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.
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