Guru Gobind Singh about this sound pronunciation (help·info) (born Gobind Rai (Punjabi: ਗੁਰੂ ਗੋਬਿੰਦ ਸਿੰਘ,; 22 December 1666 – 7 October 1708) was the tenth of the ten Sikh Gurus, the eleventh guru being the living perpetual Guru, Guru Granth Sahib (the sacred text of Sikhism). He was a Warrior, Poet and Philosopher. He succeeded his father Guru Tegh Bahadur as the Leader of Sikhs at the young age of nine. He contributed much to Sikhism; notable was his contribution to the continual formalisation of the faith which the first Guru Guru Nanak had founded, as a religion, in the 15th century. Guru Gobind Singh, the last of the living Sikh Gurus, initiated the Sikh Khalsa in 1699, passing the Guruship of the Sikhs to the Eleventh and Eternal Guru of the Sikhs, the Guru Granth Sahib.

Guru Gobind Singh was born as Gobind Rai in Patna, Bihar in India. His father Guru Tegh Bahadur, was the ninth Sikh Guru. His mother’s name was Mata Gujri. He was born while his father wation included study of languages and training as a Soldier. He had started studying Hindi and Sanskrit while at Patna. At Anandpur Sahib, he started studying Punjabi under Sahib Chand, and Persian under Qazi Pir Mohammad. He married to Mata Sundari (also known as Mata Jito) and they had four sons Sahibzada Ajit Singh, Zorawar Singh, Jujhar Singh and Fateh Singh. Guru Tegh Bahadur had founded the city of Anandpur Sahib in 1665, on land purchased from the ruler of Bilaspur (Kahlur). After his tour of eastern parts of India ended, he asked his family to come to Anandpur. Gobind Rai reached Anandpur (then known as Chakk Nanaki), on the foothills of the Sivalik Hills, in March 1672.
Leaving of Anandpur and Return.

In April 1685, Guru Gobind Singh shifted his residence to Paonta in Sirmaur state at the invitation of Raja Mat Prakash of Sirmaur. According to the gazetteer of the Sirmur State, the Guru was compelled to quit Anandpur Sahib due to differences with Bhim Chand, and went to Toka. From Toka, he was invited to Nahan, the capital of Sirmaur by Mat Prakash. From Nahan, he proceeded to Paonta. Mat Prakash invited the Guru to his kingdom in order to strengthen his position against Raja Fateh Shah of Garhwal. At the request of Raja Mat Prakash, the Guru constructed a fort at Paonta with help of his followers, in a short time. The Guru remained at Paonta for around three years, and composed several texts.

The hostility between Nahan King and Fateh Shah, the Garhwal king continued to increase during the latter’s stay at Paonta, ultimately resulting in the Battle of Bhangani near Paonta. Fateh Shah attacked on 18 September 1688; the battle ended with the Guru’s victory. In the Battle of Nadaun in 1687, the armies of Alif Khan and his aides were defeated by the allied forces of Bhim Chand, Guru Gobind Singh and other hill Rajas. According to Bichitra Natak and the Bhatt Vahis, Guru Gobind Singh remained at Nadaun, on the banks of the River Beas, for eight days, and visited various important military chiefs. Sometime after the Battle of Bhangani, Rani Champa, the dowager queen of Bilaspur requested the Guru to return to Anandpur Sahib, or Chakk Nanaki, as it was then called, the Guru agreed. He reached Anandpur Sahib in November 1688.

In 1695, Dilawar Khan, the Mughal chief of Lahore, sent his son to attack Anandpur Sahib. Mughal army was defeated and Hussain Khan was killed. After Hussain’s death, Dilawar Khan sent his men Jujhar Hada and Chandel Rai to Sivalik Hills. However, they were defeated by Gaj Singh of Jaswal. The developments in the hill area caused anxiety to the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, who sent forces under the command of his son, to restore Mughal authority in the region.

Founding of the Khalsa

In 1699, the Guru sent hukmanamas (letters of authority) to his followers, requesting them to congregate at Anandpur on 13 April 1699, the day of Vaisakhi (the annual harvest festival). He addressed the congregation from the entryway of a small tent pitched on a small hill (now called Kesgarh Sahib). He first asked everyone who he was for them? Everyone answered – “You are our Guru.” He then asked them who were they, to which everyone replied – “We are your Sikhs.” Having reminded them of this relationship, He then said that today the Guru needs something from his Sikhs. Everyone said, “Hukum Karo, Sache Patshah” (Order us, True Lord). Then drawing his sword he asked for a volunteer who was willing to sacrifice his head. No one answered his first call, nor the second call, but on the third invitation, Daya Ram (later known as Bhai Daya Singh) came forward and offered his head to the Guru. Guru Gobind Rai took the volunteer inside the tent. The Guru returned to the crowd with blood dripping from his sword. He then demanded another head. One more volunteer came forward, and entered the tent with him. The Guru again emerged with blood on his sword. This happened three more times. Then the five volunteers came out of the tent in new clothing unharmed.

Guru Gobind Singh then poured clear water into an iron bowl and adding Patashas (Punjabi sweeteners) into it, he stirred it with double-edged sword accompanied with recitations from Adi Granth. He called this mixture of sweetened water and iron as Amrit (“nectar”) and administered it to the five men. These five, who willingly volunteered to sacrifice their lives for their Guru, were given the title of the Panj Pyare (“the five beloved ones”) by their Guru.[12] They were the first (baptized) Sikhs of the Khalsa: Daya Ram (Bhai Daya Singh), Dharam Das (Bhai Dharam Singh), Himmat Rai (Bhai Himmat Singh), Mohkam Chand (Bhai Mohkam Singh), and Sahib Chand (Bhai Sahib Singh).

Guru Gobind Singh then recited a line which has been the rallying-cry of the Khalsa since then: ‘Waheguru ji ka Khalsa, Waheguru ji Ki Fateh’ (Khalsa belongs to God; victory belongs to God). He gave them all the name “Singh” (lion), and designated them collectively as the Khalsa, the body of baptized Sikhs. The Guru then astounded the five and the whole assembly as he knelt and asked them to in turn initiate him as a member, on an equal footing with them in the Khalsa, thus becoming the sixth member of the new order. His name became Gobind Singh. Today members of the Khalsa consider Guru Gobind as their father, and Mata Sahib Kaur as their mother. The Panj Piare were thus the first baptised Sikhs, and became the first members of the Khalsa brotherhood. Women were also initiated into the Khalsa, and given the title of kaur (“princess”). Guru Gobind Singh then addressed the audience –

“ From now on, you have become casteless. No ritual, either Hindu or Muslim, will you perform nor will you believe in superstition of any kind, but only in one God who is the master and protector of all, the only creator and destroyer. In your new order, the lowest will rank with the highest and each will be to the other a bhai (brother). No pilgrimages for you any more, nor austerities but the pure life of the household, which you should be ready to sacrifice at the call of Dharma. Women shall be equal of men in every way. No purdah (veil) for them anymore, nor the burning alive of a widow on the pyre of her spouse (sati). He who kills his daughter, the Khalsa shall not deal with him. ”

Further references:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guru_Gobind_Singh

Arya samaj hindu writer Lala Daulat Rai wrote books on guru gobind singh by name of “Mahabali Guru Gobind Singh Svaan-e-umri” & “sahib-e-kamaal guru gobind singh”. in which he wrote “if there is no guru gobind singh then today india will be a muslim country like afghanistan, turkmenistan”

Further references:
http://sewastore.ecrater.com/p/11596143/sahib-e-kamal-guru-gobind-singh

100 years back a muslim poet Allah yaar khan jogi wrote books in memory of guru gobind singh ji and martyrdom of his four sons by name of “Ganj-e-shahidan” & “Shahidan-e-wafa”. to wrote these poems it will two years to complete these books.

Further references:
http://books.google.co.in/books/about/Ganj_e_shahidan_ate_Shahidan_e_wafa.html?id=WPHAYgEACAAJ&redir_esc=y

Hi

I want to let other people know what a brilliant job you are doing at your centre. The reason I am saying this is regarding a member of my family who came to your rehab centre and you have done a wonderful job on him.

He is now a sober Gursikh!!!

Many thanks

19 November 2013

The Story Behind – The patient (my family member) from England was admitted in April 2013 to  Akal De-Addiction Centre run by The Kalgidhar Trust, Baru Sahib. Addicted to liquor and smoking since more than ten years he is 44, a married man with two children. He was born and brought up in England and studied up to high school there. His parents, spouse and children are Amritdhari. He is a driver by profession but due to drunken driving related cases his driving license was impounded. Looking no further he decided to quit his drinking and smoking addictions he sought treatment in England and was kept in rehab centres there. Being a case of diabetes, hypertension and hypercholesterolemia, a few years back he was operated for smoking related cancer (Lymphoma) and underwent chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

At the time of his admission in Akal De-addiction Centre he was in a very bad condition and was low in motivation. He stayed for about two months in our centre and his overall health improved a lot. As per his wish he got baptism as per Sikh rites (Amritpaan). During his stay he also learnt how to read Gurmukhi and took Santhaya (a correct way of reading and recitation of Sri Guru Grantha Sahib Ji). Since his discharge from the centre seven months back he is reported to be alcohol and nicotine free, taking up family responsibilities and performs Nitnem daily.

Lana Bhalta Panchayat (Pachhad) wins Rs. lakhs Maharishi Valmiki Awards for Cleanliness, Hygiene and Restoring Ecology!

Local areas in Himachal look forward to Baru Sahib to set ideal examples of restoring ecology in Himachal.
Baru Sahib’s Sewage Treatment Plant, Waste Treatment Plant and Waste Water Treatment Plants fascinate and captivate the imagination of the Distric level Awards Committee. Baru Sahib trustee Bhai Jagjit Singh is the Sarpanch of Lana Bhalta Panchayat.

~ Ramandeep Singh
~ New Delhi, 4th Jan ’14

Media Coverage:

Send us your sketches! Share with us your Google Doodle Design Idea/ Design for the theme of Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s Prakash Utsav and the best idea/design will WIN a Certificate of Appreciation from Baru Sahib!

Mail us your creatives/ideas here – events@barusahib.org

This is a food for thought… Put your creative juices to work!

~ Deeksha Singh
~ New Delhi, 1st Jan ’14

I remember the time when tall buildings fascinatedme and my dad’s tool kit was my best friend. I remember how I had a place for gadgets and mega structures in my heart when that bug in me would do nothing but prompt me to open the toys that were brought for me to play with and would play Lego blocks building tall structures. I remember how my mom and dad realized my field of interest and how this fascination to know about the inside, got me here. I remember where I was and where I am now with everything that motivated me in between – This is ME!

I was a little naughty kid ‘Ramandeep Singh’ who was as funny as a clown and as observant as a microscope. With the good words around for the Akal Academy, Muktsar my well read family with my parents being Lecturers at Govt. Schools admitted me to this Academy, the best that could have ever happened to me! I remember how magnificent my life was at Akal Academy, the way this school changed my life and motivated me with the Spiritual and Academic studies as well.

This school in short made me a gentleman, one instilled with all good qualities and a SIKH with values, so much so that I got baptized in class 10^thalongwith my sister and could feel the power to conquer the world within. With my interest in being an engineer, my dreams were no less challenging.

I always studied independently – upkeeping with Akal Academies’ No-Tuitions culture I too never took any external academic support even for my entrance examinations including IELTS where I scored a smashing 8.5 score and was also offered a job, but keeping the faith in myself I always wanted to go study and then work. I then applied for engineering in Canada and got through it after which I interned with Honda in Canada before landing into a full-time job with TSUBAKI CANADA LTD. – a Japanese Auto Part Maker Company, where I worked as Quality Supervisor for 4 years before taking the bold call of quitting the job to pursue my independent business – the world of mega structures and more!

I then took the leap of faith backed by my strong belief in Almighty – I gave up this job and moved into Real Estate sector, where, now I am buying, selling and developing land & beautiful homes. My aim was always to put myself into a position wherein I could do something on myself and not a Job.

I am very happy that god has always helped me in all my endeavors so far and shall continue to be on my side for the rest of my life. In 2009 I received Canada’s PR status and with Almighty’s grace this year (2013) I have received citizenship and have made a beautiful house in Brampton.

With such a blessed life, I dedicate myself to The Kalgidhar Trust, Baru Sahib for being a guide in my life, for giving me this lifestyle and this confidence to face the world this far from my hometown and making me a real estate master!

~ Ramandeep Singh,
~ Brampton, Toronto, Canada (Alumnus Akal Academy, Muktsar)

Akal College of Nursing Baru Sahib gets Indian Nursing Council’s nod for M.Sc(Nursing) Program

We are proud to announce that Baru Sahib’s Akal Nursing College, located in Rajgarh Dist. Sirmour, and the state’s first Nursing College has received the official nod from Indian Nursing Council of New Delhi for M.Sc program in Nursing.

The official certification alongside permission came after The Indian Nursing Council conducted an inspection of the Collegefor M.Sc(N) programin November 2013.

“The institute is suitable for M.Sc(N) program with an intake of 20 (MED-SURG-10, PAED-5 &OBG-5). Seats are subject to approval of State Nursing Council and University/ Board for 2013-2014 academic year”, statedthe official letter from the Indian Nursing Council.

~ Ramandeep Singh
~ New Delhi, 20th Dec ’13

Power Finance Corporation spends its CSR on Renewable Energy project at rural school Akal Academy, Reeth Kheri, Patiala. PEDA implements the First 5 KW Solar Photo Voltaic Power Plant.

Power Finance Corporation (PFC), a leading Navratna Public Sector Undertaking of Govt. of India has been consistently rated as ‘Excellent’ for its performance. Recently, PFC decided to fund a CSR project of Punjab Energy Development Agency (PEDA) to bring Renewable Energy Solar Photo voltaic Power Plants in Punjab’s rural schools chain of Akal Academies run by The Kalgidhar Trust, Baru Sahib.

PFC was set up in 1986 as a Financial Institution (FI) dedicated to Power Sector financing and committed to the integrated development of the power and associated sectors. PFC has entered its Silver Jubilee Year in 2010, is a Schedule-A, Nav-Ratna CPSE in the Financial Service Sector, under the administrative control of the Ministry of Power.

Punjab Energy Development Agency was formed in as a state nodal agency for promotion and development of renewable energy programmes/projects and energy conservation programme in the state of Punjab under Mr Bikram Singh Majithia, Minister for Environment & non-Conventional Energy.

PEDA began the successful installation of the First 5 Kilo Watt Solar PhotoVoltaic Power Plant at Akal Academy, Reeth Kheri, Patialarecently as an initial push to the implementation plan.Akal Academy, Reeth Kheri will benefit from this Solar Plant where this solar plant will help cater to the energy needs at the academy and the hostel with reduced electricity bills and energy efficient classrooms! The objective of the project is to provide clean energy for affordable lighting, fans and uninterrupted hours of functioning of computers.

“As of now we will be installing Solar Systems in 45 of the Akal Academies out of 98 in Punjab. Today we are here to set up the first Solar System at Akal Academy, Reeth Kheri. Till date we have installed the largest standalone Solar System of 200 KW at Akal Academy, Baru Sahib. We wish to thank Mr MK Goel, CMD, PFC and PEDA for supporting this cause”, said Mr. MP Singh, Advisor – Solar toKalgidhar Trust, which runs 129 rural schools.

“This gives me a great pleasure to announce that Akal Academy, Reeth Kheri is the first school in Punjab to avail the benefits of the Solar System that has been installed here. Our campus holds around 1900 students with the hostel facilities as well, a campus this big running on solar power will add on to our contribution in saving environment.” mentioned,Principal – Akal Academy Reeth Kheri.

About 45 similar SPV projects have been commissioned for Akal Academies placed in different districts of Punjab. Hail the efforts that have been initiated!

Want to help contribute in this cause of rural Transformation? You can do it here – http://barusahib.org/donate/

~ Deeksha Singh
~ New Delhi, 18th Dec ’13

JIARM – Journal of International Academic Research for Multidisciplinary, a Global Society for multidisciplinary research publishes a scholarly, peer reviewed, monthly, open Access, online Research Journal every month. The December issue published a paper “Changing Lives through Social Innovation: a case study of Kalgidhar Trust, Baru Sahib (Himachal Pradesh) India written by Dr. Pardeep Jain, Professor, Dept. of Management & Humanities, Sant longowal Institute of Engineering & Technology, Longowal, Punjab, India and Minakshi Garg, Research Scholar, Dept. of Management & Humanities, Santlongowal Institute of Engineering and Technology, Longowal Punjab, India

JOURNAL OF INTERNATIONAL ACADEMIC RESEARCH FOR MULTIDISCIPLINARY (JIARM) is an international double blinded referred and peer-review monthly online academic research journal in all the streams. The journal envisions is to create forum for review, reflection and discussion informed by the results of recent and ongoing research in every fields. JIARM encourages new ideas and works in all the fields and it publishes high quality original papers, theory-based empirical papers, review papers, case reports, conference reports/papers, technology reports, book reviews, commentaries, events and news.

ABSTRACT

Value based education is needed to empower citizens to become agents of change for better world societies. Value education is not simply the heart of education but also the education of heart as it inculcates sense of cooperation and fellow feeling among people. Value based education is the real need of the day to produce good upright human beings, who can inspire others to tread on the divine path and serve mankind selflessly. Values based education is the best way to enable society to move forward and bring about sustainable development in the world. Through such education, country will be able to harness the energyof the youth and persuade them to work for the betterment of the world now in turmoil. With increasing social evils like alcoholism, female-foeticide, drug abuse etc. the need of the houris to have a Drug free society and all mankind should be educated for a better living. For the same purpose Kalgidhar Trust is working in the direction of bringing back India’s glory by arresting drug abuse and female-foeticide. The Kalgidhar trust is working on the Sri Guru Nanak DevJi’s principles who reportedly said in 1499 that “it is a woman who keeps the race going” and that we should not “consider woman cursed and condemned, when from woman are born leaders and rulers.

The Kalgidhar Trust, Baru Sahib is an internationally acclaimed not for profit organization that works in the direction of providing Value-based Education in rural North India. Today, it runs a chain of 129 CBSE Eng Med Schools across 33 districts of five North Indian states, thereby benefitting around 60,000 rural students. It has become a trend-setter in bring a paradigm shift to addressing the cancerous drug-addiction issue through Value-based Education.

It is high time that the community understands the need to invest in ‘shrines of Education’ and social Development rather than just creating more and more religious shrines.

Read the Research Paper here: – http://www.barusahib.orgAssets/Publications/jiram_journal.pdf

~ Ramandeep Singh
~ 16th Dec ’13

The Kalgidhar Trust secures an appreciation for Good Governance practices in the Voluntary Sector!

It takes efforts, credibility and a lot of faith in what one does and once that confidence is instilled into the good work, it takes you places. This confidence and good work of Rural Transformation has won The Kalgidhar Trust, Baru Sahib, a coveted Accreditation from Credibility Alliance, an initiative by collective Voluntary Organizations who are committed towards enhancing accountability and transparency of an organization in the Voluntary Sector through good governance.

Credibility Alliance with institutional support from Ford Foundation, has emerged to be a nodal agency for good Governance practices in the Voluntary Sector with a trust among all the stakeholders through improving governance within the Voluntary Sector. Accreditation/certification of VOs would be useful for both public and private sector and also for International donor agencies to select credible organizations for funding. This mechanism preserves the autonomy of the Voluntary Sector even while establishing a robust mechanism for self-regulation.

The Kalgidhar Trust, Baru Sahib has been granted this alliance for the efficiency that is visible through the exceptional work that has been done in the field of Rural Transformation through 129 Value Based Rural Schools imparting Value Education to more than 60,000 rural students with 2 Private Universities reaching out to 6450 villages of Northern India. The CA accreditation helps The Kalgidhar Trust get recognized as an accountable, transparent and governance driven organization.

Accreditation of The Kalgidhar Trust, Baru Sahib with CA adds on to the much-appreciated work of the organization through rural transformation alongwith Elementary Teacher Training Program, running Akal Charitable Hospital and Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Center; and organizing Free Medical camps across Northern India. And what better gift to the community that this has been the first community organization to be accredited with CA.

Here’s to never ending motivation that keeps us growing, thank you for the love, support and care!

Inspired enough to be a part of the social cause of Rural Transformation? Contribute your support here – http://www.barusahib.org/donate/

~ Deeksha Singh
~ New Delhi, 13th Dec ’13