Contents Preface

Preface When Babar was exhorted by Guru Nanak

S. No. Article Page No. Dev to give up drinking, he promised to do so if
he would be successful in he battle of Deccan. His
1. The Legacy of Guru Arjan Dev Ji
victory deepened his faith in the Holy Guru whose
Dr. Sangat Singh 11 blessings he then sought for the establishment on a
2. Guru Arjan Dev And Guru Granth Sahib firmer footing of the Mughal empire in India. In his
Balbir Singh Bhasin 24 infinite graciousness Guru Nanak Dev put in the hands
of the founder of the Mughal dynasty seven pinches
3. Romance of Early Morning in
of dust symbolizing that Babar’s empire would last
Golden Temple, Amritsar 27 for seven generations. A Sikh who was watching this
4. A Spiritual Symbiosis 28 strange dispensation of beneficence reminded the
5. The Concept of Spirituality in Sikhism 41 Guru that the Mughals, despotic as they were, would
cause havoc if they continued to rule the country for
6. Pingalwara Diary 46
a long time. Guru Nanak Dev smilingly replied that if
they did so, the Mughal Empire would be decimated
in India by seven sacrifices corresponding to the gift
of a seven-generation dynasty he had bestowed on
the Mughal Emperor.
As ordained by the founder of the Sikh
faith, the Fifth Master, Guru Arjan Dev, became the
first martyr to shake the foundations of the mighty
Mughal Empire. The six martyrs who followed
him in the lineage of martyrdom were Guru Tegh
Bahadur, (the Ninth Master), the four sons of Guru
Gobind Singh (the Tenth Master), and his mother,
1 2
Mata Gujri. As the “Prince of martyrs” and “Prophet definitive direction, a comprehensive perspective
of Peace”, Guru Arjan Dev’s life was an inspired and a pragmatic programme, he made the new faith
compact of sublime sacrifice and beatific bliss born agree with the whole gamut of existence, thereby
out of his sweet submission to the Divine Will. raising its magnificent edifice on values which would
Guru Arjan Dev played a pivotal role in the know no death or change. Guru Arjan Dev adorned
development of the Sikh faith by giving a definite the spiritual throne of Guru Nanak Dev from 1581 to
form to the exemplary work that his four predecessors 1606.
had done. It is pertinent to observe that a new The compilation of the Adi Granth (the
religion can be founded only when the following Primal Book) was Guru Arjan Dev’s epoch-making
three things are established in the first place: granth achievement. The writing of the sacred volume was
(Scripture), tirath (place of pilgrimage or worship) completed sometime in 1604. Less than two years of
and lipi (script). The Fifth Master’s contribution is the mortal life of the Guru remained at the time when
thus incomparable in so far as he fulfilled for the he was to wear the crown of martyrdom at the hands
Sikh faith two of these three imperatives: one, as of the bigoted Mughal Emperor, Jahangir. With a
the author-compiler of Guru Granth Sahib (The prophetic insight into what the future held in store
Sikh Bible) and two, as the architect-builder of the for him, the Guru completed two grand projects with
Golden Temple at Amritsar. In short, the Sikh faith ceaseless labour to impart two distinctive features to
acquired from Guru Arjan Dev the unique signs and the new faith: the holy Temple that must serve as the
symbols of distinct spiritual entity. centre of its devotion, and the holy Scripture which
Born at Goindwal on April 15, 1563, Guru must enshrine the timeless spirit of its teaching.
Arjan Dev was the youngest and noblest of the According to the extant recension of Guru
three sons of the Fourth Master, Guru Ram Das. Granth Sahib to which the Bani (literally, Word)
Endowed with a deeply religious temperament of Guru Tegh Bahadur was added at Guru Gobind
and quintessential poetic afflatus, his life was Singh’s command in 1705-06 at Damdama Sahib,
distinguished by immeasurable compassion, there are 5751 shabads (verse units). Out of this
humility and mercy. Giving the Sikh movement a total the largest number (2312 verse units) is the
4
magnificent contribution of Guru Arjan Dev. He custodian). Guru Arjan Dev enjoined on the Sikhs
incorporated in the Adi Granth composition of to revere the Holy Book as the embodiment of the
Muslim Sufis (mystics) like Sheikh Farid and teachings and spirit of the Gurus. The Adi Granth is
Bhikhan, along with those of the Bhaktas (saints), to The Sikh faith as The Holy Bible is to Christianity
the so-called shudras such as Kabir, the weaver; and the Holy Koran to Islam. But followers of no
Ravidas, the cobbler; Sain, the barber; and Sadhna, world religion revere their Scripture with such
the butcher. Altogether sixteen such Bhaktas and undiminished intensity of love as the Sikhs do. This
Sufis have been represented in the Holy Book. unique fact was highlighted with a memorable punch
Guru Arjan Dev arranged the selected when one foreigner described the Golden Temple at
composition in 30 different ragas (musical modes Amritsar as “the costliest book cover in the world.”
or patterns). A precise method was followed in the According to Prof. Gurbachan Singh Talib,
setting of the verse-units. First came shabads by the “Granth’, which is derived from a Sanskrit word,
holy Guru in the order of their succession. Then came implies, like the ‘Koran’ and the ‘Bible’ a Book-the
chhands, vars, etc., by the Gurus. The compositions Book per excellence. Unlike some other scriptures,
by the Guru in ragas were followed by those of it is neither history nor mythology, nor a collection
the Bhaktas. Immense labour was expended on the of incantations. Its contents are spiritual poetry, the
preparation of the huge volume whose present-day vision of the cosmic order and exhortation to the
standard version runs into 1430 pages. The first higher life. In that respect it is a unique scripture
copy of the Adi Granth, which was transcribed by among the source books of religion. It remains
Bhai Gurdas under the supervision of Guru Arjan unique in consisting solely of the meditations of God-
Dev, is preserved by the family of the descendants at inspired men who have communicated the Divine
Kartarpur. Word in a spirit of deep humility and compassion for
The Holy Book was installed at Harmandir mankind.
Sahib with appropriate ceremony. Sikhs came in The Golden Temple, or Sri Hari Mandir
large numbers to pay obeisance to the Adi Granth. (or Harmandir) Sahib (the Lord God’s Temple) or
Bhai Budha was appointed the first Granthi, (reader- Darbar Sahib (the Court of the Venerable Lord), is the
5 6
sacred shrine of the Sikhs. It is a paragon of religious While the holy tank was under construction,
architecture, symbolizing devotion, love, peace, and Guru Arjan Dev thought of building a Sikh shrine
universal brotherhood. The holy Temple stands for in its midst, and conceived the architectural design
all that is sublime and noble in the Indian religious of the holy Temple than was destined to become an
tradition. The Golden Temple was built in 1604 A.D. all-time spiritual marvel in architecture. The object
It is an incomparable specimen of Sikh architecture of Guru Arjan Dev in planning the structure of Sri
which represents the best and the finest in the late Harmandir Sahib in the midst of the Amrit Sarowar
16th century and style of decorative building arts. (Pool of Nectar) was to combine human life’s spiritual
The idea of creating a place of pilgrimage and temporal aspects, thereby bringing about a new
was conceived by Guru Amar Das, the Third Master. synthesis of the varied strands of Indian philosophic
This was to continue the practice of founding new thought.
centres for Sikh congregations—a tradition which The construction of the holy shrine was
had been established by his predecessors. The carried out under the direct control and supervision
place was discovered by Guru Ram Das, the Fourth of Guru Arjan Dev. He was assisted by Baba Budha,
Master, during one of the itineraries undertaken Bhai Gurdas and other prominent Sikhs available on
by him in search of a suitable site for establishing the site.
a new Sikh centre. He found the present site in a The tank and the temple, when completed,
jungle to the west of Sultanwind village on a piece presented a beautiful sight. It became a spot of
of land lying bounded by the villages of Sultanwind, unparalleled beauty, splendour and glory.
Tung, Gumtala and Gilwali. Existing on the site Guru Arjan Dev commemorated the
was a pond whose water had been known to have achievement in the ecstasy of high poetic
curative properties. Though its idea was mooted by inspiration:
Guru Amar Das, the execution of the project was I have seen all places; but there is none other
left to Guru Ram Das. Arrangement of founds for like thee.
the purpose and their control were entrusted to Baba For thou were established by the Creator-
Budha. Lord Himself who blest thee with Glory.
7 8
 Ramdaspur is thickly populated, unparalleled personal example by living up to his own lofty
and supremely beauteous. ideal of Brahmgiani. All his holy compositions are
He who takes a dip in the Tank of Ram Das, steeped in purifying humility moving compassion
is cleansed of all his mortal sins. and palpable tenderness. He seeks God’s grace for
Guru Arjan Dev undertook a tour of Punjab the fulfillment of all kinds of human needs and
to preach the tenets and teachings of the Sikh faith. obligations during work-a-day existence, including
He rationalized the institution of masands who, as man’s metaphysical quest for Divine Communion.
an efficient cadre of local leaders, kept the Guru’s Guru Arjan Dev’s Sukhmani is a masterpiece
growing following united. The Guru ordained that of sacred devotional verse. The sense of the title
every Sikh should voluntarily donate for religious has a beautiful ambiguity which would yield
purposes a tithe, daswandh, or one tenth of his income both these meanings: Jewel of Bliss, and Joy of
raised by the sweat of his brow. These pious Sikhs Heart. An extensive text sets forth in twenty four
looked after the congregations in far-flung parts of asthapadis (8-stanza cantos) the fundamentals of
the country and collected offerings and donations Sikhs mysticism, philosophy, devotion, and exalted
thus made for the Guru’s treasury. The masands led pragmatism. Using simple diction, Guru Arjan Dev
the Sikhs to the Guru’s presence on special days such has sought to make life’s spiritual rhythms part of the
as Baisakhi and Diwali. Guru Arjan Dev persuaded heart-throbs of a creedless humanity—universally
Akbar to remit the land revenue for the year when from here to eternity. In stanza after stanza, Sukhmani
Punjab was in the grip of drought and famine. enunciates those principles which were revealed to
The essential message of Guru Arjan Dev’s the holy Gurus in their deep meditation over long
Bani is meditation of Naam. The Guru has lucidly spells of inspired surrender of the “self” to the Primal
expatiated on the concept of Brahmgiani, or Presence.
Naam-enlightened soul. According to him, such S.S Bhatti
enlightenment or spirit stature can be attained only Glory of Sikh
through meditation on the Lord God’s Name by (The Tribune, April 22, 1990)
the holy Guru’s grace. Guru Arjan Dev set a fine
9 10
 The Legacy of Guru Arjan Dev ji movement. Assisted by a wily Brahmin, Mahesh Das
Dr. Sangat Singh alias Birbal, one of the nine gems of Akbar’s Court,
The era of Guru Arjan Dev (September the detractors tried to fish in the troubled waters. At
1581-May 1606) was marked by a rare liveliness, Birbal’s instance, the district revenue official, Sulhi
vitality and high spirit in the realm of Sikhism. Khan, too aligned himself with the detractors.
He was an exceptional by genius. He belonged to With the help of some misguided masands,
the new generation, born after the passing away of Prithi Chand started preaching that he had been
Guru Nanak. Sikhism during his period made rapid invested with the Guruship and not Arjan Dev. He
strides to come into notice as a powerful third force, was able to mislead some simple-minded Sikhs. The
independent of both Hinduism and Islam. Above state of his meanness could be judged from the fact
all, he raised the level of Guru to that of sachcha that he would collect their offerings and direct them
padshah (true king) as against the worldly kings to the langar of Guru Arjan to take their meals. That
whose position was ephemeral. rather contributed to his undoing.
The achievements of Guru Arjan are to be The efforts of Bhai Gurdas who, by now
viewed in the context of the fierce resistance he met was back from Agra, to persuade Prithi Chand to
from within the family-his elder brother Prithi Chand adopt the path of sanity fell through. Bhai Gurdas
who externalized the conflict and sought assistance of in disgust gave him and his collaborators the plural
the hostile elements to contain the growing influence epithet of mine, deceitful or highway robbers, which
of Sikhism. But it had little impact, if at all, on Guru stuck to the clique. The leading Sikhs successfully
Arjan who remained calm and composed till the very combated misleading propaganda of Prithi Chand,
last. who otherwise met series of setbacks.
Guru Arjan tried to defuse the crisis en famille. Prithi Chand with the assistance of detractors
He transferred all the property of his father to Prithi prepared a Memorandum (mahjar) leveling charges
Chand who was not appeased. Prithi Chand at the against Guru Arjan and presented it to Emperor
moment was being instigated by high caste Hindus Akbar who treated it with the contempt it deserved.
who already were on the lookout to contain the Sikh The wily Birbal was killed in 1586 when on a
11 12
campaign against Pathans in the Frontier. Sulhi Khan Kartarpur, apart from the city of Amritsar for which
marshaled his resources to attack Guru Arjan but, on he invited people of all trades and professions. The
the way at Haher whereto he reverted to confer with religions centres established at these places became
Prithi Chand met unholy death when his horse along centres for consolidation of the Guru’s following.
with him jumped into a brick oven. Tarn Taran had the privilege of having the biggest
Guru Arjan was least distracted by these sarovar, tank, and emerged as the centre for cure
goings on. Right from the beginning, he concentrated of leprosy victims. The Lt. Governor of Jalandhar
on the missionary tours and the construction work, Doab, Syed Azim Khan, who became Guru Arjan’s
which went hand in hand. disciple, played a leading role in establishment of
Ramdas Sarovar shortly afterwards renamed Sikh centre at Kartarpur.
Amritsar, the pool of nectar, Santokhsar and Guru ke Guru Arjan also built a Baoli at Dabbi Bazar
Mahal (Guru’s residence) all left midway by Guru Lahore, (it was paid for by Wazir Khan, Governor
Ram Das were completed around 1588. The of Lahore), a couple of wells at Tarn Taran, Gangsar
foundation of Harimandir, now also known as well at Kartarpur which had as pure water as that of
Golden Temple, was laid on Maghi, Sunday Ganges, a huge well with six wheels at Chheharta
December 28, 1588,-the foundation stone being near Amritsar and another well with three wheels
laid by the renowned Sufi Saint of Qadiry order, at Amritsar. He also laid Guru ka Bagh apart from
Mir Mohamed Khan, known as Hazrat Mian Mir some other constructions like Ramsar at Amritsar.
of Lahore. Harimandir, unlike Hindu and Muslim Guru Arjan’s missionary tours were a great success
places of worship, was built at a lower level than the in attracting disciples, cutting across religious lines.
surrounding area. It had doors on all the four sides, These included hill Rajas of Kulu, Saket, Haripur
signifying both humanity and universalism and that and Chamba who visited him at various times. The
it was open to people of all the denominations. Malwa was aptly covered by Masands.
Side by side, during his extensive missionary The widespread building activity was
tours of Majha and Doaba, Guru Arjan founded indicative of sharp increase in the number of Sikhs,
the towns of Sri Gobindpur on Beas. Tarn Taran, who according to Mohsin Fani of Dabistan-i-
13 14
Mazahib were found in all parts of Hindustan and Namah, Guru Arjan accorded a profuse reception to
beyond. It also invited a reorganization of Masand Akbar on November 24, 1598, at Goindwal. Akbar
system to channelize the funds for construction was really impressed by Guru Arjan’s “bewitching
work. With the consent of the Sikhs, daswand, i.e. and handsome appearance, sweet and melodious
one-tenth of their earnings was fixed. It was carried voice and fascinating and charming manners, his
by Masands to the Guru on Baisakhi day. He also princely style of living, his warm reception and his
encouraged the Sikhs to enter into trade activity, singing of hymns” in praise of God. At Guru Arjan’s
especially those of Turki horses, and also probably instance, Akbar issued orders to remit the revenue
himself entered that trade. It made the Sikhs to by one-sixth.
have trade encounters with tough Pathans of the It may mentioned that Guru Arjan was a great
Trans frontier region. Afghanistan and beyond. It lyricist. His hymns had a rare quality to touch the
enriched them and also the Guru’s treasury. Besides, symphony of one’s heart.
the hazards of horse trading made them some of the He mostly composed short hymns in
finest horseman of Asia. simple language of the people. These straightaway
That was not an incidental development. His affected the emotions of the singer and the listener.
son Hargobind, born on 21 Asarh, June 18, 1590, as His Sukhmani, psalm of peace, still remains a
part of his education got through training in horse masterpiece to put at ease a disturbed mind and
riding, swordsmanship and warfare at the hands of provide it instant solace. Guru Arjan’s bani, hymns,
Baba Buddha. Guru Arjan could foresee the need for captivated the heart of the people and proved an
the new orientation in view of the persistent hostility effective instrument in spreading the Sikh panth.
of local muqaddams and faujdars on their own and at By the time, Prithia’s attempt to compose his
the instigation of Prithia and malignant upper caste own hymns in the name of Guru Nanak posed a threat
Hindus. They were hand in glove with one another. to corrupt the Sikh philosophy. The compilation of
Guru Arjan’s perception of the times to come Guru Granth had already been on the agenda of the
was notwithstanding Akbar’s high regards for him. Sikh panth. Guru Nanak had passed on the collection
According to the Court historian, Abul Fazal’s Akbar of his hymns to Guru Angad who had them copied and
15 16
widely distributed. Guru Nanak had also collected His ideological parameters were clear.
Farid’s compositions. Guru Angad enlarged the The Adi Granth enunciated unadulterated
collection by adding those of some more Bhaktas. monotheism and humanism. It reflected pan-
Later, Guru Amar Das had collected the hymns of Hindustani and beyond, matter of fact, existence of
his predecessors and his own as also of a number of Sikhism.
Bhaktas, into pothis, volumes. The death of Emperor Akbar in October 1605
Guru Arjan, shortly after Akbar’s visit, early marked a sea change in the policy of his successor,
in 1599, began the project of compilation of Adi Prince Salim alias Nuruddin Jahangir, who out of
Granth, Bhai Gurdas was appointed amanuenses. political necessity was forced to uphold Islamic
Guru Arjan took five-years to complete the project. Puritanism of Naqashbani revivalists led by Khwaja
Adi Granth was ready in 1604 when it was installed Mohammad Baqi-Billa (1564-1603) of Turan.
in the Harimandir with Baba Buddha as the first Shaikh Farid Bukhari, one of his followers
granthi. It was placed at a high pedestal while Guru had emerged as a strong force in Akbar’s Court
Arjan himself sat at a lower level to emphasize that by the end of the latter’s reign, while the spiritual
shabad, Word, is the Guru. It was embodiment of the mantle fell on Shaikh Ahmad Sirhindi also known as
Guru himself. Mujadid Alif-i-Sani (1561-1624).
The compilation of Adi Granth was a major After Salim’s revolt and Akbar’s forgiving
achievement of Guru Arjan. his errant son and proclaiming him heir-apparent,
Guru Arjan, like his predecessors, was a the leading nobles of Akbar’s Court were divided
connoisseur in music and put it to good use in into two factions. One, favouring Akbar’s policy of
organizing the Adi Granth including the hymns of Din-i-llahi and Sulha-i-Kul (Peace for All), favoured
bards and Bhaktas in various ragas, musical meters. liberal minded Prince Khusrau, Salim’s son, and held
He also exercised great caution in selection Salim unsuitable for kingship. The other, of Islamic
of hymns of Bhaktas for inclusion. He rejected fundamentalists, sick of Akbar policy of religious
compositions like Pran Sangli obtained after tolerance, aligned with Salim and extracted promises
considerable effort from Ceylon, being spurious. to reverse Akbar’s religious policy and further the
17 18
cause of Islam at the cost of the non-Muslims. They Khusrau crossed river Beas and was followed
were to be humiliated and shown no quarters. Shaikh by Shaikh Farid Bukhari who inflicted on him
Ahmad Sirhindi’s letters. Maktubat-i-Emam-i- a crushing defeat near Bhairowal Khusrau was
Rabani, fully reflect his philosophy of contempt for captured on April 27, 1606, near Chenab and brought
the non-Muslims. as prisoner to Lahore.
In Punjab, the Hindu position was listless Jahangir crossed to Beas on April 26, and was
except that they would hobnob with the convenient encamped at Jhabal. Upto May 22, i.e. for 27 days,
officials against growing Sikh influence. there was no mention at all of Khusrau’s calling on
Guru Arjan’s high profile, active, missionary Guru Arjan much less the latter’s blessing him.
preaching’s, and pan-Hindustani aspirations rankled Around May 23, a report about Guru Arjan’s
in the mind of Shaikh Ahmad Sirhindi who, in one blessing Khusrau and affixing a saffron mark on his
of his letters, described Guru Arjan Dev as Chief forehead poured into Jahangir’s ears. That made him
of Infidels –Rais-i-ahl-i-Shirk-and a leader of the to call for Guru Arjan into his presence.
Kafirs-imam-i-kufr. Gokal Chand Narang describes That sets the stage for Jahangir’s entry in his
Guru Arjan Dev as “the first great organizer of the memoirs, Tuzak-i-Jahangiri, which reads: “These
Sikh nation.” In the words of Mohsin Fani, the Sikh lived at Goindwal on the bank of the river Biah
had by now “become accustomed to a form of self- (Beas) a Hindu named Arjan in the grab of a Pir
government within the Empire”. and Shaikh, so much so that he had by his ways and
Khusrau’s indiscreet revolt against his father means captivated the hearts of many simple-minded
on April 6, 1606 and his hurrying to the Punjab, on Hindus, nay, even of foolish and stupid Muslims
way to the North West Frontier, to gain adherents and he had noised himself as a religious and worldly
greatly helped to strengthen the position of Islamic leader. They called him Guru, and from all directions,
revivalists. Khusrau was pursued by Shaikh Farid fools and fool worshippers were attracted towards
Bukhari who in turn was being followed by Jahangir. him and expressed full faith in him. For three of
The persons who directly or indirectly helped four-generations they had kept this shop warm. For
Khusrau were immediately punished. a long time the thought had been presenting itself to
19 20
me that either I should put an end to this false traffic Hargobind, the ceremony was performed by Bhai
or he should be brought into the fold of Islam. Buddha, a venerable old Sikh coming from the days
“At last during the days when Khusrau passed of Guru Nanak. And the same practice was followed
along this road, this insignificant fellow made up his upto the time of Guru Gobind Singh, tenth and last
mind to see him and conveyed preconceived things to Guru.
him and made on his forehead a fingermark in saffron From the details in Tuzuk-i-Jahangiri, it is
which in Hindu terminology is called qashqa (teeka) obvious that Jahangir was looking for an opportunity
and is considered propitious. When this came to the to fix Guru Arjan. He left the details of punishment
ears of our Majesty, and I fully knew his heresies, I to be worked out by Shaikh Farid Bukhari on whom
ordered that he should be brought into my presence he had conferred the high title of Martaza Khan-one
and, having handed over his houses, dwelling place, who had gained the royal pleasure. Tuzuk does not
and children to Murtza Khan (Shaikh Farid Bukhari) mention of any fine being imposed on Guru Arjan, as
and having confiscated his property. I ordered that has been mentioned by some contemporary sources
he should be put to death with tortures. like Dabisan-i-Mazhaib and Jesuits. That seems to
The first part about popularity of Guru be the result of a mix up.
Arjan and his mission was correct. The second part Guru Arjan nominated Hargobind as his
about Guru Arjan’s blessing Khusrau was a pure successor and left for Lahore. He was subjected to
concoction, 16 probably the work of Shaikh Farid a number of tortures. The Sikh traditional accounts
Bukhari who might have used Chandu as a tool. As mention that Guru Arjan was made to sit on hot iron
Ganda Singh points out, “Never in the whole history plate, hot sand was thrown over his body, and he was
of the Sikh Gurus, there has been any occasion for boiled in a cauldron. Dabistani-Mazhaib mentions
any Guru to anoint anyone, Sikh or non-Sikh, with a of his being deprived of food and water and put into
teeka. Even the succeeding Guru was never teeka’d the hot blazing sand and stoned which caused blood
by any Guru himself. The teeka of tilak ceremony to ooze out of his head. He was tortured for 3 to 5
of the succeeding Guru was always performed days.
by a leading Sikh. In the case of Gurus Angad to With wounds blistering on his body, on May
21 22
30, 1606, tied hand and feet, he was thrown into Guru Arjan Dev And
river Ravi wherein he disappeared. In the words of The Guru Granth Sahib
Bhai Gurdas, Guru Arjan though in great pain on Balbir Singh Bhasin
the night of May 29-30 was fully composed, with Guru Arjan Dev is the fifth in the line of
hymns in praise of God on his lips. Sikh masters, starting from Guru Nanak Dev. The
Guru Arjan’s martyrdom, the first of its kind construction of Harmandir Sahib at Amritsar, the
in the history of Hindustan, the sub-continent, caused compilation of the Adi Granth, the establishment
great resentment and indignation among the general and development of new township, the extension
body of Hindus and Muslims, apart from the Sikhs. and consolidation of the Sikh faith and sacrifice of
One tends to agree with Ganda Sinh that “much of his own life for a righteous cause are some it his
the Chandu-story was given currency to in those very
exemplary achievements.
days to shift the responsibility of tortures inflicted
The Golden Temple at Amritsar is an
on the Guru from the Mughal Officials to the Kafirs.
immortal tribute to his superb genius. The Guru
Chandu was only a minor official at Lahore, and
Granth Sahib, which has been accorded the unique
hostile to the Sikh Panth.
honour of ‘Guru’ in Sikh circles, was compiled
The non-implementation of Jahangir’s orders
and edited by Guru Arjan Dev and it continues to
about taking over of Guru Arjan’s property and
children remains inexplicable, notwithstanding Sikh command the reverence of generations of countless
tradition accounts about intervention of Mian Mir disciples everywhere. The scripture is an invaluable
who at that stage had no influence either with the treasure of Indian spirituality, culture, literature and
Emperor or Shaikh Farid Bukhari, the main actors language.
in Guru Arjan’s martyrdom. The company that Arjan Dev enjoyed from his
early days consisted, apart from near relatives, Bhai
Guru Das, a nephew of Guru Amar Das. His unique
personality was the result of his own genius which
evolved and flowered in the suitable atmosphere
23 24
around him. And in-depth study of spiritual and On the other hand, people in close contact with the
philosophical literature gave a fillip to his scholarly Guru and his followers have expressed their highest
attitude. regard and respect for his genius and spirituality.
Guru Arjan not only undertook to study Bhai Guru Das rates him as the “loftiest light” the
spirituality, but he also examined and evaluated the true creator, the transcendent knower and a being
message of spirituality. He led his life in the tradition beyond the reach of human intellect and language.
of Nanak Bani and supported it with the strength Bhai Guru Das had watched Arjan Dev from close
of his genius. Its most outstanding example is the quarters, and he had assisted in the compilation
compilation of the Adi Granth. of the Adi Granth. In Bhai Guru Das’s estimation,
The establishment of townships, construction Guru Arjuan was a great hero who did not fall short
of the Harmandir, pools, baolies and wells-all these of Mahabharata’s Arjuna or Buddhist philosopher
projects required a steady flow of money. In order to Nagarjuna in terms of spiritual heights.
meet this requirement, another plan was mooted that In short, we can easy say that Guru Arjan
proved highly successful. This was the custom of Dev was not only the compiler and editor of the Adi
Daswandh-one-tenth contribution of one’s income Granth but an apostle. He promoted social equality,
to such endeavours. This custom served to organize because he not only included the sayings and versus
and unite the Sikh people. of the four Gurus and his own, but gave the same
Jahangir, who ascended the Mughal throne respect and regard to the Bani and verses of several
during the lifetime of Guru Arjan, in This “Tuzaki- other saints and sevaks. In his view, all men are equal
i-Jahangir”-in reference to the Goindval settlement because the spiritual jyoti (light) of Almighty Gods
of the Guru–makes a mention of the Guru in terms shines in every heart.
of “Pir” and “Sheikh” and presents him as leader of (The Tribune, 20 July 2017)
Hindus and Muslims. But Shaikh Ahmed Srihindi
calls the Guru a qafir of Goindval and expresses
happiness at his martyrdom.
25 26
 ROMANCE OF EARLY MORNING IN A Spiritual Symbiosis
Golden Temple, Amritsar The structure of Sukhmani follows a uniform
If one wants to see the romance of early pattern. Each ashtapadi (canto) opens with a sloka
rising, one would do well to visit Shri Darbar (couplet or quatrain) which enunciates the theme
Sahib, Amritsar in the early hours of the morning of the canto following. Each canto has eight (ashta)
when the devotees begin to pour in from 2:30 A.M. stanzas (padas) of 10 lines set in the chaupai chhanda,
The whole atmosphere at that time in flooded with which was commonly employed in medieval Hindi-
religious ecstasy. The singing of the holy hymns,
Punjabi religious and philosophical literature for
the recitation of Gurbani and the very attitude of
the poetic delineation of profound themes. The
the devotees creates a celestial atmosphere and
language of Sukhmani is simple Braj Hindi which,
the reflection of the Golden Temple in the sacred
tank gives one the impression that one is in heaven in grammatical idiom, is close to Khari Boli, and
and not on the earth. After all what is heaven but Punjabi.
a picture of the noblest thoughts and highest Sukhmani’s effect on the mind of the dying or
aspirations of the human breast, and the Guru has the diseased or the grief-stricken has been observed
brought it down to this earth. During the early hours to be miraculous. It is like an inspired lullaby sung
in Shri Darbar Sahib when every heart is free from unto universal faith to invoke the Primal Presence
worldly temptations, when evils are yet asleep and that the embodied “self” may transcend the trying
the wicked one is yet not awake, the lovers of God travails and the gnawing conflicts of a life encaged
see Him face to face. Where there are pure hearts in moral anxieties.
there is holy ground and the morning hours make it It is said that Guru Arjan Dev has used 24,000
holier. According to Greeks the hero Mammon is the letters in the composition of Sukhmani’s 24 slokas
son of Aurora, the goddess of morning and the Sikhs and 24 ashtapadis, this figure denoting the number
too are the children of the holy morning. Thoreau of breaths a human being normally takes during the
found all the glory of Iliad and the Odyssey in the
cycle of 24 hours. According to Baba Nand Singh
morning hours, and the Sikhs under the influence of
of Nanaksar, a great devotee of Guru Nanak Dev,
early hours enacted these heroic exploits of Homer.
27 28
Sukhmani Bani is a formidable force in itself and Never can his mind find poise or solace).
its intrinsic might a sure safeguard against the evils Psychology is the science of the mind (the
of Kalihuga (the Iron Age). His prescription is that psyche). The mind is a complex of hopes, memories
Sukhmani should be recited mentally (not vocally) and fears, which are all relationships of one kind or
by keeping the tongue still to invoke the power another. Love and hate are not abstract, but exist in
which Guru Arjan Dev’s unique Bani possesses. He relation to some object or person. The question is
has further claimed that anyone who follows this not, therefore, whether it is a good relationship or
prescription and recites each stanza in one breath a bad one. The grim truth is that it binds. And it is
shall have the breath become part of an eternal life. precisely this human bondage which causes so much
In short, there is so much in Sukhmani that a seeking misery and suffering to the mortals. Nobody has
devotee can discover for the spiritual emancipation poeticized this psychological truth better than Guru
of his mortal life. Arjan Dev.
Guru Arjan Dev’s spiritual revelations are PHILOSOPHY
as profound as they are diverse. In an onrush of Sangi na chalasi terai dhana
significant spiritual poetry, he spontaneously unravels Toon kya laptavaih moorakh mana.
the great secrets of creation with a matching felicity (Worldly wealth shall not accompany thee on the
of expression, refreshing metaphor and evocative journey beyond.)
imagery. Some of the most fascinating dimensions of Why art thou so entranced by it, O my foolish self ?)
his inspired outpourings are: psychology, philosophy, Philosophy literally means love (phile) of
sociology, mysticism, science and cosmology. Here wisdom (Sophia) Guru Arjan Dev has revealed so
are a few specimens which should delight the readers. poetically the pain truth about the futility of man’s
These have been culled from Sukhmani. acquisitive instinct for material possessions!
Jab dharai kouo bairi meetu SOCIOLOGY
Tab lagu nehchalu nahi cheetu. Beej mantra sarab ko gyanu
(So long as man is ensnared by enmity and friendship Chauh varna maih japai kouo Namu.
29 30
(The seed-utterance is available to anyone From years of familiarity with it, this canto has lost none
among the four castes: It is the recitation of the Holy of its open freshness of a rose blossom, and the same
Name.) eerie majesty of a star-spangled sky.
Guru Arjan Dev’s concept of social reality SCIENCE
is not one of erudite theorizing or idle speculation Kayi baar pasriyo passar
about the elusive equality among people of different Sada sada ik Ekonkar.
endowments. It seeks to bring within the reach of (Many times has the universal expanse occurred yet
the common man the highest that the human mind each time at the end (and before) abides the Sole
can conceive and the soul aspire to. It is the Lord Supreme Being.
God’s Holy Name-the ultimate annuller of all social Astro-physicists and space-scientists are still
discrimination. quarrelling about the origin of the universe and its
MYSTICISM end in spite of the highly sophisticated instruments
Jab akaru ihu kachhu na dristeta which they have invented to decipher the mystery
Paap pun tab kehtei hota. of creation. According to some calculations, the
(When no form was visible, at that time who was the universe must have been created and destroyed
author of evil or good?) three or four times. Guru Arjan Dev’s emphasis on
The 21st ashtapadi of Sukhmani presents the “many times” gains a curious significance, more so
most remarkable portrayal of what is essential beyond when one realizes that he used no instruments for his
the realm of the visible form: The Abstract principle a-scientific observations. The point to appreciate is
of Truth. Matchless is the imagination, incomparable that an instrument, however ingenious an inventor it
the insight, and beauteous the expression, which the may be, can never be greater than its inventor—the
Holy Guru has displayed in the poetic delineation of human mind. The Holy Guru’s revelation also brings
the why, what, where and how of God’s enchanting into focus the common error which all scientists
creation. I first discovered the unique charm of this unwittingly commit. They dissociate the “product”
ashtapadi when I was a school boy. Even after forty from the “process” and the process” from the “first
31 32
cause” for the sake of the so-called objectivity of age thrives on the power embodied in the word
observation. But Guru Arjan Dev never loses sight “democracy”. That such a power is irrepressible
of the Cause, of all causes, the Sole Supreme Being. was recently demonstrated in Romania’s formidable
And, unlike scientists, he views the universe as an uprising against the political strait: jacked of
act of instant creation—a spontaneous manifestation communism. Yet if someone wanted to measure
of the Unattributed Primal Man—and its dissolution that power, would it be possible? No. Not at all. Not
as a similar Divine sport. because the instruments measure it have not yet been
COSMOLOGY invented, but because such a power as the collective
Naam ke dharei saklei jant might of people bent on breaking the shackles of
Naam ke dharei khand brahmand. political expediency is, indeed, immeasurable.
(All beings are by the power of the Name sustained Considered in this light, Guru Arjan Dev’s cosmology
By the Power of the Name are sustained continents should inspire the seeker to contemplate the essence
and universes) beyond the object to savour the immeasurable might
Guru Arjan Dev has formulated and amazing of the Sole Supreme Being whose Holy Name spells
concept of the cosmos. The word “Naam” here implies power and power alone: the sustainer of the skies,
the Divine might which no scientific instrument can the continents and the universe.
ever measure. A scientist’s view of the cosmos is Containing as it does the Bani of Sikh Gurus
limited by the instruments which he uses to observe and of Hindu and Muslim saints, Granth Sahib is
and measure it. He can thus never transcend the a unique Scripture among the religious books of
infirmities of the “measurable” to contemplate the mankind. It is secular in its spirit, cosmopolitan in
mighty power of the “immeasurable”. There can be its outlook and universal in its vision of an ideal
no doubt about the power of the Word. Doubt, really world order.
creeps in when one fails to measure its power. But THE PATH OF SALVATION
the fact remains that a whole era can be sustained by At once timeless and creedless, Gurbani
the power of a single word. The so-called modern addresses itself to the Family of Man as one
33 34
indivisible community privileged to strive for God- read out subsequently.
realization through the Guru’s grace. Its basic tenet Someone invokes Rama, another Khuda,
is that human life is an endowment for man which he One man worships Gosain, another Allah.
gets after a grueling cycle of eighty-four lakh births Some speak of the cause of causes,
and re-births in the lower forms of living matter. others of the Benevolent.
Guru Arjan Dev’s magnificent contribution Some talk of the Extender of Mercy,
lies in his matchless tolerance to incorporate in the others of the Merciful.
Adi Granth the Bani even of the so-called lowcaste Some bathe at the Hindu sacred places,
saints like Kabir (a weaver), Ravidas (a cobbler), others visit Mecca.
Sain (a barber), and Sadhna (a butcher). Thus, when Some perform the Hindu worship,
one pays obeisance to the Holy Book, one also bows others bow their heads in the
to the “lowliest” of God men in one’s quest for the Mohammedan fashion.
exaltation of a Maya-marooned spirit. Oddly enough, Some read the Vedas,
this must have been the reason that Guru Granth others the Musalman books.
Sahib became a puzzle to the people of sectarian Some wear white,
views. Nobody had known a religious book of this others blue.
kind before. Complaints were, therefore, made to Some call them elves Hindus,
the Mughal Emperor that the Book was derogatory others Musalmans.
to Islam and other orthodox religions. When he Some aspire to the heaven of the Hindus,
was travelling through Punjab, Akbar sent for Guru others to the heaven of the
Arjan Dev. The Guru deputed Bhai Budha and Bhai Mohammendans.
Gurdas to see the Ruler with the Adi Granth. The But he who recognizes God’s Will, says
book was opened at random, and read from a spot Nanak knows the secret of the Lord God.
pointed out by Akbar. The shabad (hymn) was in Extremely pleased with the spiritual contents
praise of the Almighty Father. So were the others of the Book, Akbar made an offering of fifty-one
35 36
gold mohars of the Adi Granth. He presented to Bhai be arrested. To quote again from the Emperor’s
Buddha and Bhai Gurdas robes of honour, and sent Memoirs: “I fully knew his heresies, and I ordered
a third one through them for the Guru. Akbar visited that he should be brought into my presence, that his
Guru Arjan Dev at Goindwal on his way back to property be confiscated, and that he should be put to
Delhi. He partook of food at the langar (community death with torture.”
kitchen) and beseeched the Guru to give spiritual For five days the Guru was subjected to
guidance. This was exactly what Babar did two extreme physical torment. He was seated on red-
generations earlier when he called on Guru Nanak hot iron plates and burning sand was poured over
Dev. Guru Arjan Dev recited to him the following him. He was dipped in boiling water. Mian Mir, the
shabad from the Adi Granth. Guru’s Muslim friend, came to see him and offered
Akbar’s successor, Jahangir, who ascended to intercede on his behalf. But the Guru forbade
the Mughal throne in 1605, was not so liberal as his him and enjoined him to find peace in God’s Will
father. He had not taken kindly to the Sikh faith and (bhana).
felt alarmed at its growing influence. In his Tuzuk It may be recalled that Mian Mir had earlier
(Memoirs), he wrote: “So many of the simple-minded been invited by Guru Arjan Dev to lay the foundation-
Hindus, nay, many foolish Muslims, too, had been stone for the Golden Temple at Amritsar. The sight
fascinated by the Guru’s ways and teachings. For of the Guru in a hair-raising condition of barbaric
many years the thought had been presenting itself to torture was too much for the Muslim Sufi to bear. He
my mind that either I should put an end to this false is reported to have said that if he had the permission
traffic, or that he be brought into the fold of Islam. of the Holy Preceptor he would destroy the city of
Detractors of the new-fangled Sikh faith Lahore with his supernatural powers. At this curious
now had their long-awaited opportunity. Among lamentation of Mian Mir, as the legend has it, Guru
them was a Hindu official of the Mughal viceroy of Arjan Dev asked him to look at his index finger—
Lahore named Chandu Shah. A campaign of slander which he had raised pointing heaven-wards while
was started and the Emperor ordered the Guru to chanting.
37 38
 Tera kiya meetha lagei enlightened belief that the body perishes only in order
Naam padarath Nanak mangei. to underscore the immortality of man’s soul; an era
(The Sweet Will be done, O Lord. of realization that no price is too great for upholding
Nanak entreats Thee for the gift of Thy Holy one’s birthright to worship the Sole Supreme Being;
Name.) an era of grim truth that eternal life is sustained only
And what he saw in a fitful flash of by the martyrdom of God intoxicated personages;
realization—the Mughal Empire was twirling to above all, an era that shall know no end—from here
tumble down—doused the fire of revenge which has to eternity, for it is steeped in the infinite Mercy of
been burning in Mian Mir’s heart. All Men’s Common Father: The Good Lord God.
His tormentors escorted Guru Arjan Dev When it is too hot in the year and the anguish
to the Ravi after they were satisfied that they had of the soul appears as blisters on my mortal frame,
inflicted enough torture on the person of the Guru. something within impels me to remember what had
According to one popular account, when it was happened to Guru Arjan Dev nearly four hundred
decided to wrap and stitch his holy personage in a years before. I suddenly acquiesce into a state of
cow’s raw hide, Guru Arjan Dev himself asked to prayerfulness contemplating the eerie majesty of the
be taken to the river for a bath. At any rate, a dip in Holy Guru’s sweet submission to the Divine Will
the river’s cold water was more than the blistered (bhana). Nay, I am delivered into a rebornness of
body could bear. In a state of deep Naam-entranced exalted humanity—the matchless grandeur of man’s
meditation, the Guru breathed his last peacefully— undying spirit whose metaphysical quest is reunion
in a strange stillness of prayer to the Sole Supreme with its Creator: The Sole Supreme being.
Being for having helped him fulfill his life’s holy May the grace of Guru Arjan Dev, the Prince
mission. The end, which came on May 30, 1606, of Martyrs and the Prophet of Peace, make us strong
actually marked the beginning of a new era in the in the Lord and help us seek and find the sweetness
history of the world—an era of curious insights of each dispensation, of his sublime bhana despite
into dormant powers of the human spirit; an era of our frailties that are countless.
39 40
The Concept of Spirituality in Sikhism The Sikh spirituality is something deeper
Madhavdas K.D. and wider than anything before his advent. The
The Transformation that Guru Nanak monastic ‘running away’ from the suffering
brought in the social and philosophical spheres of masses—to wilderness, in the name of Spirituality is
Indian philosophy, in particular, and the humanity unacceptable. Sikhism is a way of living: Meditation
in general, is—in itself-remarkable and beyond on God-through study of Sri Guru Granth Sahib,
comparison. The philosophy of pro-active life, and living an inspired life form the ideals of Gurus.
sharing and meditation that Guru emphasized This is an experience in truthful living. This is
through his unique life-of almost 70 years-is the neither withdrawal from the world nor the hysteric
negation of ‘exploitation’ in the garb of ascetism, involvement in worldly business.
superstition, rituals and religious fundamentalism. Unfortunately, now in the outer label of
Guru Nanak created waves by condemning casteism, devotion, a lot of personality cults have cropped up.
gender inequality and racism. Organizations and fundamentalists are canvassing
At the same time, in a subtle way, he people to make money-using modern marketing
encouraged meditation on the Name of God and techniques! Such obsession with business is against
to make people think inwards. The divine Name the teachings of Guru Nanak. Sikhism gives
is immaculate, denoting the essence of Cosmos- importance to learning, looking inwards, radiating
the undefinable One that is beyond words,-who Divine energy.
demands—and rewards true devotion. Thus Guru Many self-proclaimed teachers, saviours
Nanak brought unity in the concept of religion and of humanity, and saints are merely propagating
piety in life. In Guru Nanak’s Vani, religion becomes old superstitions under new titles. Sikhs should be
emancipation. His vision is human equality, a denial more cautious against such superstitions marketed
of caste in different chains of exploitation. This is by New Age cults. The philosophy of Guru Nanak
indeed the vision of boundless love and equality is an evergreen ‘pasture’ of spiritual and temporal
across the society. aspects.
41 42
 In this context, the nectar of Divinity. Sri have studied the scriptures of other great religions,
Harmandir Sahib and Sri Akal Takht symbolize this but I do not find elsewhere the same power of appeal
synthesis. The followers of the Ten Gurus need not to the heart and mind as find in Guru Granth. It
follow others. The everlasting Guru-Sri Guru Granth speaks to me of life and death; of time and eterning;
Sahib-is the perpetual source of spiritual progress. of the temporal human body and it’s needs’ of the
Neglecting this spiritual source would be dangerous. human soul and its longing to be fulfilled.”
Discarding the original spiritual Sikh source, and The uniquely perennial message of Sikhism is
accepting ‘pseudo-self-styled persons-as Gurus is that, behind the different manifestation there is one
like accepting duplicates. Duplicates can never be God. The source is the same. Guru Nanak teaches: the
original. Division of mankind into castes is hollow, pride has
The life and literature of Sikh Gurus are free no substance-the One Saviour protects all beings.”
from man-made dogmas. The Gurus do not discard- This oneness and brotherhood addressed by
cast out-those subscribing to different faiths, even Guru Gobind Singh-to the ‘Khalsa’-is the poetic
non-believers, or enemies of religion. expression of brotherhood: “In each of you the
To the noble Gurus, none is an outsider. whole Brotherhood shall be incarnated. Ye all are
Everything connected with life is relevant. This my sons, both in flesh and in spirit.”
university based on love, is the reason behind the This sense of brotherhood is the essence of
evergreen relevance of Sikhism. Sikh spirituality, and unity of human race as taught
No wonder, Arnold Toynbee remarked about by Sri Guru Granth Sahib—that speaks to us all
SGGS: “The Guru Granth is the Sikh’s perpetual about the life’s purpose, across time, looking into
Guru (spiritual guide). In this coming religious infinity.”
debate the Sikh religion and it is scripture, Guru
Granth will have something of special value to say
to the rest of the world.”
From experience, Pearl S Buck remarked: “I

43 44
 Religions PINGALWARA DIARY
Tested by their social fruitage (UPTO NOVEMBER, 2017)
More and more the test of a which the modern Services rendered by Pingalwara Institution for
world will regard as adequate is its applicable to the the service of the suffering humanity are:-
solution of the social problems of one’s country. Look 1. Homes for the Homeless
frankly at your religion. See whether it is raising the
There are 1809 patients in different branches of
level of your country. See whether it works, whether
Pingalwara now a days:—
it produces the results you know should come. If
(a) Head Office, Mata Mehtab Kaur Ward,
a man yields absolutely to it alone to what social
service or patriotism will be inspired? Young men Bhai Piara Singh Ward 359 Patients
in India are facing, as never before, the facts of their (b) Manawala Complex 876 Patients
country. If they wish to test the truth of their religion (c) Pandori Warraich Branch, Amritsar 99 Patients
by the laboratory method, let them see to what extent (d) Jalandhar Branch 39 Patients
their religion empowers and inspires them to grapple (e) Sangrur Branch 228 Patients
with the hard problems of their country and solve (f) Chandigarh (Palsora ) Branch 115 Patients
them as they know they should be solved. (g) Goindwal Branch 93 Patients
-from the Book: Suggestion for Social Total 1809 Patients
Helpfulness by Rev. D.J. Fleming. 2. Treatment facilities
Published by G.A. Natesan & Co. Madras. (a) Dispensary & Laboratory:- Pingalwara has a
dispensary and a laboratory for the treatment of
patients. It has an annual expenditure of about
Rs.1 crore 30 lakhs. Medicines are also distributed
free of cost to the poor and needy people.
(b) Medical Care Staff:- Experienced medical staff
like Nurses, Pharmacists and Laboratory

45 46
 Technicians are available for the care of the (h) Dental, Eye, Ear & Ultrasound Centres:- These
Pingalwara residents. Centres have been set up to provide these services
(c) Blood-Donation Camps:- A Blood Donation Camp to Pingalwara residents, sewadars and their
is organized on Bhagat Ji’s Death Anniversary every families.
year. The blood is used for Pingalwara residents 3. Education
and road accident victims. Pingalwara Society is running five Educational
(d) Ambulances:- Ambulances with basic Medical aid Institutions for the poor and needy children.
are available for victims of road accidents on G.T. (a) Bhagat Puran Singh Adarsh School, Manawala
Road, round the clock and provide facilities for Complex:- This school provides free education to
taking Pingalwara patients to the hospital. 771 students from the poor and deprived sections
(e) Artificial Limb Centre:- There is an Artificial Limb of the society. They are provided with free books
Centre at Manawala Complex, dedicated to the and uniforms. Children being brought up by
memory of Bhagat Ji which provides free of cost Pingalwara Society are also studying in this
Artificial Limbs to Polio-effected and amputee school.
cases. 8757 needy people have benefitted till (b) Bhagat Puran Singh Adarsh School, Buttar
November 2017. Kalan (Qadian):- This school is dedicated to the
(f) Physiotherapy Centre:- A Physiotherapy Centre sweet memory of Bhagatji. 461 students are getting
equipped with State-of-to-art equipment is free education under the able guidance of well
functioning in the Manawala Complex since June qualified teachers. The school also provides
2005. On an average 80 patients are treated financial help to students who have finished their
everyday. school studies and are aspiring for higher studies.
(g) Operation Theatres:- There is a well equipped (c) Bhagat Puran Singh School for Special Edcation,
Operation Theatre in Bhai Piara Singh Ward Manawala Complex:- This school is providing
Amritsar for general surgery and A Micro Surgery Special Education to 169 Special children.
Operation Theatre in Manawala Complex where (d) Bhagat Puran Singh School for the Deaf:- Bhagat
Puran Singh School for Deaf Children is functional
Cochlear Implants and major operations are
at the Manawala Complex since May 2005. The
carried out.
47 48
 school is equipped with state-of-the-art training aid sary. Each year trees are planted in various schools,
and has 180 children on its rolls. colleges, hospitals, cremation grounds and other
(e) Bhagat Puran Singh School for Special public places. These include Amaltas, Kachnar,
Education, Chandigarh (Palsora):- This school Behra, Champa, Arjun, Sukhchain, Chandni,
caters to the needs of Special adults of the branch. Zetropa and Kari-patta etc. These were distributed
to different institutions.
(f) Vocational Centre:- This Centre is providing free
training in embroidery, stitching, craft work, (b) Nursery:- Pingalwara has its own Nursery where
saplings of various plants and trees are prepared.
making washing powder, candle making and
Every year, the aim of nursery is to grow more than
painting, etc. Young girls from the villages of
54 different kinds of saplings.
surroundings areas are the main beneficiaries.
6. Social Improvement Related Activities
(g) Computer Training:- Computers are available in all
(a) Awareness:- Pingalwara has played an important
the schools for academic and vocational training.
role in spreading awareness about the evils in the
(h) Hostel facilities:- There are separate hostels for boys
society. This has been done by printing literature
and girls in Manawala Complex. Many girls are on religious, social and environmental issues
pursuing higher studies in different colleges. at the Puran Printing Press Amritsar and is being
4. Rehabilitation distributed free of cost. Annual expenditure of
Marriages:- After being educated, boys and girls at printing and publicity is about 1 crores 50
Pingalwara are married to suitable partners. 40 lakhs rupees.
girls and 4 boys have been married off till date. (b) Puran Printing Press:- The Printing Press has been
updated with an Offset Press.
5. Environment Related Activities
(c) Museum and Documentaries:- A Museum, and a
(a) Tree Plantation:- Bhagat Puran Singh Ji was deeply number of documentaries have been prepared on
concerned about the degradation of the environ- Pingalwara activities as well as on zero budget
ment. A vigorous campaign of tree plantation is natural farming. The C.D.s are freely available
started every year on Bhagat Ji’s Death Anniver- from Pingalwara.

49 50
 A feature film produced by Pingalwara Society, b) All donations to Pingalwara are exempted under
Amritsar on 30 January 2015, EH JANAM TUMHARE Section 80G of Income Tax-IIAmritsar letter No.
LEKHE (Punjabi) on Rev. Bhagat Puran Singh Ji, CIT-II/ASR/ITO (Tech.) 2011-12/4730 dated
founder Pingalwara and his struggle not only for 11/12January, 2012.
selfless services of wounded humanity but for
c) PAN Number of the All India Pingalwara Charitable
Environment Crisis also, will prove a beacon for the
Society is AAATA 2237R
generations yet to come after us.
7. Help to the victims of Natural Calamities: Pinglwara d) FCRA (Foreign Contribution Regulation Act) 1976
makes an effort to provide succour to the victims of Registration No. of Pingalwara is 115210002
natural calamities like floods, earthquakes and famines. Wahe Guru Ji Ka Khalsa
Aid was sent for the earth-quake victims in Iran,
Wahe Guru Ji Ki Fateh
Tsunami disaster victims, Leh landslide and flood
affected areas. Dr. Inderjit Kaur,
8. Cremation of unclaimed dead-bodies: Pingalwara President,
cremates unclaimed dead bodies with full honour. All India Pingalwara Charitable Society (Regd.),
9. Dairy Farm
180 cows and buffalos at Manawala Complex Tehsilpura, G.T. Road, Amritsar. (Punjab).
provide fresh milk to the Pingalwara residents.
10. Old Age Homes
Old age homes at Sangrur and Manawala Complex of
Pingalwara caters to the needs of elderly people.
11. Expenditure: The daily expenditure of Pingalwara
is more than 6.5 Lakh.
Other Details:
a) All India Pingalwara Charitable Society is a Registered
Society, registered by Registar of Companies vide
letter No. 130 of 1956-1957 as amended vide No.
A-28/4540 dated 07-07-1998.
51 52