Guru Nanak Jayanti

Syllabus: GS1/ HIstory and Culture

Context

• Recently, the 555th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak was celebrated across India.

About

• Guru Nanak is the founder of Sikhism and the first of the ten Sikh Gurus.
• He lived in the 15th century and was the contemporary of the Mughal Emperor – Babur. 
• His teachings are encapsulated in the Guru Granth Sahib (the holy scripture of Sikhism), and continue to hold great relevance in contemporary times.

Key teachings of Guru Nanak

• Religious Tolerance: In an era marked by religious diversity, Guru Nanak’s emphasis on the unity of all people under one divine force encourages mutual respect and harmony.
  • This teaching promotes religious tolerance and understanding, which is especially relevant in today’s globalized and diverse world.
• Equality and Social Justice: Guru Nanak strongly advocated for social equality, rejecting caste-based discrimination and promoting the idea that all individuals are equal.
  • This teaching remains relevant in the contemporary context where issues of social justice, discrimination, and inequality persist. 
• Service to Humanity: The concept of “seva” or selfless service is central to Sikhism. Guru Nanak encouraged his followers to engage in acts of kindness and service to humanity.
  • This teaching is relevant in addressing the challenges of poverty, inequality, and humanitarian crises that persist in the modern world. 
  • He set up rules for congregational worship (Sangat) involving collective recitation. 
• Honest Livelihood: Guru Nanak emphasized the importance of earning an honest living through hard work and ethical means.
  • In the contemporary world, where issues of corruption, dishonesty, and unethical practices are prevalent, Guru Nanak’s teachings encourage individuals to maintain integrity in their professional and personal lives.
• Spiritual Unity: He advocated the ‘Nirguna’ (devotion to and worship of formless divine) form of bhakti.
  • This teaching encourages individuals to find commonalities and connections between different faiths and traditions, fostering a sense of unity and shared humanity.
• Environmental Stewardship: Guru Nanak’s teachings emphasize the interconnectedness of all creation and the importance of respecting and preserving the environment.
  • In the face of contemporary environmental challenges, these teachings inspire a sense of responsibility towards nature and sustainable living.

Legacy of Guru Nanak

• Nankana Sahib: A Gurudwara was built at his birthplace in the city now known as Nankana Sahib. It is located in the Punjab province of Pakistan. 
• Kartarpur corridor: The corridor was built to commemorate the 550th birth anniversary celebrations of Guru Nanak Dev in November 2019.
  • It is one of the holiest places for Sikhs where Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji settled and preached for the last 18 years of his life.

Source: BL