Sadhu Vaswani-Messiah of Compassion

To millions around the world, Sadhu Vaswani is a name synonymous with reverence for all life. Born on November 25, 1879 in Hyderabad, Sind to serve humanity, Sadhu Vaswani became the living embodiment of unsullied love that knew no bounds, a unique embracing love that included all mankind, animals and other creations. He cared deeply for the birds in the air and animals on earth and protected them whenever he could. More so, he realized the synthesis between the culture of the East and the West and the link between the ancient and new.

He founded the Sadhu Vaswani Mission in Hyderabad,Sindh and after partition of India in August 1947 settled down at Poona and gradually added many spiritual and educational institutes. Citing the activities of Sadhu Vaswani, Dr Rajendra Prasad, the first President of India, extolled ' The life of Vaswaniji is a saga of unassuming service, spiritual illumination and source of inspiration to all.' Thus he became one of the leading spiritual luminaries 0f India and a man of compassion and spirit.

He vehemently believed that all that all JIVAS-creatures are eternal and whosoever kills a creature for food or otherwise,hurts the Eternal Heart. In reverence to feelings of Dada Vaswani, November 25 each yearis observed as Meatless- Animal Rights Day.

Guru Nanak- Prophet of Harmony

November 21 this year commemorates the emergence of the Guru Nanak in turbulent India, 540 years hence in the year 1469.

Born to a grocer and apprenticed to the job at a tender age, he set about his task in a humble and philanthropic way and believing himself as a servant of Beloved God, asked nothing for himself but only opportunity to serve mankind. Later he traveled from place to place from Kashmir to Ceylon and also to Kabul and Mecca-Madina. During his travels in Punjab with his Muslim disciple,Mardana, he stayed for a while with a poor admirer, Bhai Lalu in Saeedpur, ruled by a Muslim Pathan tyrant with a Hindu minister, Malik Bhagu. The minister was hosting a Prayer meeting followed by a lavish dinner to which all were invited. Guru Nanak did not attend and his absence was sorely missed. In a rage, the minister sent armed emissaries to summon the ascetic. On his arrival the Guru smiled and asked Milak Bhagu the reason for his tirade. At this the minister thundered " How dare you neglect my function and abstain from lavish food?' To this the Guru replied ' I am a simple man used to simpler and sparse food but I shall partake if such is your desire'. Pleased Milak Bhagu ordered an elaborate layout while the Guru asked Lalu to bring whatsoever he had in stock. All Lalu could bring was a coarse roti. Now Guru Nanak took delicious looking victual of Milak Bhagu in one hand and a piece of Lalu's roti in the other and gently squeezed both hands. The spectators saw blood dripping from delicious food while Lalu's roti oozed milk. Now the Guru turned to the audience and enthused ' the blood is the result of ill gotten riches while the milk an example of honesty and and hard earned living.

By his companionship with Mardana Guru Nanak saw the value of Hindu Muslim comradeship, which alas! is a distant and irresolvable vision.

Rich has been the contribution of Sikhs to Indian history and great is the value of Guru Nanak's message for all those who will make India a force to reckon with in coming years.