr. Jasbir Kaur Dr. Neelu Verma Dr. Raju Talreja Dr. Priya Pillai Dr. Nirmaljeet Kaur Dr. Bindu Sharma Dr. Maninder Kaur Collaborations Khalsa College of Education, G.T. Road, Amritsar Punjab GHG Khalsa College of Education, Gurusar Sadhar, Ludhiana Bombay Teachers’ Training College, Colaba, Mumbai (v) Message In a country where divinity and truth were once manipulated, people had become a prey to caste and creed, and brutality was unleashed by the invaders, Guru Nanak Dev ji came as a guide to bring enlightenment, strength, veracity and spirituality to the mankind. To a society that was blotted with quagmire of bigotry, Guru Nanak Dev ji brought the message that the immortal omniscient Creator resides within the soul of the humans. He addressed all communities and requested them to choose intrinsic worth and inherent compassion; and shun malevolence, chauvinism and fanaticism while practicing their individual faiths to lead a perfect life. On the august occasion 550th birth anniversary of the founder of Sikhism, who always inspired the believers to live by remembering the creator, working hard and sharing with the needy, I congratulate Dr. Bhagwan Balani and Dr. Mandeep Kaur for organising this event at BTTC, Colaba. It is believed that from his childhood, Guru Nanak Dev ji was inclined towards the divine quest. He indulged in understanding and discussing the message of Eternal Truth given by the Creator. To help the spiritually weak (vii) masses, he toured across the globe to campaign against spiritual hypocrisy and religious manoeuvring, and people flocked to obtain spiritual guidance from hm. This unrelenting devotee of the all-pervading Akalpurakh (the Creator) advocated concept of oneness, Ekankar. His doctrines — Naam Japo, Kirat Karo and Vand Chhako demarcate a way of life prompt the human race to tread on the path of honesty, happiness and contentment. Guru Nanak Dev ji believed that education should benefit humanity and its main objective should be self-realisation and progression towards a better society. He was not a cleric or an educationist and yet ascended to the unfathomable zenith of spirituality. The first function of education, therefore, for us should be to nurture the human mind and produce quality human resources. Education is truly a global force that provides the aptitude to recognize our capabilities, and become progressive, rational and benevolent citizens. It gives vent to the exceptional and budding potential of the youth and diverts their dynamism and vitality towards a constructive and productive society and economy, and we, the educators, should strive to prepare our students to lead the journeys of their lives successfully. Once again, I extend warm wishes and heartiest congratulations to everyone who is helping in their own ways, big or small, to make this seminar a success. (Jaspal Singh Sandhu) (viii) Message I am very happy to know that the Bombay Teachers’ Training College, Colaba, Mumbai has organised a National Seminar on Sindhiyat and Ideology of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji : Leading to a Virtuous World to commemorate the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak. The College has also compiled a book containing 40 papers on the subject, written by different scholars from many colleges of Punjab, Chandigarh and Delhi. The best way to celebrate an event related to a great soul is to propagate his thoughts and preachings. It is therefore extremely appropriate to publish such a book that will help in spreading the teachings of Guru Nanak among a wide group of readers belonging to different faiths and religions. Guru Nanak was not a leader of any particular religion. His teachings cut across religious boundaries. It is therefore not surprising that the Sindhis follow Guru Nanak as their religious leader as much as the Sikhs do. Celebration of the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak by the College run by a Trust of the Sindhi community in Mumbai, by way of holding this seminar and by publishing this book, is commendable. I convey my best wishes to this laudable venture of the Bombay Teachers’ Training College. U P S Madan (ix) Message I want to congratulate Dr. Bhagwan Balani and Dr. Mandeep Kaur for organising this event at BTTC, Colabaon the 550th year of Guru Nanak Dev as the contemporary world has lot to learn from his life. Guru Nanak Dev, as a child, went to school, was inquisitive, brilliant and philosophical. He was fond of company of spiritual people and sought answers to purpose of life. Guru Nanak was also a householder, had two children, and worked hard all his life - in earlier years in various vocations and later years, after his famous four missionary journeys, as a farmer. Philosophically, Guru Nanak emphasized that God is one and beyond any religious divisions. The teachings of Guru Nanak were logical and easy to understand. His definition of God is most interesting - One, True Name, Creator, Fearless, Without Vengeance, Beyond Time, Does not Incarnate, Self-existent, Understood only by Grace. Guru Nanak explains that the purpose of life is to become truthful for which one has to purify actions. He emphasized on dignity of labor, and observed that Truth is Highest Virtue but Truthful Living is still higher. To attain this truthfulness, one has to purify the mind by sculpturing consciousness where divine knowledge plays an important role. Guru Nanak observed that Dharma is a product of compassion, supported by contentment. Guru Nanak preached that as you sow so shall you reap and therefore encouraged everybody to cultivate virtues. On social issues, for Guru Nanak, the complete creation is from one God and therefore no one could claim to be superior or inferior. Guru Nanak (xi) emphasized equality of complete human race, irrespective of caste, color, creed, gender or race. On environment, Guru Nanak guides that Earth has to be treated like Mother, water like Father, and Air like Guru. Therefore, one has to guard against any type of pollution to the environment. On economics and commerce, Guru Nanak emphasized on literacy, gaining knowledge, healthy living, increased workforce, and encouraging investment. Again, emphasis was on ethics and truthful behavior. The message of Guru Nanak, is to lead a householder’s life, work hard and then share something in charity. This message is encapsulated in Naam Japo, Kirat Karo, and Vand Chakko or Meditate, Earn Honestly, and Share with Others. Sikh philosophy does not believe that the acquisition of property or wealth is evil, but the mental attachment to material wealth or maya is to be avoided. The universal message taught by great Guru is applicable to all of us – students of life, and is as relevant to the world now, as it was in the fifteenth century when it was first delivered. According to Guru Nanak, serving needy and hungry is an important duty of the society. To the sages in the mountains, he urged them that if all good and pious people retire to mountains to meditate, how will the world improve. So, we educationists also need to dedicate our life to serving the world and not stay isolated in ivory towers of our elite institutions. Dr. Charan Singh CEO & Director, Foundation for Economic Growth and Welfare Former Research Director RBI, Non Executive Chairman, PSB (xii) Message It is a matter of great pleasure to know that Bombay Teachers’ Training College, Colaba, Mumbai is organising a National Seminar (in collaboration with Khalsa College of Education, G. T. Road, Amritsar and GHG Khalsa College of Education, Gurusar Sadhar, Ludhiana) on ‘Sindhiyat and Ideology of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji: Leading to a Virtuous World’. In an era when the people of diverse faiths live in mortal fear of clash of cultures, and the so-called civilized nations compete in the clandestine manufacture of destructive weaponery, organising the seminar for rousing the message of Guru Nanak for peaceful co-existence and mutual trust acquires a special urgency. I extend my warm wishes to the college fraternity on the auspicious occasion for its continuing success. Congratulations to all on 550th Birth Anniversary Year of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Let us come forward to revive and preach the humanistic mission launched by Guru Nanak for the welfare of peace for all around the world. Best Wishes ! Rajindermohan Singh Chhina Honorary Secretary Khalsa College Charitable Society Amritsar (xiii) Message It is my privilege to send my best wishes to the Management, Principal, Staff and Students of Bombay Teachers Training College, Colaba, Mumbai and the Sindhi Community for commemorating the 550th birth anniversary of Shri Guru Nanak Dev ji.