The sacred day of Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Prakash Purab — his birth anniversary — shines as a beacon of light and hope for the entire Sikh community, and indeed, for all humanity. This day is not merely a remembrance of the first Guru of Sikhism; it is a celebration of the eternal light of truth, humility, and love that Guru Nanak Dev Ji brought into the world through his divine life and teachings.
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The Birth and Early Life of Guru Nanak Dev Ji
Guru Nanak Dev Ji was born in 1469 CE at Talwandi (now Nankana Sahib, in present-day Pakistan). His father, Mehta Kalu Ji, and mother, Mata Tripta Ji, were deeply respected members of their community. From his earliest years, Guru Ji radiated divine wisdom and spiritual awareness. While other children played, young Nanak would sit in contemplation of God, reflecting on the mysteries of creation and the true purpose of human life.
Guru Ji rejected all divisions based on religion, caste, or creed. For him, the entire universe was the creation of one Supreme Being. It is this truth that resounds in his foundational teaching — “Ik Onkar”, meaning There is but One God, the Eternal and Omnipresent Creator.
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Guru Ji’s Timeless Teachings and Philosophy of Life
Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s message for humanity rests upon three guiding principles, each serving as a pillar of spiritual and moral living:
1.Naam Japo (Meditate on God’s Name):
Guru Ji taught that one should remember and meditate on God’s Name at all times. Through Naam Simran, the soul attains peace and purity, rising above ego, greed, and attachment.
2.Kirat Karo (Earn Honestly):
Guru Ji emphasized honest labor and integrity in one’s livelihood. Wealth gained through deceit or exploitation, he said, can never bring peace of mind or spiritual fulfillment.
3.Vand Chhako (Share with Others):
Whatever we receive from the Divine must be shared with others. This spirit of sharing is not merely an act of charity — it is a sacred duty of humanity.
These three principles form the foundation of a righteous and compassionate life, as relevant today as they were over five centuries ago.
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Guru Ji’s Journeys (Udasis)
Guru Nanak Dev Ji devoted his life to the service of humanity. He embarked upon four great spiritual journeys, known as Udasis, covering nearly 40,000 kilometers across India, Arabia, Tibet, China, and beyond. Wherever he went, he spread the universal message of truth, equality, and divine love.
He reminded the world that no religion should divide humankind. In every land, he challenged superstition and ritualism, guiding people toward a life of simplicity, righteousness, and devotion. His divine composition, Japji Sahib, beautifully expresses these universal truths and remains a cornerstone of Sikh philosophy.
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The Message of Equality
Guru Nanak Dev Ji fearlessly raised his voice against social inequality, caste divisions, and the oppression of women. He declared:
“ਸੋ ਕਿਉਂ ਮੰਦਾ ਆਖੀਐ ਜਿਤੁ ਜੰਮਹਿ ਰਾਜਾਨ||”
“How can we call her inferior, who gives birth to kings?”
Guru Ji taught that before the Creator, no one is high or low — all are equal expressions of the same Divine Light.
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The Institution of Langar
One of Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s most revolutionary contributions was the establishment of Langar — the community kitchen where all, regardless of caste, creed, or social standing, sit together to share a meal.
Langar is far more than food; it is a living expression of equality, humility, and brotherhood. It reminds us that service (seva) and sharing are the true paths to spiritual realization.
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Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Message for the Modern World
Though we live in an age of remarkable scientific progress, humanity today faces grave moral and spiritual crises — greed, intolerance, violence, and environmental destruction. These challenges stem from our disconnection from compassion, ethics, and the awareness of divine unity.
Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s message offers the remedy. His teachings of Naam Japo, Kirat Karo, and Vand Chhako provide a universal framework for peace, harmony, and balance — guiding us toward a world rooted in truth and love.
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Guru Ji’s Divine Bani — The Path of Peace
Guru Ji’s divine Bani (sacred hymns) are enshrined eternally in Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, the eternal Guru of the Sikhs. His words remind us that true religion is not confined to any temple, mosque, or ritual; true religion awakens love, compassion, and humility within the human heart.
Guru Ji declared:
“ਸਚਹੁ ਓਰੈ ਸਭੁ ਕੋ ਉਪਰਿ ਸਚੁ ਆਚਾਰੁ||”
“Truth is above all, but higher still is truthful living.”
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The True Meaning of Prakash Purab
Celebrating Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Prakash Purab is not limited to lighting lamps or singing hymns; it is about dispelling the inner darkness of ignorance and awakening the light of truth within ourselves.
When we live with humility, integrity, and a spirit of selfless service, we truly honor the legacy and light of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
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A Prayer and a Pledge
Let us all offer a heartfelt prayer that the divine light of Guru Nanak Dev Ji continues to guide and inspire us — leading us on the path of truth, compassion, and inner peace.
“ਨਾਨਕ ਨਾਮ ਚੜ੍ਹਦੀ ਕਲਾ ਤੇਰੇ ਭਾਣੇ ਸਰਬਤ ਦਾ ਭਲਾ||”
“Through Nanak, may the Divine Name uplift our spirits, and may everyone prosper under God’s will.”
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On this sacred Prakash Purab, let us embrace Guru Ji’s divine teachings in our daily lives —
to live truthfully, act with love, serve selflessly, and see the Divine Light shining within every human being.
Heartfelt greetings on Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Prakash Purab!
Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!
Gurpreet Singh
Editor, Khalsa Akhbar
