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The day of Vaisakhi in the year 1699 at Sri Anandpur Sahib holds a prominent place in the world's religious history. On this historic day, the Tenth Sikh Guru (master), Sarbansdani (the one who sacrificed everything), Sri Guru Gobind Singh, established the Khalsa Panth, creating a revolutionary chapter in the spiritual and social history of humanity.

The creation of the Khalsa is a glorious saga for the Sikh community, evoking in every Sikh a profound sense of unique and sovereign identity. The Khalsa represents the ideal human being whose life is both inspirational to society and a shining example of standing for truth and justice. The formation of the Khalsa embodies the sacred philosophy of all ten Sikh Gurus. The first Guru, Sri Guru Nanak Dev, laid down the foundational principle for this ideal human being known as the Khalsa:

"If you desire to play this game of love with Me,Then step onto My Path with your head in hand." (Part 1410 SGGS)

Sri Guru Nanak Dev's teachings are ideals for those seeking spiritual growth. These teachings carry the method and inspiration of self-sacrifice. After Guru Nanak Dev, the succeeding Gurus reinforced this message among Sikhs. On the day of Vaisakhi in 1699, Sri Guru Gobind Singh established the Khalsa and gave spiritual and philosophical meaning to the teachings of the Gurus. This extraordinary act by the tenth Sikh master empowered the oppressed and enslaved people of the time, transforming them into confident, liberated individuals.

The Vaisakhi day of 1699 at Sri Anandpur Sahib became a clarion call against tyranny, oppression, injustice, discrimination, falsehood, hypocrisy and cruelty. It presented a unique vision to the world—where on one hand, the five beloved ones (Panj Piaras), created by the Guru, received the gift of Amrit (the sacred nectar of initiation), and on the other hand, the Guru himself took Amrit from the hands of those Khalsa, establishing a rare and unmatched example in world religious history.

This act symbolized a new relationship between Guru and disciple—one of equality, with no distinction between the two. Bhai Gurdas praised this vision in awe and reverence:

"Hail, hail (Guru) Gobind Singh; He, Himself, is the Master and Disciple too."

The Khalsa, as founded by Guru Gobind Singh, is free from all forms of personal bondage and directly connected to the Timeless Being (Akal Purakh), having manifested according to the divine will of God.

The word Khalsa means pure, unblemished, and unadulterated. The Khalsa is a true sympathizer of humanity, distanced from lies, dishonesty, and deceit. The Khalsa is devoted solely to the One Akal Purakh. A Khalsa lives by the discipline of the five Ks (Kakaars) – Kes (unshorn hair), Kirpan (sword), Karra (iron bracelet), Kangha (comb) and Kachhera (prescribed shorts) and follows a life of truth and righteousness.

The voice of the Khalsa always rises in defense of justice and truth. It is the supreme religious duty of the Khalsa to resist tyranny and oppression. A life of high morals and noble conduct is the hallmark of the Khalsa. By creating the Khalsa, the Tenth Sikh Guru gave the world a new, powerful, and distinct ideal of a Saint-Soldier, a principle that continues to reach new heights of martyrdom and sacrifice even today.

To embody the Sikh code of conduct, to live by Gurbani (the Guru's word) and Bana (the Sikh attire), and to protect Gurmat (the Guru's wisdom) are fundamental to the Khalsa way of life. Every Sikh is duty-bound to live in this spirit. On the historic occasion of Khalsa Sajna Diwas, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Sikh community and urge all to partake in the sacred Amrit initiated by Guru Gobind Singh, and become true followers of the Khalsa Rehat (discipline), because no one can move forward with their identity while disconnected from their history and heritage.

As we move through the world, it is only by upholding our cultural and moral values that we can take pride in our uniqueness. The richness of the Sikh community's history, philosophy, and legacy inspires every Sikh to live with self-respect and dignity. In times of hardship, the Sikh community has always stood with the suffering, proving that the message of human equality and unity taught by the Gurus to the Khalsa is both foundational and exceptional in global religious history.

Today, it is even more important to raise awareness among Sikh youth about this Khalsa heritage, as the rapid advancement of technology and communication often leads individuals away from moral values. The unique principles of Sikhi and its human-centered philosophy offer a clear and effective path to resolving today's challenges. What is needed is our collective effort to spread the ideology of the Khalsa.

So let us, on this occasion of Khalsa Foundation Day, take a vow: every Sikh must partake in the sacred Amrit and live by the Khalsa discipline. At the same time, we must embody the Guru's message of "One Father, and we are all His children" and strive to serve humanity.

In closing, I extend heartfelt congratulations to all followers of Guru Nanak's path on the occasion of Khalsa Foundation Day.

 

The author is President, Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, Sri Amritsar

(The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of New India Abroad)