Union Minister Hardeep Puri Friday delivered an annual lecture on the Contemporary Relevance of Guru Nanak’s Teachings at the University of Birmingham, where he unveiled a new Guru Nanak Chair.
The chair, supported by the Indian government, will promote research around the teachings of Guru Nanak, the founder of the Sikh religion.
Speaking on the occasion, Puri, who is in charge of the civil aviation and housing and urban affairs ministries, said he believed the Guru Nanak Chair will enable research that will benefit not just the United Kingdom but the wider world.
Below is the full text of the speech:
I would like to start by thanking the Chancellor of the University of Birmingham, my friend Lord Karan Bilimoria, and Professor Nat Puri, who has mentored both Karan and me over the years.
I would also like to acknowledge the contribution of the Pro Vice Chancellor, Prof. Mason, and India’s Consul General in Birmingham, Dr. Aman Puri, for providing me this unique privilege and honour of delivering the second in this series of lectures.
Befitting the occasion, as we celebrate the 550th birth anniversary of the Guru Maharaj, Sri Guru Nanak Devji, I will be speaking to you on the The Contemporary Relevance of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Message of Peace and Inter-faith Harmony.
But before I begin my address, I seek your indulgence to reminisce just a little.
I first came to the West Midlands and the beautiful city of Birmingham in the month of May, in 1970. I was an undergraduate student at Delhi University and travellers undertaking such trips were permitted the princely sum of $8, on account of stringent foreign exchange regulations. Professor Nat Puri, who left India in 1966, informs me that the limit at that time was $5.
India’s GDP in 1970 stood at $ 62 billion.In the 50 years since 1970, our GDP has grown 45 times, and today stands at US$ 2.8 trillion. Today, it is possible for any Indian to remit up to US$ 250,000 a year. This, ladies and gentlemen, is the story of India’s journey over the last 50 years.
India – a spiritual home
At the age of 60, an American national, born Samuel Langhorne Clemens, better known by his pen name, Mark Twain, for such notable works as The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, had the following to say about India in his diary as he travelled through India and what is now known as Sri Lanka, between January and April 1896: “In religion, all other countries are paupers. India is the only millionaire” adding “India is the cradle of the human race, the birthplace of human speech, the mother of history, the grandmother of legend and the great grandmother of tradition. Our most valuable and most instructive materials in the history of man are treasured up in India only.”
He went to say: “So far as I am able to judge nothing has been left undone, either by man or nature, to make India the most extraordinary country that the sun visits on his rounds. Nothing seems to have been forgotten, nothing overlooked.”
And if that wasn’t enough, this is what Albert Einstein had to say about India: “We owe a lot to the Indians, who taught us how to count, without which no worthwhile scientific discovery could have been made.”
India has the unique distinction of being the birthplace of four religions – Hinduism, Sikhism, Jainism and Buddhism. This organic process has not only had a transformative impact on the world, but it is a testament to spiritual richness of our land.
Sikhism is one of the world’s youngest religions. Founded by Sri Guru Nanak Devji, Sikhism today has over 27 million followers worldwide. The Sikh Dharam has its roots firmly embedded in the philosophy of its place of origin. Sikhism shares many Indic philosophical and theological concepts with traditions of Hinduism and Buddhism, including dharma (moral duty), samsara (the cycle of birth and rebirth), karma (the law of action) and moksha (liberation). In fact, the word Hindustan itself was coined by Guru Nanak, and it is found in several hymns of the Guru Granth Sahib.
Guru Nanak — filling the peace vacuum
To fully understand Sikhism and Sikh heritage, it is important to understand the origins of our faith — the questions of why, how, and in what context the birth of Sikhism took place. This requires context setting.
As we gear up to celebrate the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak, it is important to recall that his birth, and through him the religion of Sikhism, took place at a time when India was witnessing a war between two religions. Peace existed only in a vacuum – a vacuum that Guru Nanak filled through his message of tolerance, social justice, and inclusivity.
Before Taimur’s invasion in AD 1398, equilibrium had been achieved in Indian society. Hinduism shed its caste-based social hierarchies, and embraced the unifying message of the Bhakti movement. Alongside this transformation, pacifists from the Islamic faith became the dominant voice of their community, resulting in the birth of Sufism.
Taimur’s invasion disrupted this equilibrium. Islamic rulers came to form kingdoms, looting the traditional Hindu traders. Looting, killing, exploitation, particularly of women, was rampant. The soul of India — a diverse society that had come to accept all faiths — was dying.
As a result, the peaceful co-existence of a renewed Hindu faith and a peaceful Indian version of Islam was fractured and came to a grinding halt. The practice of Hinduism reverted to its caste-dominated structures, and Indian Islam emphasized conversions of the so-called ‘infidels’.
It was during the clash between these two faiths that the birth of Guru Nanak took place in 1469.
Guru Nanak from a very early age exhibited signs that would set him apart from most children his age. He began questioning the purpose and would often be found in the company of holy men and ascetics, and, according to folklore, when he was 18, his father once gave him some money and sent him to the market, instructing him to strike a “real bargain”. Chancing upon some hungry mendicants on the way, he spent the entire money to feed them, believing no other bargain could be truer or more profitable.
At the urging of his family, Nanak moved to Sultanpur to take up a regular job. Here he would organise the singing of hymns and initiated the practice of feeding all those who had gathered, irrespective of their religion. It is said that an hour and a quarter before sunrise he would go to the river to bathe and by daylight, he would be in the durbar doing his work.
It was during one these early morning baths by the river that Nanak had his first mystic experience. According to the janamsakhi (birth stories), in this moment, Nanak was one with God. The almighty gave Nanak a cup of amrit to drink and asked of him the following: “Nanak, I am with thee. Through thee will my name be magnified. Whosoever follows thee, him will I save. Go into the world to pray and teach mankind how to pray. Be not sullied by the ways of the world. Let your life be one of praise of the Word, charity, ablution, service, and prayer. Nanak, I give thee my pledge. Let this by thy’s life mission.”
Guru Nanak’s now famous words “There is no Hindu, there is no Mussalman” were the result of this experience — it was all he spoke for an entire day.
Witness to the atrocities of religious fanatics and the social decay on account of evils such as dogmatic rituals, oppression of women, superstitions, untouchability and the caste system, Guru Nanak wished to build a community of self-respecting men and women devoted to God.
Also read: Govt plans celebration of 550th Guru Nanak Jayanti with cultural events, stamps & coins
Sikhism and the 21st Century
The teachings of Guru Nanak, the nine Gurus who followed him, and the Guru Granth Sahib, are anchored in humanism. The message of universal brotherhood and social justice are captured by the core tenets of the faith — Kirat Kamai (earning an honest living); Vand Chakko (community and public service); and Simran and Naam Jaapo (prayer, meditation, and introspection). In the words of Guru Nanak, it is important that “before becoming a Muslim, a Hindu, a Sikh or a Christian” one should become “a human first”.
I would like to take this opportunity to contextualise these three tenets to the 21st century. As we celebrate Guru Nanak’s 550th birth anniversary, this as good an occasion as any, not just to recall his teachings, but also adopt them in our daily lives.
The 2008 financial crisis, the foundation of which was a fraudulent subprime-lending scheme in the housing sector in the United States, led to the closure of some of the largest financial institutions in the world. The fraud perpetrated wiped out $9.8 trillion of American wealth. As a result, the housing market crashed leaving millions in financial ruin. The crisis was to have ripple effect, causing the European Debt Crisis in 2010, and immense volatility in Asian markets.
On the other side of the hemisphere, between 2004 and 2014, India witnessed one corruption scandal after another. The 2G spectrum scam, Coal-Gate and the Common Wealth Games (CWG) scam to name a few, saw public wealth worth millions siphoned off by a nexus of corporates, politicians and officials.
The absence of a guiding virtue to build an honest living is felt across this corrupt system of governance. This corruption is not just prevalent at the national level but across countries both in the developed and developing world.
As we gear up to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), national policies are being adopted to tackle hunger, poverty, water insecurity etc. These efforts will only have a marginal impact until the intrinsic corruption, which is rooted in greed and dishonesty, isn’t responded to.
Today, the Sikh community is renowned the world over for its work ethic, honesty, and integrity. Sikhs have excelled across all domains – be it establishing in their own business ventures or leading multinational corporations; be it the world of academia or government service. Even as we attain these feats, it is important to remember that we are disciples of Guru Nanak and that makes us ambassadors of the faith – it is our responsibility to uphold and spread the virtues of Kirat Kamai and not succumb to the temptations of dishonesty and malfeasance.
The second tenet, Vand Chakko, emphasises the practice of community and public service. Over the past century, as nations across the globe pursued rapid industrialisation to provide a better standard of living for the populations, it was the environment, which paid the price. Climate change and unsustainable production are two issues that can be addressed in a more holistic manner by renouncing the practice of material accumulation. The virtue of ‘Vand Chakko’ promotes sharing and donating these material gains with the community, creating a community focused inclusive method of development.
Public service is further made crucial by the global circumstances we live in today. As of 2018, 70 million individuals across the globe were displaced – without a home or a community to call their own (UNHCR) and nearly 820 million people were undernourished (FAO). With more people in need than ever before, the praxis of our community and its commitment to public service through the daily langar system and regular donation drives has had a significant impact on lives everywhere. At a time when the state, in the developed and developing world alike, is finding it difficult to provide goods and services; when rising income inequality has become the most contentious economic concern, community service has gained a renewed salience.
The practice of seva has distinguished the Sikhs. Gurudwaras have come to be associated as centers where the needy, irrespective of caste, creed, colour or sex, can avail food, shelter and aid. Gurudwaras and the langar offered by Sikhs have become crucial in the fight against poverty, hunger, and homelessness. In fact, in war torn countries such as Afghanistan, Yemen, Syria, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sikh organisations have been the first to provide relief and compassion. Be it in the Middle East or in India, the role played by the community in taking care of all who are in need illustrates the integral nature of altruism.
The final tenet, Naam Japo, calls upon individuals to reflect and introspect through prayer and meditation on the important aspects of life. The emphasis on contemplation serves as the guiding light to deliver social justice and lead an honest life. Sikhism encourages its followers to be one with God, and embrace his message of peace, harmony, and universal brotherhood. Simran is to accept with humility ‘God’s will’ and imbibe in one’s consciousness his teachings.
This tenet I believe is not only the key to our faith but to global harmony. We live in times of rabid misinformation and polarisation, which impedes progress as well as causes radicalisation, particularly among the youth.
Today, certain anti-social elements want to strike a chord of communal tension through radicalisation. New-age technologies such as social media make this easy, as they prey on unsuspecting individuals. In such a challenging period where the lines between opinions, facts and fiction are blurring, introspection and meditation are a source of strength, tolerance, and clarity.
I recall the origins of our faith and its central tenets because they are perhaps more relevant today than they were on the fateful day in Sultanpur. We live in an era when there are strong temptations to deviate from the path laid down by Guru Nanak. At the work place, we are surrounded by greed and impropriety; our society too has increasingly become more individualistic; and few, particularly the younger generation, take the time to meditate. As we celebrate the 550th birth anniversary of our first Guru, it is my hope that this occasion reminds us all that his teachings be followed both in letter and spirit. The Sikh faith has strong fundamentals, and it is our collective duty to ensure the legacy of Guru Nanak goes from strength to strength.
Peace through dialogue
Inter-faith dialogue and cooperation have been a key part of Sikhism, since the time of Guru Nanak, long before the birth of what is now called the inter-faith movement. Guru Nanak Devji taught that engaging in dialogue, understanding and respecting the point of view of the other was essential for inter-faith harmony.
It is said that Guru Nanak travelled for 27 years, dividing his journey in five phases (or five Udasis). The expanse covered ranged from Mecca in West and Sikkim in the East; to Sri Lanka in the South and Tibet in the North. During this time, he met ordinary citizens, kings, religious leaders and scholars of all faiths (including Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists, Jains, and Sufis). In all his interactions, he spread the message of universal brotherhood, peace, harmony, compassion, righteousness, and truth.
I take this opportunity to compliment the British-Indian community who have not only kept their culture and heritage alive in their adopted home – the United Kingdom – but have also integrated well within the larger British community. In so doing, they have created what Prime Minister Modi called the ‘Living Bridge’ between the two countries. The fact that we are contemplating and reflecting on the message of the revered first Sikh Guru here, is a testament to his long-standing teaching of engaging people from all religious and social backgrounds.
I hear this University hosted a very special five-day event, this August, when ‘Gurudwara Sahib’ was set up here in a British University, perhaps a first in many ways. I believe a few thousand meals were served by volunteers as langar and the message of Guru Nanak was shared with people belonging to all faiths.
Guru Nanak’s powerful message, see the divine light in all, can truly enable us to realise that while we may be subscribing to different faiths or to no faith, there is far more in common between us as fellow human beings than what divides us.
Sikhism when established, was way ahead of its time. 500 years ago, it provided us with the blueprint of a modern state: our much cherished ideas of fundamental rights such as right to freedom of expression, right to equality, and women’s empowerment, which are the building blocks of any civilised society. The Guru Granth Sahib itself is an embodiment of dialogue, religious pluralism and genial inter-religious relationship. Thus, in today’s age of hatred, bigotry and violence, Guru Nanak’s teachings can help build peace and inter-faith harmony.
The horrors of Christchurch and the Easter Sunday bombings are grim reminders that we do not have the luxury of ignoring this message of peace which humanity received more than five centuries ago. Guru Nanak was born in India, but his message belongs to all of humanity.
Also read: Air India paints ‘Ik Onkar’ symbol on its aircraft to mark Guru Nanak’s birth anniversary
Celebrating the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak
On 22 November 2018, the Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, passed a resolution to celebrate the 550th birth anniversary of Shri Guru Nanak Devji, throughout the country and across the globe, in a grand and befitting manner.
At this meeting, the Union Cabinet approved the building and development of the Kartarpur Corridor from Dera Baba Nanak in Gurdaspur district to the international border, in order to facilitate pilgrims from India to visit the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur on the banks of the Ravi river, in Pakistan, where Shri Guru Nanak Devji spent 18 years. Pilgrims would then be able to visit the holy shrine throughout the year.
In addition to the development of the Kartarpur Corridor, Prime Minister Modi’s government decided that the historic town of Sultanpur Lodhi, associated with the life of Shri Guru Nanak Devji, shall be developed as a heritage town and on the Smart City principles, including energy efficiency, to highlight Shri Guru Nanak Devji‘s emphasis on sustainability and reverence for nature. As a major attraction for pilgrims and tourists, a heritage complex at Sultanpur Lodhi, Pind Babe Nanak da, will be established to depict life in the times of Shri Guru Nanak Devji.
Based on the aspirations and sentiments of the British-Indian community, to support research and dissemination of the Guru’s teaching through academic courses, I am very happy to formally announce the setting up of ”Guru Nanak Chair” (supported by Government of India) at the University of Birmingham. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate and thank the University of Birmingham for hosting this very special Chair, and to commit significant resources from their side.
The university has also committed that they would make their best efforts to enable the Chair to run in perpetuity. For this, I would also like to thank the British-Indian community of UK for committing their support to this project. I strongly believe that the ‘Guru Nanak Chair’ will enable further research on how best the message of Guru Nanak can be shared with the larger community here in the UK and beyond, and how mankind can benefit from this message, which has an eternal value to make our world a better place.
I have absolutely no doubt that the chair being established at the University of Birmingham to disseminate the teaching of Guru Nanak Devji and the fundamental tenants of the great religion he founded, will comprehensively and in a focused manner, contribute to furthering the message of peace and universal brotherhood. The academic setting provide by the University will ensure that the research undertaken conforms to the highest standards, and captures the message encapsulated on the tail of the Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner that undertook its maiden journey from Amritsar to London on October 31, 2019, Ek Onkar.
Also read: India, Pakistan sign landmark Kartarpur Corridor agreement