Brandon’s Sikh community has established a new scholarship at Brandon University (BU) in honour of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. The Guru Nanak Dev Scholarship will award approximately $1,400 each academic year to a continuing BU student on the basis of academic merit and a record of significant community service to a volunteer organization. “We are […]
Brandon’s Sikh community has established a new scholarship at Brandon University (BU) in honour of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
The Guru Nanak Dev Scholarship will award approximately $1,400 each academic year to a continuing BU student on the basis of academic merit and a record of significant community service to a volunteer organization.
“We are proud to support this scholarship in honour of Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of Sikhism,” said Mr. Ramjit Mann, a member of the Brandon Sikh community. “His philosophy for everyone to follow was very simple; make your living by honest means, share your earnings with the poor, sick and disabled, and respect nature for the abundant resources provided to humankind.”…
Brandon University, founded in 1899, promotes excellence in teaching, research, and scholarship, and educates students so that they can make a meaningful difference as engaged citizens and leaders.
According to Guru Nanak, “Knowledge” is the most significant element in the educational process.
Someone asked Guru Nanak, Where to find peace and happiness?
Guru Nanak replied, It is all within, however you have to have Knowledge to find it.
So what is Knowledge?:
Knowledge is rightly called the “third eye” of a man/woman
Knowledge is strength
Knowledge leads to wisdom and insight
Knowledge elevates body, mind and soul
Knowledge is virtue
Vidyaa vichaari ta paropkari. AGGS, M1, Ang 356
Says Nanak: That education is worth, which is applied to the welfare (uplift) of the humanity.
“Wisdom is not to be wasted in futile arguments.Use wisdom and reason in the service of humankind and the practice of charity.Learn by intelligent readings and earn respect by exercising wisdom. Says Nanak, this is the right path while other things (failure to apply discerning intellect) lead to wickedness”. AGGS, M1, Ang 1245
Guru Nanak travelled more than 20,000 miles during his life time and used what ever means to travel were available e.g. Walking, horseback, boat etc.( there were no trains, buses or aeroplanes at that time) to spread his philosophy by engaging in healthy dialogue based on logic.
“Do not live a life of isolation, interact with others. Keep learning from others and teaching others, as long as there is a breath of life.” AGGS, M1, Ang 661
This Scholarship has been established by the Sikh Community of Brandon with the cooperation of Brandon University to honour and celebrate Guru Nanak’s contributions to all humankind.
Since Guru Nanak’s philosophy was for all human beings, this scholarship will be awarded each year to an individual regardless of their race, culture, religion etc.
The student who believes in and executes philosophy of Guru Nanak through actions to improve him/herself and the society at large:
Works hard to his/her fullest potential,
Continuing to develop/increase his/her knowledge through education,
Volunteers ( shares time, skills, knowledge etc.) to help others. On behalf of Sikh Community of Brandon, I would like to thank Brandon University staff, Scholarship committee, Senate and Students to be partners in promoting and celebrating Guru Nanak’s philosophy for all human kind