News & Update

Shimla, 30 January

Following the sad demise of Padma Shri, Shiromani Panth Ratan Baba Iqbal Singh Ji on 29 January, Dr. Davinder Singh (affectionately called Dr Veerji) has been unanimously selected as the next President of the Trust.

Dr. Davinder Singh’s journey with Baba Ji began 35 years ago when he left his profession as a Medical Specialist (Internist Physician) at Maulana Azad Medical College, Delhi to fulfil his desire to volunteer and serve humanity at Baru Sahib. He devoutly followed every direction of Baba Ji as a divine blessing.

Dr. Davinder Singh said, “I am grateful to all the saints and well-wishers who came to attend the cremation ceremony of Late Sant Baba Iqbal Singh Ji. Baba Ji’s life is an example of ‘Gursikhi’ in true sense, a great inspiration for me and other volunteers of the Trust. I remember that even with a high fever of 103 degree, Baba Ji never missed paying obeisance at Gurdwara Sahib for his morning prayers; and he inculcated the same values in all children. I am a very insignificant Sevadar of Baba Ji; I don’t know how much I can serve; but with the blessings of Guru Sahibaans, Sangat and everyone here, we will continue to serve mankind with value-based education and healthcare services. Baba Ji had always great faith in the next generation to take charge with even greater dedication. Such was the greatness of our beloved Baba Ji.”

Under Baba Ji’s guidance and leadership, The Kalgidhar Trust was able to grow from 17 Akal Academies to 117 Academies in just 10 years.

The ceremony was held in the Gurdwara Sahib after performing the last rites followed with Ardaas. Head Granthi of Sri Akal Takht Sahib Giani Malkit Singh Ji, along with other dignitaries and Trustees of The Kalgidhar Trust, blessed Dr. Davinder Singh with Siropao and announced him as the next President of the Trust. The remains of Late Sant Baba Iqbal Singh Ji will be preserved at Baru Sahib.

Dr. Davinder Singh Ji also the Vice-Chancellor, Eternal University, Baru Sahib; Member of Governing Body of Akal University, Talwandi Sabo; and Director, Akal Academies, a chain of 129 rural schools being run by The Kalgidhar Trust.

Dr. Davinder Singh obtained the degree of Doctor of Medicine from Maulana Azad Medical College, Delhi University in 1983. As he had decided to dedicate himself in the services of Baba Ji towards the noble cause of rural education revolution, Dr. Davinder Singh Ji obtained the degree of Bachelor of Education from Maharishi Dayanand University, Rohtak in 1994.

For his contribution in the field of education, Dr. Davinder Singh Ji was honoured with ‘Dr. S. Radhakrishnan Memorial National Teacher Award’ in 2006.

Late Baba Iqbal Singh Ji, who at the age of 6 years decided that he would only work for service to humanity, educated lakhs of underprivileged children and treated thousands of patients at his charitable institution, The Kalgidhar Trust at Baru Sahib, Sirmaur.

Shimla, Jan 29

Renowned social worker Baba Iqbal Singh Ji fondly known as ‘Baba ji’ left for his heavenly abode on Saturday afternoon at 96 years of age following gradual decrease in health due to old age. He breathed his last at Baru Sahib, where he started with his journey of relentless service towards humanity following the footsteps of his Guru, Sant Attar Singh ji Maharaj.

Baba Iqbal Singh ji worked relentlessly in only one direction – imparting values-based education in rural India so that every rural child can have access to low-cost values-based education which is literacy embedded with moral, ethical and spiritual education.

In charge of Kalgidhar Trust since 1965, before he retired in 1987, Baba ji built the organisation brick-by-brick that now runs 129 CBSE-affiliated English medium schools that have more than 70,000 children, most of them from five rural North Indian states.Far away from the urban milieu, these schools focus on values-based education to children from marginalised sections of society.

With only five students in a one-room school called ‘Akal Academy’ at Baru Sahib, Sirmour, Baba ji used his pension money to have the ‘building’ constructed and managed the School for the first year. Earlier it was all jungle. Following year more than 70 children from nearby districts took admission. Many families also came forward to help the Trust that year.

But soon it was realized that establishing one School in Himachal would not solve problems faced by children in nearby districts. The Trust thus opened Akal Academy in Muktsar in 1993, by 1999, the Trust had opened 19 Academies across Punjab. and the count going up to 129 schools which are spread all over in Punjab, UP, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Haryana. Many students nationally topped the IIT, IIM and NEET exams.

As a social worker Baba Iqbal Singh ji didn’t restricted himself just to the education sector, he was involved in every facet of community life ie. Schools, Hospital, Colleges, Women Care Center, De-addiction Centers. Baba Iqbal Singh ji with his team set up Akal Charitable Hospital at Baru Sahib Sirmour which provides medical care to rural poor deprived section of society. Every year medical camps are setup where doctors from Mumbai, Delhi Haryana and Punjab participate and provide free medical care including free surgeries to rural poor people.

Under Women Empowerment Program, underprivileged young women are rehabilitated by education and are given jobs to enable them to stand on their feet.

Babji sincerely believed that real contribution to society constitutes in working relentlessly for the poorest, oppressed and most backward sections of the society.

Guru Gobind Singh Ji was born in 1666 to Ninth Master Sri Guru Tegh Bahadar Ji and Mata Gujri Ji at Patna in Bihar as Gobind Rai.

According to the instructions of his martyred Father, Gobind Rai at the age of 9 was bestowed with the Guruship by the holy congregation.

Guru Gobind Rai Ji was married to Mata Jeeto Ji and had two sons Baba Ajit Singh Ji and Baba Jujhar Singh Ji. A year after the demise of Mata Jeeto Ji, the young Guru bowed to the persistent pleading of His mother Mata Gujri Ji and Sikh Congregation (Sangat), to enter into the holy wedlock with Mata Sundri Ji and had two sons Baba Zorawar Singh Ji in the year 1696, and Baba Fateh Singh Ji in the year 1699.

Mata Sahib Devan was not married to the Guru in the worldly sense, but her spiritual union with Him was so complete that He honored her with the title of Jagat Mata (Mother of the Khalsa Panth) and placed the entire Khalsa brotherhood in her lap.

On Vaisakhi Day, in 1699 at Anandpur Sahib, Guru Ji founded the ‘Khalsa Panth’ by blessing the Sikhs with divine Nectar (Amrit).

Guru Gobind Singh Ji took up arms in his crusade (Dharam Yudh) against tyranny unleashed on the poor belonging to the religions other than of the ruling class. He fought 14 major and minor battles and won all these but refrained from seizing even a square inch of enemy territory. Guru Ji was never the aggressor in any of these battles but always defended to protect the poor and downtrodden.

He fought the holy wars (Dharam Yudhas) only to put an end to the brutal oppression of the downtrodden by the selfish and cruel rulers.

Guru Ji introduced a unique way of Holi, which was in keeping with the glorious traditions of the holy-minded, brave, and freedom-loving Sikh nation. The devotees would gather in the morning for meditation and recitation of the hymns. The evenings would be given over to display the swordsmanship and equestrian contests as also other martial sports.

In 1704, the entire Mughal Force, allied by the forces of the hill states under the command of the Governor of Sirhind, laid siege around the fort of Anandpur Sahib for eight months. The food supplies in the fort ran out. Sikhs were trapped inside. When the Mughal forces failed to capture the fort, even after blocking the food supplies, Aurangzeb wrote a letter to Guru Gobind Singh Ji by swearing on the Quran that if the Guru vacated the fort, his forces would be granted a safe passage out to settle at some other place. Mata Gujri Ji and a few weak-minded Sikhs persuaded Guru Gobind Singh Ji to leave the fort as Aurangzeb had given the assurance by swearing on the Quran. However, the Guru replied to the mother that the Mughal Emperor would back out even after swearing on the Quran. When the mother instructed her son to obey her as a devout son, Guru Gobind Singh Ji bowed before her instructions and left the fort of Anandpur Sahib with family and followers. Exactly what the Guru had perceived, did happen. The Mughal forces did not care about the vows on the Quran by their Emperor and attacked the Guru, his followers, and his family. There was a pitched battle on the banks of river Sirsa.

While they were crossing river Sirsa, in the ensuing confusion, the Guru’s two younger sons, Baba Zorawar Singh and Baba Fateh Singh along with their grandmother, got separated from the Guru and reached the village Morinda.

Guru Ji’s two elder Sahibzaade Baba Ajit Singh Ji and Baba Jujhar Singh Ji attained Martyrdom while fighting in the Battle of Chamkaur and younger Sahibzaade Baba Zorawar Singh Ji and Baba Fateh Singh Ji attained Martyrdom when they were bricked alive at Sirhind.

Guru Gobind Singh Ji dictated the whole Granth Sahib to Bhai Mani Singh, the devoted Sikh, and included the hymns of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji at the appropriate places and compiled a complete Granth Sahib.

Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s composition is written in Dasam Granth Sahib, it includes Jaap Sahib, Tevye Prasad Sawaiye, Chuapai Sahib which are part of daily prayer (Nitnem).

Guru Gobind Singh Ji decreed that the physical body of a human was never a Guru. Before shedding his mortal frame, Guru Ji decreed that after him, till eternity, the Granth Sahib would be the Guru Eternal. Thus, the Guru conferred Guruship on the Granth Sahib, and Sikhs were enjoined to seek the divine instructions from it for gritting rid of their ego and merge with the Divine by reciting the hymns of Guru Granth Sahib Ji, the Guru Eternal.

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ਮਰਦ ਅਗੰਮੜੇ ਦਸਮੇਸ਼ ਪਿਤਾ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਗੁਰੂ ਗੋਬਿੰਦ ਸਿੰਘ ਜੀ ਦੇ ਪ੍ਰਕਾਸ਼ ਦਿਹਾੜੇ ਦੀ ਸੰਗਤ ਨੂੰ ਵਧਾਈ

ਸਰਬੰਸਦਾਨੀ, ਦਸਮੇਸ਼ ਪਿਤਾ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਗੁਰੂ ਗੋਬਿੰਦ ਸਿੰਘ ਜੀ ਦੀ ਨੂਰਾਨੀ, ਅਗੰਮੀ, ਅਦੁੱਤੀ, ਬਾਦਸ਼ਾਹ ਦਰਵੇਸ਼ ਅਤੇ ਅਜ਼ੀਮ ਸ਼ਖ਼ਸੀਅਤ ਦੁਨੀਆਂ ਦੇ ਇਤਿਹਾਸ ਵਿਚ ਸਭ ਤੋਂ ਨਿਰਾਲੀ ਅਤੇ ਵਿਲੱਖਣ ਹੈ। ਸ੍ਰੀ ਗੁਰੂ ਗੋਬਿੰਦ ਸਿੰਘ ਜੀ ਸਬਰ, ਸਹਿਜ, ਸਿਦਕ, ਦ੍ਰਿੜ੍ਹਤਾ, ਸਾਹਸ ਅਤੇ ਚੜ੍ਹਦੀ ਕਲਾ ਦੇ ਅਨੂਠੇ ਮੁਜੱਸਮੇ ਸਨ। ਸ੍ਰੀ ਗੁਰੂ ਗੋਬਿੰਦ ਸਿੰਘ ਜੀ ਦਾ ਪ੍ਰਕਾਸ਼ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਪਟਨਾ ਸਾਹਿਬ, ਬਿਹਾਰ, (ਮੌਜੂਦਾ ਤਖਤ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਪਟਨਾ ਸਾਹਿਬ), ਪੋਹ ਸੁਦੀ ਸਤਮੀ ਸੰਮਤ 1723 (1666 ਈ.) ਨੂੰ ਪਿਤਾ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਗੁਰੂ ਤੇਗ ਬਹਾਦਰ ਅਤੇ ਮਾਤਾ ਗੁਜਰੀ ਜੀ ਦੇ ਗ੍ਰਹਿ ਵਿਖੇ ਹੋਇਆ।

ਸ੍ਰੀ ਗੁਰੂ ਗੋਬਿੰਦ ਸਿੰਘ ਜੀ ਦਾ ਸਮੁੱਚਾ ਸੰਸਾਰਕ ਜੀਵਨ ਹਰ ਪੱਖੋਂ ਅਚੰਭਿਤ ਕਰਨ ਵਾਲਾ ਹੈ। ਆਪ ਜੀ ਨੇ 9 ਸਾਲ ਦੀ ਉਮਰ ਵਿਚ ਆਪਣੇ ਪਿਤਾ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਗੁਰੂ ਤੇਗ ਬਹਾਦਰ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਜੀ ਨੂੰ ਦੂਜੇ ਧਰਮ ਦੀ ਰੱਖਿਆ ਖਾਤਰ ਕੁਰਬਾਨੀ ਦੇਣ ਲਈ ਭੇਜਿਆ। ਸ੍ਰੀ ਗੁਰੂ ਤੇਗ ਬਹਾਦਰ ਜੀ ਦੀ ਸ਼ਹਾਦਤ ਤੋਂ ਪਿੱਛੋਂ 1675 ਈ. ਵਿਚ 9 ਸਾਲ ਦੀ ਉਮਰ ਵਿਚ ਆਪ ਜੀ ਨੂੰ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ ਜੋਤ ਦੇ ਦਸਵੇਂ ਸਰੂਪ ਦੇ ਰੂਪ ਵਿਚ ਗੁਰਿਆਈ ਪ੍ਰਾਪਤ ਹੋਈ।

ਸਿਰਫ਼ 42 ਸਾਲ ਦੀ ਉਮਰ ਤਕ ਉਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਨੇ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ ਦੇਵ ਜੀ ਦੇ ਅਰੰਭ ਕੀਤੇ ਸਿੱਖ ਧਰਮ ਦੇ ਕ੍ਰਾਂਤੀਕਾਰੀ ਦਾਰਸ਼ਨਿਕ ਸਿਧਾਂਤਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਤੀਬਰਤਾ ਨਾਲ ਸਿਖਰ ‘ਤੇ ਪਹੁੰਚਾਇਆ। ਸ੍ਰੀ ਗੁਰੂ ਗੋਬਿੰਦ ਸਿੰਘ ਜੀ ਇਕ ਮਹਾਨ ਜਰਨੈਲ, ਉੱਚ ਕੋਟੀ ਦੇ ਵਿਦਵਾਨ, ਅਜ਼ੀਮ ਸਾਹਿਤਕਾਰ, ਗੁਰਬਾਣੀ ਸੰਗੀਤ ਦੇ ਰਸੀਏ, ਸਰਬੰਸਦਾਨੀ, ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਦੇ ਦਾਤੇ, ਭਗਤੀ ਅਤੇ ਸ਼ਕਤੀ ਦੇ ਮੁਜੱਸਮੇ, ਮਰਦ-ਏ-ਮੈਦਾਨ ਅਤੇ ਮਹਾਨ ਸੂਰਬੀਰ ਸਨ। ਉਹ ਸ਼ਸਤਰ ਅਤੇ ਸ਼ਾਸਤਰ ਦੇ ਧਨੀ, ਸੰਤ-ਸਿਪਾਹੀ, ਸਾਹਿਬ-ਏ-ਕਮਾਲ, ਮਰਦ ਅਗੰਮੜੇ, ਦੁਸ਼ਟ ਦਮਨ, ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਕੇ ਦਾਤੇ ਸਨ।

ਗੁਰੂ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਜੀ ਨੇ ਪਾਖੰਡਵਾਦ ਅਤੇ ਕਰਮ-ਕਾਂਡਾਂ ਦਾ ਖੰਡਨ ਕੀਤਾ ਅਤੇ ਲੋਕਾਈ ਨੂੰ ਉੱਤਮ ਜੀਵਨ ਦੇ ਧਾਰਨੀ ਹੋਣ ਦੀ ਪ੍ਰੇਰਨਾ ਕੀਤੀ। ਉਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਉਪਦੇਸ਼ ਕੀਤਾ ਕਿ ਮੂਰਤੀ-ਪੂਜਾ, ਬੁੱਤ-ਪੂਜਾ, ਤੀਰਥ ਯਾਤਰਾ ਜਾਂ ਸਮਾਧੀਆਂ ਨਾਲ ਅਕਾਲ ਪੁਰਖ ਦੀ ਪ੍ਰਾਪਤੀ ਨਹੀਂ ਹੋ ਸਕਦੀ।

ਸ੍ਰੀ ਗੁਰੂ ਗੋਬਿੰਦ ਸਿੰਘ ਜੀ ਨੇ ਮਨੁੱਖਤਾ ਨੂੰ ਸੁਖੀ ਵੇਖਣ ਲਈ ਆਪਣਾ ਸਾਰਾ ਪਰਿਵਾਰ ਵਾਰ ਦਿੱਤਾ। ਇਸੇ ਲਈ ਆਪ ਜੀ ਨੂੰ ਸਰਬੰਸਦਾਨੀ ਆਖਿਆ ਜਾਂਦਾ ਹੈ। ਆਪ ਜੀ ਨੇ ਚਮਕੌਰ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਦੀ ਜੰਗ ਅੰਦਰ ਆਪਣੇ ਵੱਡੇ ਸਾਹਿਬਜ਼ਾਦਿਆਂ ਨੂੰ ਆਪਣੇ ਹੱਥੀਂ ਤਿਆਰ ਕਰਕੇ ਸ਼ਹਾਦਤ ਲਈ ਤੋਰਿਆ। ਛੋਟੇ ਸਾਹਿਬਜ਼ਾਦਿਆਂ ਅਤੇ ਮਾਤਾ ਗੁਜਰੀ ਜੀ ਦੀ ਸ਼ਹਾਦਤ ਪਿੱਛੋਂ ਵੀ ਆਪ ਨੇ ਪਰਮਾਤਮਾ ਦਾ ਸ਼ੁਕਰ ਅਦਾ ਕੀਤਾ।

ਸ੍ਰੀ ਗੁਰੂ ਗੋਬਿੰਦ ਸਿੰਘ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਜੀ ਨੇ ਸਾਰਾ ਜੀਵਨ ਹੀ ਮਨੁੱਖਤਾ ਦੀ ਭਲਾਈ ਲਈ ਜੀਵਿਆ। ਉਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਨੇ ਮਨੁੱਖਤਾ ਨੂੰ ਅਗਿਆਨਤਾ ਰੂਪੀ ਹਨੇਰੇ ‘ਚੋਂ ਬਾਹਰ ਕੱਢ ਕੇ ਜੀਵਨ ਦੀ ਅਸਲ ਸੱਚਾਈ ਦੇ ਰੂਬਰੂ ਕੀਤਾ ਪਰ ਦੁੱਖ ਦੀ ਗੱਲ ਹੈ ਕਿ ਅੱਜ ਅਸੀਂ ਆਪਣੇ ਸ਼ਾਨਾਮੱਤੇ ਇਤਿਹਾਸ ਅਤੇ ਕੌਮੀ ਵਿਰਸੇ ਤੋਂ ਦੂਰ ਹੁੰਦੇ ਜਾ ਰਹੇ ਹਾਂ। ਅੱਜ ਲੋੜ ਇਸ ਗੱਲ ਦੀ ਹੈ ਕਿ ਦਸਮ ਪਾਤਸ਼ਾਹ ਜੀ ਵਲੋਂ ਦਰਸਾਏ ਜੀਵਨ ਮਾਰਗ ‘ਤੇ ਚੱਲ ਕੇ ਖ਼ਾਲਸਾਈ ਰਹਿਣੀ ਦੇ ਧਾਰਨੀ ਬਣੀਏ।

ਗੁਰਬਾਣੀ ਨੂੰ ਆਪਣੇ ਅਮਲੀ ਜੀਵਨ ਦਾ ਹਿੱਸਾ ਬਣਾਈਏ ਅਤੇ ਮਜ਼ਲੂਮਾਂ ਦੀ ਰੱਖਿਆ ਲਈ ਅੱਗੇ ਆਈਏ। ਸ੍ਰੀ ਗੁਰੂ ਗੋਬਿੰਦ ਸਿੰਘ ਜੀ ਦੇ ਦਰਸਾਏ ਮਾਰਗ ਉੱਤੇ ਚੱਲ ਕੇ ਸੱਚਾ ਅਤੇ ਸਹੀ ਜੀਵਨ ਬਤੀਤ ਕੀਤਾ ਜਾ ਸਕਦਾ ਹੈ।

Blessed are those hands that humbly serve Vaheguru ji.
Blessed are those feet that gracefully walk towards our Guru ji.
Blessed are those lips that sweetly sing Gurbani.
Blessed are those hearts that kindly share sacred love.
Blessed are those lives that wholeheartedly embrace Akaal’s divine gift of amrit.

Keertan (devotional singing) touches the soul, plays the strings of the heart, and touches inner-chords connected to Vaheguru ji. With delicate precision, it shatters veils that submerge our minds in illusions, pierces light through our ignorance, embraces our hearts with peace, and reunites us with our true Beloved. Singing ambrosial bani in the presence of Guru ji, the heart yearns to drink amrit, merge with the One, and forever stay attuned to His sweet charran (feet). Rare are those blessed souls who drink the nectar of amrit from within and sing in harmony with the unstruck melody. Their presence in sangat elevates the flow of energy, quiets the mind, and further opens the heart to receive pure love from the divine, universal soul.

ਸਤਸੰਗਤਿ ਪ੍ਰੀਤਿ ਸਾਧ ਅਤਿ ਗੂੜੀ ਜਿਉ ਰੰਗੁ ਮਜੀਠ ਬਹੁ ਲਾਗਾ ॥
The Lord’s Love, found in the Sat Sangat, the True Congregation, is absolutely permanent, and colorfast.
ਕਾਇਆ ਕਾਪਰੁ ਚੀਰ ਬਹੁ ਫਾਰੇ ਹਰਿ ਰੰਗੁ ਨ ਲਹੈ ਸਭਾਗਾ ॥੩॥
The cloth of the body may be torn to shreds, but still, this beautiful color of the Lord’s Love does not fade away.
(Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, ang 985)

This month brings with it a rich tapestry of commitment, dedication, and profound reminders to reflect upon the lives that we lead. It is in this month that our dharam pitta ji, Guru Gobind Singh ji Maharaaj, bestowed divine blessings upon our beloved panj pyaare who wholeheartedly chose to give their lives to Guru sahib. Surrendering their minds and bodies, Bhai Daya (compassion) Singh ji, Bhai Dharam (justice) Singh ji, Bhai Himmat (bravery) Singh ji, Bhai Mokham (determination) Singh ji, and Bhai Sahib (raaj, rule, kingdom) Singh ji did not see death awaiting in Guru ji’s tegh, but rather, they saw and embraced eternal life.

ਜਉ ਤਉ ਪ੍ਰੇਮ ਖੇਲਣ ਕਾ ਚਾਉ ॥
If you desire to play this game of love with Me,
ਸਿਰੁ ਧਰਿ ਤਲੀ ਗਲੀ ਮੇਰੀ ਆਉ ॥
Then step onto My Path with your head in hand.
(Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, ang 1412)

With Akaal Purakh ji’s grace, pyaare Kalgeedhar Preetam has provided us with sucha amrit Naam, distinct identity, depthless ocean of knowledge, guidance on how to face and overcome injustices, and instructed us to always sing praises of the Lord. True saint-warriors keep their consciousness attuned to the Lord’s feet, prevent their focus from being unhinged, and ensure that meditation does not escape their hearts. Protected by the shield of their intrinsic courageous essence, their unwavering determination remains anchored in the promise to uphold righteousness born soley from compassion, serve the vulnerable, and only take steps guided by His Truth. Akaal’s warriors of the tegha (sword) always remain brave in battles and sacrifice their praan (breath/life) for the sake of dharam. Even whilst resting, Sri Guru Gobind Singh ji Maharaaj would always remain tyaar bar tyaar (ready upon ready), and have an unsheathed sword underneath their pillow. Guru ji’s devoted Nihang Singhs have respectfully maintained this maryada.

Sikhs must confidently embrace the path guided by Guru ji, reflect regularly on their rich history, and use their inherited virtues as a lens for introspection, compassion (with internal remembrance of the One), and navigation when faced with adversity. Once baptised and blessed with amrit, divine nectar, each Sikh must follow the instructions provided by our beloved panj pyaare, awaken daily in the ambrosial hours of the morning to recite Gurbani, and refrain from succumbing to the alluring sirens of lust, anger, greed, attachment, and ego. An unwavering faith and unshakable spirit is paramount on the spiritual path to the Divine.

As the arrows of separation from the One pierce the body, the river of life seeks to merge with the internal flow towards the Lord, the architect of destiny, and yearns for liberation from the thorns of maya. With His grace, the heart immerses in Gurbani, breaks down the walls of vices, and the subtle lotus flower fragrance of His Naam begins to disperse its indescribable scent within. Focusing the consciousness on Gurbani, lips sing with faith when in the depths of darkness, and let the benevolent light within illuminate the path to brighter days.

Through selfless service, simran (meditative remembrance), self-discipline, unwavering faith, sincerity, and genuine desire to merge with the supreme, universal soul, each Sikh can overcome their doubts and fears, cultivate inner-love that nurtures the seeds of empathy, receive priceless pearls of spiritual wisdom, and strengthen the resilient spirit of an intuitive warrior within.

ਸਿਖੀ ਹੈ ਬਲਵਾਨ ਕਰਨਾ ਸੁਰਤ ਨੂੰ,
Sikhi is to strengthen your consciousness,
ਚੜ੍ਹਦੀ ਕਲਾ ਨਿਵਾਸ ਸਦ ਹੀ ਰੱਖਣਾ ।
To eternally reside in ever-rising spirits.
(Bhai Sahib Bhai Vir Singh Ji)

As the soul steps onto and walks the path to Vaheguru ji, it experiences vismaad (wonder) in boundless forms. Inspired solely by the grace of Gurbani, a poem entitled, “A Divine Gift of Love,” offers words from the heart to those who have been blessed with the precious gift of amrit, and those who yearn to be worthy of this divine gift. May this poem encourage reflection, commitment, and a bowing of the mind to Guru ji’s sacrifices, teachings, and radiant love for His Khalsa.

A Divine Gift of Love…

Cradled in a bubble of love, a sweet child embraced with the warmth of vismaad has been brought into the world
As a light of wonder, he is absorbed in complete bliss, attached to the One
The anhad shabad vibrates through his soul sharing the message of eternal love
Each tear in his eye is a priceless pearl that speaks of a history that only he understands
His radiant glow reveals that he possesses knowledge beyond our comprehension
With him he has brought the gifts of compassion, peace, patience and truth
He has promised to walk in harmony with the Will of Vaheguru and to commit to deeds of sublime purity
As a devotee of Akaal, he has been bestowed with the treasures of virtue, intuition and kindness
These treasures will permeate each beat of his heart
Accepting the destiny inscribed upon his forehead, he will lead a life of compassion and contentment
His heart will blossom with intuitive wisdom, peace, divine bliss and tranquility
As he embraces love for the Guru, he will carry the priceless pearls of humility and righteousness in each breath that he takes
Under the protection of Vaheguru, he will look upon pain and pleasure as one and perceive slander and praise as one
His companions of truth, contentment and self-discipline will provide him with strength and anchor him in the direction of his true destiny
As he steps foot on the path to salvation and merges in Naam, he will pour love into the hearts of those around him
His sweet words will bring peace to the minds of the troubled
His gentle touch will heal the wounds of those with shattered hearts
His smile will reach out to the neglected and less fortunate
He will step foot on the path of righteousness and succeed with the support of His Naam
Forgiveness will be a quality that he will demonstrate to others, revealing that pain cannot afflict those who step foot on the path to Vaheguru
As a brave soul he will possess the skill and focus of a true warrior who enshrines love for Vaheguru in his heart and mind.

Placed humbly with heartfelt love at the sweet, lotus feet of my dear, beloved Guru ji, may the words above serve in His honor, encourage peaceful dialogue, enhance self-awareness, and ignite a flame within our hearts to dedicate our lives to serving Vaheguru ji. May the words remind us to always draw strength from humility, take support and guidance from Shabad-Guru, and cherish the beautiful blessings that are bestowed upon our paths.

Consciously, our intentions and actions must uphold righteous values, share peace and love that penetrates through hearts, and contribute to the well-being of all of humanity. The beauty behind selfless efforts that alleviate the pain of others, heal those suffering, embrace the helpless, and support those less fortunate, reminds us that simple daily acts of kindness and heartfelt prayers have far-reaching affects. These prayers are joined by waves of others from around our globe, reflecting hope for those who refuse to remain silent witness to harmful behaviors inflicted upon innocent lives. By engaging in meaningful conversations and nurturing genuine relations based upon equity, fairness, mutual-respect, and sovereignty, fruitful steps can be taken towards brightening the beacon of hope for those in despair, feeling hopeless, or being oppressed. Carrying the torch of change in our hands to dispel the darkness of ignorance, each of us have a warrior spirit within us that can infuse love, unity, righteousness, and social justice in all communities.

Standing in global solidarity, let us learn from the sensitivity, tender heart, and over-flowing compassion exhibited in all aspects of Sri Guru Har Rai Sahib ji’s life. Guru ji demonstrated the importance of understanding that we share responsibilities towards preserving nature and cultivating a healthy relationship with our environment. By planting flowers, trees, herbs, and vegetation, alongside creating sanctuaries for wildlife, sea creatures, animals, and birds, we demonstrate our sincerity towards mother Earth and flow in harmony with the rhythm of the universe. When treating all living beings with care and nourishing the environment, we in turn receive healing for our souls.

As the sweet author of our lives continues to write our stories, may we remain humble, brave, and fearless in the battlefield of life. As the ink of love flows with the fragrance of eternal life through Vaheguru ji’s pen, may our stories bathe in the ever-flowing sweet amrit that springs within, and our hearts be the presence of His love in the world.

~ Sukhdeep Kaur

The 31st Annual day of Akal Academy Baru Sahib, the flagship of 129 Academies spread across 5 states of North India, was celebrated on 20th Oct 2019. Air Marshal (retd) PS Bhangu was the chief guest. More than 500 parents attended the function.

​Established by Hon. Baba Iqbal Singh ji in 1987 Akal academy Baru Sahib commenced its journey with 5 students and has grown to 1285 students from across 18 states of India and six countries from overseas. The Academy is a residential school and is unique to have National curriculum i.e. CBSE and also offers two international curriculum.

Cambridge & IB PYP in the New campus.
​The program this year was dedicated to 550th Birth Anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev ji. It commenced with the Review of the Parade by the Chief Guest and the Academy March Past. The performance of students included Shabad, picturizing the philosophy & teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Children also touched the heart of the audience by staging the transformation of Bhumiya Chor by internalizing the essence of teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji which led him to the path of righteousness.

​Dr. Davinder Singh, Secretary Kalgidhar Trust, shared the journey of Kalgidhar Trust in the field of Education and Health since 1987 and it’s Relief, Rehabilitation and women Empowerment initiatives. One of the most ambitious programs of the Trust, AIRWE, aims at emancipation of women and their empowerment. Responding to urgent needs of society the Trust has established de-addiction centers in Punjab and Himachal Pradesh where more than 3500 patients suffering from affliction to drug abuse have been treated successfully.

The award ceremony felicitated the Principals, Teachers and Students of Akal Academy Baru Sahib and other Akal Academies for outstanding performance in the board exams for Year 2018- 2019. Dr. Neelam Kaur, Advisor Education and Health, the Kalgidhar Trust, informed that the academic performance in the board exams across all Academies was stupendous. 2507 students appeared in Grade X Board Examination with pass percentage of 100. The rural students of Grade X bagged top positions in the six districts and were second and third in the other six districts. More than 200 awards were given away on the occasion. Annual report of Akal Academy Baru Sahib was presented by Mr. Kishore Antony, Vice Principal, who started his Teaching career at Akal Academy Baru Sahib 25 years before.

​On the occasion the Hon Chief Guest in his address appreciated the Value based Education which was instrumental in creating excellence. Hon’ble Baba Iqbal Singh ji, graced the occasion and blessed the children. In his pearls of wisdom, Hon’ble Babji reiterated the teachings and philosophy of Guru Nanak Ji of seeing One in All and All in One. The need of the hour is to nurture the children, hope for future and create better human beings for tomorrow who will embrace humanity and spread the message of Universal brotherhood of Gur Nanak Dev Ji.

#550th #GuruNanak

Akal Academy, Baru Sahib dedicated its annual day to Guru Nanak’s 550th with a beautiful art exhibition!

The 31st Annual day was celebrated at Akal Academy, #BaruSahib on 20th October 2019 and it was dedicated to the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak dev Ji. A massive parade was organized to commence the ceremony in which students displayed their athletic abilities and disciplined marching maneuvers. The parade also exhibited various divine values given by Guru Nanak Ji and an anti-drug procession was also organized to make the youth aware of the ill effects drugs to the society.

Children also touched the hearts of the audience by staging the transformation of Bhumiya Chor by internalizing the essence of teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji which led him to the path of righteousness.

An exhibition of Guru Nanak dev Ji’s paintings depicting his journey (udasis) was organized. These paintings were a small tribute to the teachings of Guru Nanak Ji by spreading them across the world.

There is only one God, and that all human beings can have direct access to God without any rituals or priests. His social teachings denounced the caste system and taught that everyone is equal, regardless of caste or gender. A science exhibition was also set up for the audience to observe the power of science and how it is shaping our future. This great ceremony was not possible without the guidance of our founder Baba Iqbal Singh Ji and his team – Dr. Davinder Singh, Dr. Neelam Kaur, principal.

#JustinPics #AkalAcademy #KhuianSarwar

Talent wins games but TEAMWORK and INTELLIGENCE wins the championship

Annual Athletic Meet was held in Akal Academy, Khuian Sarwar on the 5th of October 2019 displaying the qualities of sportsmanship and teamwork of students.

The sprawling playground wore a festive look with colorful flags and well-laid tracks.

The day started with a divine session of Shabad Kirtan by the students followed by a well-coordinated marchpast led by the head girl and the head boy.

An oath ceremony was administered by the Sports Captain to ensure fair play and true sportsmanship during the sports championship.

Activities like sack race, frog race, 50m race and spoon race were organised for the students to participate in. The entire atmosphere reverberated with the echoes of applause of the ebullient and enthusiastic athletes. The commentators with their spontaneous narration added flavor by covering the live-action of sporting events.

Hamarveer Singh won two gold medals. Amul House was declared an overall winner.

100m race, 200m race, 4 x 100m relay race, long jump, and shotput were organized for the students of classes IIIrd to Vth. Apart from these, high jump was also organized for senior students.

Khushdeep Kaur from class IV bagged three gold medals. Ajaybeer Singh was announced best player. Ajay House notched the top spot.

The students were exhorted to believe in themselves and be the best in whatever they do.

– Tapasleen Kaur

I remember the first time I heard the sound and vibration of Guru Nanak Ji’s Song of the Soul. It was during my first Sadhana, the first day of my training as a Kundalini Yoga and Meditation Instructor.

I really had no idea of what I was saying. I tried to read while listening and recognized some of the sounds of the words, which I knew, and were like a clue of its possible meaning. Spontaneously and automatically, I felt a deep attraction to what I was reading. I tried to accurately say the words that I felt were sacred, while my ears wanted to embrace the sound that was vibrating in the yoga room with all of the united voices from the Sangat.

I always loved the sound. My approach was through music and spoken word, singing and pronunciation, vocalization and harmonious projection of sound. I am a National Broadcaster and was trained in the technique of spoken voice and public speaking. As a singing practitioner, I always recognized the voice as an expression of being. Added to my experience as an actress and drama professor, the projection of voice and sound were part of my training and study. But this new sound that I was listening to and trying to repeat was so unknown or perhaps forgotten to me. While I tried to recite it, my one thought was that I would spend as much time as necessary until I could pronounce it correctly. What I did not imagine was all that this love song was going to mean in my life.

I set out to begin a 40-day practice of Japji Sahib. It was my first 40-day practice, which I started when I returned from the first module of a teacher training retreat. All my attention at the beginning of the practice was on following the transliteration with the most correct pronunciation possible. Therefore, I read and also listened to audios during the day, “training my ears”.

I began to wonder many things. Who was Guru Nanak? What was he saying? Was it a poem, a song? I had a lot to discover. While continuing with the practice, I got a translation of Japji Sahib, because I knew it was very important to know what I was saying. I had the Spanish translation, but I still wanted to get a little closer to understanding the message. I deeply wanted to relate to this jewel of wisdom.

I got on the web and downloaded and started reading the book “Japji Sahib, the Message of Guru Nanak” by Kirpal Singh, a Holy Master of Punjab. On a daily basis I kept going with the practice and reading and studying this book.

I completed the 40-day practice and continued with motivation and practice. One day the magic happened. My lips not only pronounced this sacred sound, but I could feel a constant pounding of its vibration. A field of subtle and at the same time noticeable energy manifested itself as I surrendered myself to the power of the Naad, united from devotion to my Beloved and from my enormous love and respect for the message of Guru Nanak Ji.

His extraordinary message: the way he perfectly describes every soul’s journey unto the realization of God. The explanation of the wonderful worlds created by the unique and divine Spirit, can immerse the devotee in a sacred experience. With so much to discover in his paurees, I got answers to questions I asked myself since I was very young. There was not much more to analyze or know. I knew that I just had to allow my whole being to merge into the Shabad Guru.

As the 5th Pauree says:

“Nanak gaavaiei guni nidhan.”

Oh Nanak! Sing to the Lord, who is the treasure of gifts.

“Gaavaiei sunie maan rakhie bhaao.”

With love towards Him, in your heart, sing and listen.

“Dukhh parhar sukh gar lei llaae.”

The pain will be removed and peace will come to your house.

“Gurmukh naadang, Gurmukh vedang, Gurmukh rahia samaai.”

The word of the Guru is the stream of the sound of Naad and the wisdom of the Vedas.

And then I knew that it would be as it says in the 32nd Pauree:

“Ik du lliibho lakh hohe, lakh hoveh lakh vis.”

If my tongue became ten thousand tongues and these multiplied by twenty times more.

“Lakh lakh gueraa aakhieih, ek Naam Llagdis.”

Hundreds of thousands of times, I would repeat the name of the Lord of the world.

I continued experimenting with 40-day practices of the paurees, I learned of their power over the chakras and spiritual bodies and their indescribable healing force that is a gift from the Infinite.

Since that first Sadhana until today and forever, Japji Sahib is part of my life. It is the Master raising my Consciousness and purifying my life. Every time I recite it, I prostrate from my heart to the mastery and wisdom of Guru Nanak and I thank that first day in which, through the word, I gave my entire Being to the Guru.

Har Tirath Kaur Khalsa founded in 2009 the “Caminos Al Infinito Center”. She is a KRI Level I Associate Trainer. She has worked as a Holistic Therapist and Spiritual Consultant with years of experience in consulting children, teenagers, adults and couples.

-Sikhnet