Today is the prakash purab of the father of the Sikh Nation, Guru Gobind Singh Sahib. The epitome of excellence, Guru-Prophet encouraged fine taste in music, art and literature, and nurtured the Sikhs along the same lines.
Not only did the Master gift us the dignity of life, but also self-sovereignty, thus ensuring that the flame of Divinity and justice will remain ever-burning in our hearts. In the words of Prof. Puran Singh, “…the greatest act of genius of Guru Gobind Singh was when he transferred the divine sovereignty vested in him to the God-inspired people, the Khalsa.”
Nobel laureate and Pulitzer Prize winner Pearl Sydenstricker Buck describes the great phenomenon thus, “The creation of the Khalsa was the greatest work of the Guru. He created a type of superman, a universal man of God, casteless and countryless… the spearhead of resistance against tyranny.”
This one unparalleled act in history made women and men of the Guru masters of their own conscience and the torch bearers of political equality, social justice, and spiritual freedom. His phenomenal earthly journey was filled with more than twenty battles espousing this cause of Guru Nanak Sahib’s house.
While we celebrate the day, let us inform ourselves of the Guru’s message and work to strengthen the Panth Khalsa—that Divine inspired institution of collective action.
You can also read Harinder Singh's article from 2011, "My Sovereign: Guru Gobind Singh" and watch a video presentation of the same title. There is also footage from a half-hour presentation, "Shah-e-Shahan-Shah Gur Gobind Singh" recorded at Midsouth Sikh Sabha in Tennessee in 2011 which you can watch here.
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