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.

The NaMo Story - Part #2

A lot of things have occurred since my last post on this topic. This series is related to the Prime Minister of India, Mr. Narendra Modi. In the last article, I have discussed about his life, especially his childhood, his struggles, and his devotion towards almighty. Being a CM of Gujarat, his achievements, his challenges, his attitude for good governance and his strive against Gujarat riots.

We all know in the Lok Shabha elections, 2014, due to his power packed campaigned B.J.P won the full majority. It is a record of its kind, because after thirty years, i.e. since 1984 no political party; has ever won a majority in general elections. There are a number of regional and national parties in India and it’s not easy to win an absolute majority in this nation. But due to the “Modi magic”, a political party won 282 Lok Shabha seats, he is our PM for the last six months and he is working really hard to change the scenario and the mind set of the people. Whether it’s in agriculture sector, research, governance, business, etc. take any sector, he is looking forward eagerly to achieve good results for the nation.

When he took the charge as 16th prime minister, since then it has been a 11 rupees reduction in petrol prices and 5 rupees reduction in diesel prices. I know the rates are decided by world markets/barrel, and these days the prices are really low in international market, but for the last five years, this reduction was absent, the rates used to increase that time but now the situation is different. He has started a “Jan-Dhan” Yojana; by this many millions of people will get a direct benefit into their bank accounts. The inflation rates are really low at the present scenario; in October month it was 1.7%, which is the lowest number of the last six years. Many business enterprises are willing to come and invest in India, which is changing the world’s view about us. It will generate more job opportunities and employment for the youngsters.

Recently in the assembly elections, “Modi magic”, in Haryana and Maharashtra B.J.P won with a respected margin. It was a collective effort by leaders of this party, but believe me it was trusted on Narendra Modi, by the people. The situations are not in favor of the present Government but they are working so hard, to change the perspective and situation of the country. I hope our Government will achieve what they desire.

Right now, the PM is in Australia to attend the G-20 summit and he has raised the issue of terror funding & black money, strongly among the top leaders of the world. American president, German Chancellor, British PM etc. all are appreciating the efforts of Modi with a big heart. These days I am observing a good change in the atmosphere, a new energy, an energy which is positive, which is for the welfare of the nation, which is dedicated to the nation and this energy is Narendra Modi.

A TALE OF BAIJNATH!

Its Dussehra, on this day Lord Rama defeated King of Lanka Ravana. It’s a day of victory of truth/good over evil. This day is very auspicious in our nation and it is also a countdown for biggest festival of Hindus, “Diwali”. But on this blog I am not going to talk about “Dussehra”, I am going to tell you why in Baijnath – my village we don’t celebrate “Dussehra”.

Religious belief keeps the people of Baijnath from celebrating Dussehra. At Baijnath, a town of Kangra district located about 60 Km from District Headquarter Dharamshala, people do not burn the effigy of Ravana.

According to the Purana, “This is the place where Ravana worshipped Shiva as a sincere devotee and burning his effigy would bring bad luck for the people of this area,” Ravana worshipped Lord Shiva here and he is considered great a great devotee in Baijnath and burning the effigy of such a great devotee was not right. Legend has it that during the Treta Yug, Ravana worshipped Lord Shiva on Kailash and offered his 10 heads in a Havan Kund.

Lord Shiva was touched by this deed and agreed to accompany him to Lanka. Shiva took the shape of “ling” and asked Ravana not to place it on the ground on his way. However, when Ravana reached Baijnath, he felt the need to answer nature’s call (toilet). On seeing the shepherd, Ravana handed over the “ling” to him. The shepherd, on finding the “ling” very heavy, put it on the ground and it got installed there.

Some decades ago few people tried to burn the effigy of Ravana on Dussehra, up to next Dussehra they faced an enormous financial loss or they went seriously ill. You can connect that with the wrath of Lord Shiva. There is no shop of goldsmith in our area because of the same religious belief. We have heard from our ancestors that Lord Shiva hates gold and Ravana's Lanka was made of gold, which reflects a disagreement between the lord and the devotee. You can’t open a jewellery shop in this town, those who opened it, got burned.

Anyway we love Lord Shiva too much and we have no problem with not celebrating the Dussehra here. It’s a place of Mahadev and every inch of this holy town is filled with chants of “Harr Harr Mahadev”. So while Ramleela is enacted on stages across the country and effigies of Ravana and his brothers are also made, this town keeps away from it.

The NaMO Story- Part1

Okay! How should I start this article, I really don’t know, my way may not be appropriate, or you may say I could do better. On 17^th, our Prime minister has completed 64 years of his life. A person who belongs to a poor backward family, who spent his so many days selling tea in railway coaches. A person who worked really hard and cashed every opportunity whichever he got. Right now he’s PM of our nation and perhaps the most popular leader of the present era. He was CM for 13 years of Gujarat, a state which was in debt up to 2001 and right now which is the most prosperous state of our nation.

As I told you he belongs to a poor family, his father use to sell tea at Vadnagar railway station, when he (Modi) was 12 years old he use to help his father in the lunch time. He was an all rounder student in his school, excellent in studies, a good orator, and a good actor. He use to represent his school in many district level declamation competitions. He left his home at the age of 17 years, making a prophecy right by a saint that he will be a politician or he will be a saint in his lifetime. He returned to his home at the age of 19 again. He was associated with Rastriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS) since his school time, RSS gave him discipline, punctuality for his lifetime and he got the feeling of patriotism from there. Narendra Modi has a big impact of Swami Vivekananda on his life; Modi ji considers Swami Vivekananda as his role model. He believes in “Karma Yoga”, “Karma yoga” teaches the role of work/karma in the life of man, it also teaches the non necessity to think about the result of any work.

Being a Gujarati he knows how to do business with things, even with those things which are useless. I have read many examples on internet and told by many Guajarati’s that he knows how to do the things. Since October 2013, I am observing him and his moves very closely, and from my experience I can assure NaMo will change the perspective of our nation towards the world. His focus is only and only on development. Job-creation, inflation is on his main agenda.

“Saugandh Mujhe Is Mitti Ki Main Desh Nahi Mitne Doonga”

It’s been 120 days since he sworn in as 16^th PM of our nation. He is doing his work with complete dedication. I hope his hard work and will power, will pay him. I hope our economy will revive and inflation, unemployment will disappear as soon as possible. He is trying to end the barriers between various departments of our system such as environment, aviation, road etc. He got a warm welcome in Japan, which is going to invest in bullet train corridor from Mumbai to Ahmadabad. Japan is a developed nation and that nation is going to invest more in our economy, which will be a big boost in our nation.

It’s a series about NaMo, and his moves. I hope you enjoyed it reading. Visit for more!

Swami Ji !

                                                

                                               SWAMI VIVEKANANDA,CHICAGO 1893

Dear readers, today I am going to express my views about a stalwart, a stalwart who showed a bigger image of India among the people of the USA, a person who changed the views and opinion of the world about India, the person who got this credit is, named as “Swami Vivekananda”. The real name of Swami Ji was Narendra Vishwanath Datta and was born on 12 January, 1863 in Calcutta, Bengal presidency, British India. He was a saint and he was a disciple of Ramakrishna Paramhans. He was the major figure who introduced the philosophies of Vedanta and Yoga to the Western countries. He was a major force in the revival of Hinduism in India, and contributed to the concept of nationalism in colonial India

He was the founder of the Ramakrishna Mission and Ramakrishna Math. He is still remembered for his maiden lecture in Chicago, 1893 with his inspiring speech began with “Sisters and brothers of America....”

“You have to grow from the inside out.

None can teach you, none can make you spiritual. There is no other teacher, but your own soul.”

He is the role model of many great Indian persons, including our current PM Narendra Modi. He did a lot of work on Hinduism and its philosophies. His theories are on Raja Yoga, Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga and Janna Yoga are worth to read. I recommend every citizen of any cast; creed or religion read Karma Yoga. It’s a summary about life and tells to focus on work, which is worship. In India he is treated as patriotic saint and his birthday is celebrated as National Youth Day.

"Arise, awake, and stop not till the goal is reached"

I can write a bigger article about Swami Ji but his theory and his persona can’t be explained in an article, you seriously need so many articles to describe the aura of Swami Ji. His life was, dedicated to Hinduism and humanity. His theories which he gave in his lifetime are still true, not one or two but everyone. He was a visionary person, and I respect his philosophies too much.

“We are what our thoughts have made us; so take care about what you think. Words are secondary. Thoughts live; they travel far.”

He gave an inspiring lecture on 9/11/1893 in religious parliament in Chicago. After that lecture views of the Western world was, completely changed about India, from a poor and backward country India to a spiritually rich nation. He gave his views on peace and harmony, but on 9/11/2001 few terrorist done opposite of those views in the USA. Striking a plane on world trade centre was seriously a murder of Swami Ji’s views, murdering a no. of innocent people was a crime.

I wish the world could start following Swami Ji’s views and ideology for a better tomorrow, free from terrorism and blood. Enough for now because I have so many things to share about Swami Ji, which I will share one after another. Keep reading!