The Sikh religion emerged during the early 16th century in the state of Punjab in North India. The founder of this faith was Guru Nanak, who from his childhood was attracted to both Hindu and Muslim saints. Born a Hindu, but also inspired by the teachings of Islam, he began to preach the message of unity of both religions. According to him, the basic teachings of both faiths were essentially the same. Nanak attracted many followers and came to be known as a Guru or a teacher. His disciples came together to form a new religious tradition called Sikhism.

The Gurus who followed Nanak contributed to the consolidation and spread of Sikhism. The teachings of Guru Nanak were incorporated in the 'Guru Granth Sahib', the Holy Book of the Sikhs which became a symbol of God for Sikhs. The fifth Guru, Guru Arjun built the Golden Temple at Amritsar which became the holiest of Sikh shrines. The tenth Guru, Govind Singh imparted military training to the Sikhs to help them defend themselves. He also decided to terminate the succession of gurus and was thus the last of the Sikh Gurus.

Sikhism propounds monotheism, i.e. worship of one God. It also opposes the caste system and believes that all men are equal. However the ideas of karma and rebirth from Hinduism are accepted. Today, many Sikh practices are common to Hindus. Intermarriages between the two communities are also common. However the Sikh community has its own unmistakable identity. Though the Sikhs constitute less than 2 percent of the Indian population, they have become a distinct element in the configuration of the Indian religious tradition and the Indian society.

GURU NANAK DEV - Founder of Sikhism
(The Hindu, November 14, 1997 - Surjit Singh Sahney)

The birth of Guru Nanak in 1469 A.D. marked a turning point in medieval history. Born at a time when society was split into various groups based on caste, creed and religion, Nanak tried to unite humanity through the message of universal brotherhood and communal harmony and to launch a new movement for the establishment of an egalitarian society and a joint social order. For him all human beings were God's children. He advocated man's direct link with the Ultimate Reality. He denounced asceticism, monasticism, formalism and image worship and all rites and rituals connected with religious service.

His four odesseys took him to Assam in the east, Sri Lanka in the south, Tibet in the north and Mecca and the Islamic centres in the Middle East. People were attracted to him because of his charismatic personality. Even as a child, he displayed a contemplative turn of mind, love for solitude and large- heartedness. He was generous by nature and exuded warmth and friendliness. Even while young, he composed many hymns effortlessly, which were spiritually meaningful. There was a moment of supreme transformation and enlightenment in his life when he stood face to face before God, who directed him to spread a new faith among people, based on discipline and purity of character.

Guru Nanak's unusual attire, attracted the attention of quite a few people. He was once asked, "To which faith do you belong?'' His reply was, "I do not need symbols for my prayer. For me, the Lord's name is my `salagram', good deeds my necklace and divine grace, the anchor of my raft.''

The episode of Guru Nanak's physical disappearance from Sultanpur and his re-appearance represented the divine call he received for embarking on his noble mission. He travelled extensively, mostly on foot. He laid stress on charity and detachment while making an honest living. He was a bridge between the Hindus and the Muslims. He was probably the first to give India the concept of a Nation.

He advised people to be in the world but not worldly. In his teachings, adherence to dharma, company of holy men, morality and good conduct hold a very high place. To him, religion was a way of life.

A world teacher, Guru Nanak's message is of universal application and is relevant for all time and for the entire mankind. Guru Nanak, who founded Sikhism, gave new hope to the downtrodden mankind to join his fraternity as equals.