Baba Nanak Shah Fakir

Guru Nanak, one of the greatest philosophers and thinkers the world has known, was far ahead of his time in voicing social issues. He embarked on an altruistic mission to far-off lands to challenge past beliefs, doctrines, and prejudices and build an alternative social structure based on principles of equality and justice. His eternal message has a very strong appeal and his teachings, which transcend the limits of time and space cannot be confined to a community, country, or time. His the name still resonates all over the world and people still look up to him for guidance. This book portrays Baba Nanak’s unique, perennial and sublime, message of the close relationship of man with the cosmos, and his love for humanity. It is a humble endeavor to study the life and mission of Nanak, a man of the people, and thereby introduce the reader to his divine personality and teachings.

A significant contribtion to the understanding of Sikhism by young and old alike. This is one of a series of books on 'Indic' values, edited by Dr. Julius Lipner, former Head of the Department of Religion, Cambridhe University, England."

This book brings a broad, holistic approach to the study of the phenomena of the global Sikh community referred to collectively as the Panth. With contributions by an interdisciplinary range of experts, the volume provides insight into current debates and discussions around Sikh identity in the twenty-first century. It examines the terms Sikh, Sikhism and ‘Sikhi’ and considers how those ‘outside of the margins’ fit into larger definitions of the wider Panth. Both the secular and religious dimensions of being a Sikh are explored and lived experience is a central theme throughout. The chapters engage with issues of authority and diversity as well as representation as Sikhs become increasingly settled and active within their diasporic locales. The book includes a variety of case studies and makes a valuable contribution to the growing field of Sikh studies.

The eclectic mix of personal essays, poems and scholarly articles and the teachings of Guru Nanak that form this volume have come from contributors of not only the Sikh community in India, Pakistan and the diaspora, but also from people belonging to other faiths who have been touched by the mystique of the faith of Baba Nanak. By placing the personal records alongside with the scholarly insights into His teachings, what we have understood is that there is a Nanak for each one of us – a Nanak within each one of us – and it is this Nanak which abides in our consciousness and whom we need to seek out and discover. This book is, therefore, meant both for the initiated as well as the uninitiated. The lay readers will get a glimpse into the richness of thought and experience that an acquaintance with Guru Nanak brings with it. For the scholarly, the insights by the contributors who have dedicated their lives to an understanding of Sikhi will help in opening newer vistas of the Gurbani. The plurality of views expressed mirrors the free thinking and the respect for human beings and the upholding of human dignity that Nanakji propagated, practiced and stood for.

For almost 70 years now, India has been withstanding terrorism and imposed wars. Thousands of soldiers from the Indian Army have sacrificed their life to safeguard their nation. After independence and until the Kargil war of 1999, 25,942 soldiers from the Indian Army sacrificed their life for the nation, to honor them; a national war memorial has been constructed in New Delhi. Even after all these, India has been successful in establishing peace at an international level.