AI Generated Summary
- A major reason for this situation may be that while children today receive worldly education in schools and the education system has been modernized, there is hardly any institution where Guru Nanak’s teachings are included in the curriculum.
- As a consequence, even preachers of the faith—religious propagators, granthis, and ragi singers—who should inspire the public to follow Guru Nanak’s path are themselves not always seen adhering to it.
- He is initiating the Guru Nanak Global University, where along with modern education, students will study a curriculum based on the teachings of Guru Nanak Sahib.
The founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak Dev Ji, inspired people to follow a path about 550 years ago and taught ideals to the world. Today, however, it seems that even followers of Sikhism are not fully prepared to walk on that path. As a result, a large section of the Sikh community is facing various kinds of challenges.
Guru Nanak Dev Ji gave the message of Kirat Karo (earn honestly), Naam Japo (meditate on God’s name), and Vand Chhako (share with others). Along with this, he emphasized universal brotherhood, mutual love, respect for women, and freedom from superstitions, conveying the message of “One Creator.” Yet today it is observed that many people in the Sikh community have become followers of sectarian groups (Deras). Faith in God appears to be diminishing, and in their efforts to overcome personal sufferings, people seem to be moving away from Guru Nanak’s teachings.
As a consequence, even preachers of the faith—religious propagators, granthis, and ragi singers—who should inspire the public to follow Guru Nanak’s path are themselves not always seen adhering to it. Guru Nanak Dev Ji taught that every issue should be resolved through dialogue, but today tolerance among people is declining, and individuals are becoming hostile toward one another over trivial matters.
Guru Nanak Dev Ji accorded women a very high status and delivered the message, “Why call her inferior, from whom kings are born?” Yet today, people do not hesitate even to exploit young girls. Atrocities against voiceless beings and the deterioration of social harmony under the guise of religion, caste, or political divisions have created a troubling environment. If people once again begin to follow Guru Nanak’s path, peace in society and unity within families can be restored.
A major reason for this situation may be that while children today receive worldly education in schools and the education system has been modernized, there is hardly any institution where Guru Nanak’s teachings are included in the curriculum.
In this context, Baljit Singh, a resident of United States, has come forward with a vision. He is initiating the Guru Nanak Global University, where along with modern education, students will study a curriculum based on the teachings of Guru Nanak Sahib. The aim is to eradicate social evils and to shape children not only into excellent students but also into responsible citizens.
At the time of its announcement in Chandigarh, many universities appreciated his initiative and pledged to introduce his curriculum in their own institutions. I also had the opportunity to attend this program and listen to the views of various speakers. It was evident that everyone shares this aspiration, though it had not received serious attention until now. If such efforts are implemented, meaningful change in society will surely follow, and people will once again be seen walking on the ideals of Guru Nanak.
