Toronto (Amarjit Singh Khajuria): Guru Nanak Dev Ji was born in 1469 in Talwandi, which is today known as Nankana Sahib. His father, Mehta Kalu Ji, was a farmer and accountant. Guru Sahib received his early education there and mastered several languages, including Sanskrit, Persian, and Hindi.
Later, he moved to Sultanpur Lodhi, where his sister Bebe Nanaki Ji lived. There he worked as a storekeeper (munshi). During this time, he was married and blessed with two sons. It was in Sultanpur Lodhi that he experienced a divine revelation, after which he declared:
“There is no Hindu, and there is no Muslim.”
With this message, he revealed the universal principle of human unity Ik Onkar, the One Creator.
After this spiritual awakening, Guru Nanak Sahib undertook extensive journeys, engaging in dialogue with saints and spiritual seekers from Hindu, Buddhist, Jain, Yogi, and Muslim traditions, spreading the teachings of love, truth, and equality.
Guru Sahib’s hymns, along with those of various Bhagats, are enshrined in the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. Bhagat Kabir Ji beautifully says:
“We are neither Hindu nor Muslim; our body and soul belong to the One God whom some call Allah and others call Ram.”
The three eternal principles of Sikh living Kirat Karni (earn an honest living), Vand Chakna (share with others), and Naam Japna (remember the Divine) continue to guide people toward a truthful, sincere, and compassionate life.
