GURU GOVIND SINGH: A SYMBOLISATION OF BRAVERY & VALOUR

It 22 December, on this day 348 years ago, a legend was born, a legend that enlightened the world from his valour. He was a symbol of bravery that showed a different way to live the life, for the Indians. A legend who fought for the weak people of the society, a legend who is the real role model for anyone, I am talking about- Guru Govind Singh. He was a warrior, philosopher and poet, who contributed so much for the Sikhism. He became the leader of Sikhs at a young age of nine due to his father’s sacrifice for the society. He was the son of Guru Tegh Bahadur, ninth guru of Sikhs. His major contribution was to initiate the Sikh Khalsa in 1699, passing the Guru-ship to the Eternal Sikh Guru, the Guru Granth Sahib- holy book of the Sikhs.

In 1699, Guru Ji addressed his followers on April 13, 1699, the day of Vaisakhi. He addressed the worshippers from the entryway of a tent pitched on a small hill. He first asked everyone, who he was for them? Everyone answered - "You are our Guru." He asked them, who were they, to which everyone replied - "We are your Sikhs." He then said that today the Guru needs something from his Sikhs. Everyone said, "Hukum Karo, Sache Patshah" (Order us, True Lord). Then withdrawing his sword, he asked for a volunteer who was willing to sacrifice his head. No one answered his call, but on later invitation, Daya Ram came forward and offered his head to the Guru. Guru Govind Singh took the volunteer inside the tent. The Guru returned to the crowd with blood dripping from his sword. He then demanded another head. One more volunteer came forward, and entered the tent with him. The Guru again emerged with blood on his sword. This happened three more times. Then the five volunteers came out of the tent in new clothing unharmed.

Guru Govind Singh Ji then poured clear water into an iron bowl and added Punjabi sweeteners into it, he then stirred it with a double-edged sword along with reading from Adi Granth. He called this mixture as Amrit ("holy water") and gave it to the five men. Guru Ji later honored these five men, who were ready to sacrifice their life, as Panj Pyare. They were the first (baptized) Sikhs of the Khalsa: Daya Ram, Dharam Das, Himmat Rai, Mohkam Chand, and Sahib Chand.

Guru Govind Singh then called a line, which has been the rallying-cry of the Khalsa since then: 'Waheguru ji ka Khalsa, Waheguru ji Ki Fateh' (Khalsa belongs to God; victory belongs to God). He gave them the entire name "Singh" (lion), and selected them as the Khalsa, the body of baptized Sikhs.

He founded a valiant tribe who must have five K’s along them- Kachha, Kangha, Kesh, Kirpan and kada. Whose mission was to fight for the society and, against the injustice of Mughals, they saved so many weak people from being, converted into Islam. His life is an inspiration for us; we should honor him and respect his life in the society. We should learn from his life and protect the poor people of the society from being, converted into a Christian and Muslims, who are doing this forceful conversion since independence. His life, his principles and his dedication to the society is worth to remember. I believe the people of the society should learn the characters of selflessness, patriotism and dignity from him!

The Supreme Sacrifice of Guru Tegh Bahadur!

On 24 November 1675 at Chandni Chowk, Delhi one of the most extreme event occurred that made a deep impact on the future course of Sikhism, which is the religion of the Sikhs. The ninth Sikh Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur performed the supreme sacrifice for the protection of many humans. The basic motif was to protect the rights to practice his or her religion without any interference. This may not matter to anyone, people may say that it was so small and it has no relevance nowadays, but in 1675, when Mughals were converting Hindus into Muslims. That time Guru Tegh Bahadur stood for the rights and protection of so many Hindus. Before him, many thousands killed for refusing to change into a Muslim.

It is really, difficult to give one’s life for the sake of other person. People may say that they know many people who have sacrificed their lives for the society, but that was not as big as the sacrifice of Guru Tegh Bahadur. Guru Ji not only protected the right of Sikh people, but also the rights of non-Sikhs, especially Kashmiri Pandits. Kashmiri Pandits were those scholars, who threatened with the conversion to Islam under the terrorism of Aurangzeb. Aurangzeb not only converted a number of non-Muslim, but also conducted a large-scale demolition of the religious places of non-Muslims. He slaughtered a number of people, just because they did not accept the demand of Aurangzeb. A number of Kashmiri Pandits approached Guru Tegh Bahadur, so that he can provide protection to them. This kind of sacrifice was not record in the history of human life before. Guru Ji made a firm decision that changed the moral commitment level, dedication and sacrifice offered by the devotee of God. The Guru made a tough judgment to risk down his life, to protect the rights of the Hindus so that they can follow their religion without any stress.

Aurangzeb and his army humiliated Guru Ji so much. However, he did not give up his values. He protected his principles and rights of Hindus until his last breath. On 24 November 1675, after so much humiliation and cruelty, Guru Ji was martyred. He had to sit on a warm “Tava” and, then his head was, beheaded in broad daylight in the middle of Chandni Chowk. Today, that place in Chandni Chowk, known as Gurudwara Sis Ganj in Delhi. His sacrifice is a major and a prime example of Sikh principles. This sacrifice roused the Hindus from their submissive silence and gave them the strength to know the power of self-respect and sacrifice.

He also termed as “Hind-di-Chadar” or the shield of India.

I respect Guru Ji sincerely; it was he, who protected Hindus at the time of need. We have to learn from the effort of Guru Ji, to protect our society and motherland. The true meaning of selflessness can be, learned from his life at any time.