First of all, we should understand that Sikhs spread
all over the world celebrate “Khalsa Day” every year, and not ‘Vaisakhi’,
which represents the beginning of the Solar month of Vaisakh.
All of us are well aware that during the Fifteenth
Century, Rulers and Priestly classes were exploiting the poor masses in
India. During (1469–1539 AD) Guru Nanak established “Sikh religion” and
raised his voice against the suppressors. From the very beginning of his
childhood, Guru Nanak refused to accept the Hindus and Muslims’ rituals
and traditions. He explained that there is only One Supreme True Entity,
the Almighty God, Who alone is the Creator, Developer and Sustainer, and
that we all human beings are God’s children. With a view to attune
oneself with God, there is no need of any middleperson or any imaginary
god or goddess. He explained to the people belonging to the different
regions and religions that we should always remember the Almighty God
and follow the Divine Command. In nutshell, his teachings could be
summed up:
(i) Naam Japo -
Have full faith in the Almighty God, remember Akall Purkh as
“Omnipotent, Omnipresent, Omniscient” and accordingly, seek God’s
Refuge;
(ii) Kirett Karo -
Earn your livelihood with hard-work and by honest means and
(iii) Vand Schako
- Share with poor and needy persons. Thus, within a short period of
time, a large number of people became his fellows as equal partners in
raising the morale of all so that they could also live with dignity as
equals and elevate their lives by sharing the Divine Enlightenment
enshrined in the Sikhs’ Sacred Scripture, which is well-known as “Guru
Granth Sahib”. A few Gurbani Quotes are provided as under:
“Guru Nanak longs for the company of the most humble
and poor persons, who are of the lowest status in society as he can’t
think of associating with the egoist rich people. Moreover, the Almighty
God also bestows blessings and grace on the down-trodden people.” (GGS -
Page 15)
“Everything is below Truthfulness, but Truthful Living
is the highest of all Virtues.” (GGS - 62)
“If one loses honour in life, impure is all that one
eats.” (GGS – Page 142)
“Why call a woman inferior when she gives birth to all
human beings including Kings, Priests and Prophets.” (GGS - Page 473)
“Guru Nanak advises that if you truly wish to seek
support of the Almighty God, then follow the True way of life by
abandoning your ego and cleverness. But you can tread on this righteous
path provided you are never hesitant to sacrifice your life for the
righteous cause.” (GGS – Page 1412)
With a view to propagate the Divine Enlightenment
amongst all people, before his last breath, Guru Nanak selected and
appointed Guru Angad as his worthy successor, who carried forward his
Mission. Since the Hindus and the Muslims were in majority, there were
various practical difficulties to identify the genuine followers of Sikh
religion. Thus the last successor, Guru Gobind Singh (1675–1708 AD)
convened a large gathering of Sikhs from all corners of India at
Anandpur Sahib in the State of Punjab on 30 March 1699 AD. Although,
dedication and sincerity of the Sikhs had already been tested by the
earlier successors, still he wished to have their final test so that no
one ever wavers while shouldering onerous responsibility in defending
their Sikh Faith as well as to protect the poor and weak. While all were
eager to see and listen to their Spiritual Master, Guru Gobind Singh
appeared on the stage and gave a clarion call as to whether you are
ready to sacrifice your life and, if so, I wish to have five such brave
persons, who will never be afraid of any mighty ruler, but ever ready to
defend the helpless irrespective of any caste, color, gender, race,
region or religion. Five brave Sikhs, who came forward spontaneously,
were then led to nearby tent for putting on new uniform dress, but not
for killing of goats or to cut off their heads as is generally narrated
by the various Authors, Bhais, Gianis, Raagis & Orators.
After administering the “Khanday Dee Pahul”, the Sikh
Amrit Initiation Ceremony, they were called as “Five Dear Ones”.
Their names were:
(1) Bhai Sahib Singh (Bidar-South),
(2) Bhai Himmat Singh (Jagannathpuri-East),
(3) Bhai Daya Singh (Lahore-North),
(4) Bhai Dharam Singh (Hastinapur-Centre) and
(5) Bhai Mohkam Singh (Dwarka-West).
They hailed from the places, where Guru Nanak Sahib
had visited during his preaching journeys.
They were ordained to maintain Five K’s - (Kakkaars)
i.e. (i) Kes – uncut long hair,
beard, moustaches, eyebrows and to keep their heads covered by a Turban
for males and a long scarf for females; (ii)
Kangha – wooden comb tucked in tuft; (iii)
Kachhera – specially designed
underwear; (iv) Karraa – steel
wristlet and (v) Kirpan – sword in
baldric. These are also called as Articles of Sikh Faith. They were also
advised to follow the Sikh Code of Conduct. It is, however not clear,
which Baanis were recited, and whether Sahib Devan was present then. For
example, main Four Don’ts are:
(1) Never dishonour the gift of hair, beard,
moustaches and eye-brows, etc;
(2) Never consume alcoholic drinks, tobacco products or any other
intoxicants;
(3) Never cohabit with any person other than one’s own spouse; and
(4) Never eat the meat of an animal/bird slaughtered/prepared by way of
any ritual.
In view of the prescribed discipline, all the
Initiated Sikhs – males and females are known to be “Khalsa Panth”
thereby having distinctive identity. Accordingly, a Sikh could be
described as an ideal human being, who follows the Laws of Nature with
devotion and humility. Such an ideal Sikh is also known as a
“Saint-Soldier” because such a person will not only protect the weak but
if need arises, will also not hesitate to challenge any anti-social
element including terrorists.
Due to their hard-work and self discipline, the Sikhs
– followers of Khalsa Panth can now be seen all over the world.
Whichever country they have adopted as their Permanent Residence, they
have excelled in all fields. Despite their small population when
compared with Christians, Muslims, Hindus and Buddhists, Sikhs have been
enjoying equal rights without any discrimination except in India. It
would be an ideal example if Sikhs were also employed in Police and
Armed Forces so that they could prove their worth as the most dependable
persons. In conclusion, the Sikh-Khalsa is a friend of all people, ready
to defend the honour of their adopted country and sacrifice their lives
with bravery as they did during First & Second World Wars under the
Allied Forces. We also wish to point out that Sikhs are different from
the Hindus and Muslims. Sikhs’ religious place is called “Gurduara
Sahib”, where all persons are welcome to take part in congregation and
free community food. On this historical day, please Pray with us so that
our Sikh brothers and sisters also regain their own free Independent
State of Punjab like Jews’ Israel, East Timorese, Kosovo and other (150)
countries having far less population than the Sikhs. At the end, I am
profusely grateful to all for their continuous assistance, cooperation
and guidance. Let us continue to live in peace and harmony as brothers
and sisters. But Sikhs’ Homeland Punjab needs to be restored to the
Sikhs – please refer to the SGPC’s Resolution passed on 9th March 1946.
Thanks,