During spring season Indians celebrate Holi. This is socio cultural festival celebrated in spirit of colors, when nature is bountiful in its own way. The flowers of various colors bloom and the natural beauty is on its prime. The weather is pleasant-neither hot like summers nor too cold like winters. People are in festive mood feeling happy and joyful. They throw colors on each other and embrace forgetting bad feelings.
Some religious minded feel and describe various stories connected with this festival recalling how Lord Krishna used play Holi with his GOPIES (female companions) Some other tell a story of a young boy Prehlad who used to worship GOD instead of his arrogant father who was the king. The King got so angry that he wanted to kill his son who would not listen to him. Ultimately after many unsuccessful attempts the king decided to kill his son through his sister Holika who had the boon that she wont be burnt in fire. She sits in fire with Prehlad in her lap, but gets burnt herself due to her bad deeds and Prehlad walks out unscathed at last.
Since this was quite a popular festival since centuries, Guru Gobind singh the Tenth Guru started celebrating it in different ways. First of all he named it HOLA MOHALLA. Further he asked Sikhs to show their mettle and might through display of mock fights to hone their fighter skills. The celebrations were continued for three days instead of one day in the rest of the country. Since then the HOLA MOHALLA is being celebrated at Anadpur Saheb during March every year(first March 2010). Singhs gather from near and far places to show their skills through various feats. Religious preachings are held during congregations.
There is another shade to these celebrations. During the life time of Guru Gobind Singh ji who fought against the injustice and tyranny of Moghul Emperors, the Sikhs emerged as great fighters and warriors creating history which has no parallel.
They substituted various words for certain items of daily use and communication so that while they were exchanging thoughts no other person was able to follow the sense. The spies or detectives of the enemy if at all were able to listen to their conversation they were nonplussed.
Niahng Singhs as these warriors were called would call roasted gram as almonds. These warriors used to carry roasted grams in big bags on horse backs which they would eat and share with their horses too when felt hungry in battle fields or while they used to hide in mountains while waiting for the chance to attack Moghul army.
They had developed about 300-400 words of their own jargon for secret communication using bigger meaningful words for smaller items/feelings. They would address one Singh as Fauj (army) or SAVA LAKH (1,25,000). They developed their own battle cries and used to attack the enemy with full force.
Certain examples:
Train was called Bhutni (witch, as the engine used to throw smoke and was black)Railway Engine was called Teja singh as it used to pull and lead many compartments.
A tumbler was called Bewasaha (unreliable as it could easily get tilted and spill)A green/red chilli was called Laraaki (quarrelsome being bitter)Maize was called Basant kaur ( a female name, being of yellow color)A Horse was called Raka Singh (a forceful name)
A horse cart was called Jahaj (aeroplane)
A young boy was called Bhujangi (forceful arm)
Chappaties(bread) kept overnight gone stale used to be called Mithey parshadey( sweet bread)
Milk was called Samundar (sea)….and so on and so forth.
It is universal knowledge that to communicate in any language of the world vocabulary of only three hundred words is sufficient. The Nihangs- Warriors of those times had transformed their own language jargon.
Even today the Nihangs in their settlements call them CHHAUNI (Cantonment) speak their own jargoned language to keep the tradition.
They do not celebrate HOLI but HOLA MOHALLA with great pomp and show.
Holy Hymns  of Guru Granth Sahib teach the meaning of HOLI as follows:

ਹੋਲੀ ਕੀਨੀ ਸੰਤ ਸੇਵ ॥
I celebrate the festival of Holi by serving the Saints.
holee keenee sant sayv.

ਰੰਗੁ ਲਾਗਾ ਅਤਿ ਲਾਲ ਦੇਵ ॥2॥
I am imbued with the deep crimson color of the Lord`s Divine Love. ||2|| rang laagaa at laal dayv. ||2||

Bhagat Ravidas was born to Raghu and Ghurbinia, who lived near the city of Varanasi during Feb. 1399 in Kashi(Benaras).

When Ravidas reached the age of discretion his father inspired him to join the family business. But Ravidas was devoted to celestial and humane values. He spent hard earned money of his father in the welfare of the Saints and needy. His father got perturbed and banished him from the house. By this time Ravidas was already married. He did not resent, quietly left the house, started living in a make-shift hut with his wife, and set up a small wayside shop for mending shoes.

He had faith in God and built a Temple of clay-walls and thatched roof. He installed an idol made out of hide(animal skin) in the Temple. His extreme devotion and love induced hundreds of people of all castes to join him in worship. Brahmin priests got envious who raised the matter in the Court of Muslim Nawab. The Nawab was a man of righteousness, and put the matter to miraculous test. Bhagat Ravidas went into meditation and recited one of his hymns (Gauri Purbi P.346) and requested Almighty, “Take pity on me that my doubts may be dispelled.” His prayer was answered, and his adoration acclaimed the triumph in the miraculous test. To express his gratitude he sang his hymn (Asa P.1606), “Thou art sandal and I am the poor castor-plant, dwelling close to thee. From a mean tree I have become sublime and Thine fragrance, exquisite fragrance, now, abides in me.”

Brahmin priests wanted to discredit Ravidas, which, rather, ended in the triumph and his popularity.

His selfless love and devotion and casteless philosophy for humanity spread far and wide. Maharani of Chitaur’ was a noble woman who visited Benares on a pilgrimage. In spite of the disapproval of the Brahmin priests, she straightaway went to the Temple of Bhagat Ravidas. Ravidas was in meditating at that time, and was reciting his hymns. Maharani was captivated. Eventually she became his disciple and abandoned all her luxuries. Her husband, the Maharana, turned against her as she adopted a cobbler as her Guru. He was full of rage when she returned. He was pacified by listening to some of the hymns of Bhagat Ravidas but still wanted to put the Bhagat through a test to invalidate the allegations of the Brahmins. The Bhagat was invited to Chitaur and requested to participate in worship. The Brahmin priests refused to eat while a cobbler was seated in the same column of rows. Bhagat Ravidas voluntarily moved away but Brahmins could see Ravidas moving around everywhere. Maharana perceived the hidden meaning of this, and became an ardent devotee himself. Bhagat Ravidas remained in Chitaur for quite a long time. Mira Bai also became his disciple during that period. As per some accounts he died at a ripe old age of nearly 120 years in Benares.

There are 41 verses of Bhagat Ravidas in the Sikh holy book, Guru Granth Sahib. Most of them are in very clear Hindi. His poetry is brimming with ardent love for God, Universe, Nature, Guru, and the Name. His sarcasm and pique shows his closeness with God.

Sahibzada Ajit Singh , the great son of Tenth Master Guru Gobind singh was born on 11th February 1687 and died in young age of 18 year on 7th December 1705. He was born to Mata Jito Ji who was also known as Mata Sundari ji. The place was beautiful area at Himachal foothills at Paonta Sahib. He was brought up at Anadpur Sahib where the family settled after his birth. He received training in typical Sikh style at Anadpur Sahib under the guidance of the Tenth Master. During his training he read religious Books and text including philosophy, history and martial arts, horse riding, swordsmanship and archery.

He grew as a very handsome young man who could lead the Sikhs with intelligence and natural flair. When he was just twelve years of age Guru Gobind singh ji sent him to recover the looted property by Ranghars  in some village. He came out winner without any loss of his men after restoring the property to the real  owners. Then the fights with Hill princes erupted as they were not happy to see the popularity of Tenth Guru. Sahibzada Ajit singh was entrusted the task of defending the fort called Taragarh which was first target of attack by enemy. The attack was repulsed successfully.
Sahibzada Ajit Singh once listened to a Brahmin who came to Guru Gobind Singh complaining that some pathans from Bassi near Hoshiarpur had kidnapped his wife. Zahibzada volunteered to do the service of safely bringing back the Brahmin’s wife. He along with his contingent force attacked the Pathans punishing them suitably and saved the pride of Brahmin. The incident took place on 7th March,1703.
Anadpur Sahib was under siege when Sahibzada was put to severe test of endurance as the town had to be vacated the night of 5-6 December 1705. The Moghul Army was not to be relied upon their promises as they first allowed the Anadpur fort to be vacated and then attacked the Sikhs from behind. Sahibzada guarded the Sikhs so well that he pushed the Moghuls back without any loss of his own contigent. The fight ensued near the place called Shahi Tibbi. Guru Gobind Singh ji along with his two wldwr sons and about fifty Sikhs was able to cross swollen river Sirsa during night. Nevertheless the Moghul Army followed them. Some of the valiant Sikhs  lost their lives during the fight.

They reached Chamkaur Sahib (Chamkaur di Garhi) where the battle raged for many days. Both Sahibzadas laid their lives for the cause of righteousness upheld by their father Guru Gobind Singh ji. Gurdawar Katlgarh stands today as the memory and respect two young brothers who died as Martyrs along with many Sikhs. An annual fair is held in commemoration of their martyrdoms on the 8th of the Bikrami month of Poh (December/January).

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Baba Ajit Singh and Baba Jujhar Singh

Departure from Anandpur Sahib

Splitup of the Family

Entry to The City of Chamkaur Sahib

War of Chamkaur Sahib

Rai Jagat Singh informed all this matter to the Mughals at Roop nagar and as a result, Mughal army encircled the fortress. After seeing the Mughal army, Guru ji prepared his sikhs for the war and deputed eight Sikhs at the each corner, two Sikhs at the gate and positioned himself in the balcony along with his son and rest of Sikhs. With these few but determined brave sikhs the Guru ji fought against the enemies of humanity who were in thousands.

The battle of Chamkaur took place on Dec 22 in the year of 1704. On the one side there were thousands of Mughals and on the other side there were only forty sikhs whose water and food supply was cut off. However all the Sikh were filled with the unlimited courrage . Though Sikhs were ready to fight but Guru ji waited for the Mughals to attack .The Moughals thought that Guru ji will not be able to fight with the thousand of Mughals and that too with only forty sikhs. They soon realised that they had under estimated the sikhs.

When the Mughals launched their attack, Guru ji started sending a batch of five sikhs at a time. While Mughul soldiers attacked with their full strength from both sides, Guru ji attacked on the Mughals by the arrows and bullets. The battle continued for the two hours where the swords were clashing and the arrows were flying all over. Thousand of Mughals lost their lives, the earth became red as the blood was flowing on the entire ground out side the fortress.

Soon Nawab Wazir Khan too encircled the fortress with his army, he made an announcement that he will spare the life of Guru Gobind Singh if he gets ready to surrender along with his Sikhs. Guru ji responded him by shooting the arrows on his forces which hit quite few of them.
General Nahar Khan tried to enter the fortress by putting up a ladder but he was killed on the spot as he raised his head by an accuratly aimed arrow of Guru Gobind Singh. By seeing this horrible sight, many of the Mughals tried to run away from this battle field.

Then General Ghani khan tried to overpower the Sikhs but Guru ji crushed his head by shooting a “Gurj” on him.

Guru ji was taking part in the battle by sitting inside the fortress, Suddenly he made another plan and went up to the top of the fortress along with his sons. He deputed Bhai Ganda Singh and Madan singh on guard duty at the main entrance .

Though the Sikh soldiers were in a very small number as compared to the Mughals, who were in thousands but the the spirit of the Sikh soldiers was very high. They were ready to face every kind of difficulty even the two Sahibzades were eager to take part in the war. All the Sikhs were glad to fight for the truth and the presence of Guru Gobind Singh Ji was enough to ignite their sprit of invincible courage.The Sikhs were fighiting so bravely and they slaughtered thousands of Mughals. They were fighiting according to Guru’s plan.
The Mughals were coming closer to the fortress as their horses were running at the wind speed, but on the other hand Guru ji was planning next strategy by sitting calm and composed at the top of the fortress.

The sikhs were facing an all-out offensive from ten lakh Moghuls who were armed to the teeth. When the Moghuls launched their attack. Guru Gobind Singh started sending contingents of five Sikh soldiers one after the other, who shouted “Sat Sri Akal” at the top of their voices as they jumped into the battlefield. The battle started in full force on both the sides. The Moghuls and Sikh soldiers attacked each other with all the strength at their command. Simultaneously, arrows were aimed at the Moghuls from above the fortrees in large numbers followed by gun fire.

Nawab Wazir Khan of Sirhind ordered his army to surround the fortress from all directions. Observing that the situation was getting serious, the remaining Sikhs pleaded with Guruji to leave the fortress along with his sons. As if the Guru had not heard their request, he drew their attention to the volley of arrows being shot from both the sides and the way the soldiers were interlocked in the grim battle. When the sikhs repeated their request to save the lives of the young Sahibzadas, Guru ji asked them, “Which sons are you referring to? All of you are my dear sons.” They were greatly moved by the affection shown by Guru ji and resolved to stand by their Lord and Master to the last.In a few moments Sahibzada Ajit Singh came close to his father and sought his permission to go to the battlefied. Guru ji gave him his blessings and sent a batch of eight sikh warriors with him. As the 19-year old Sahibzada Ajit Singh with his companions came out of the gate of the Chamkaur fortress, their clarion call, “Sat Sri Akal” resounded all over the battlefield.

The Moghul soldiers surrounded the young Sahibzada from all sides. The brave son, however, held them at bay and aimed a barrage of arrows at them. Shouting “Ya, Allah, O my God!” they took a hasty retreat.Other Moghuls jumped into the fray. Sahibzada Ajit Singh and other his companions faced them bravely and courageously but they ran out of their stock of arrows. They started wielding the swords. Riding on a horse the sahibzada rushed into the midst of the Moghul soldiers who aimed at the Sahibzada with a lance. The Sahibzada warded of the attack but his horse was hurt seriously. Finding him alone, the Moghul soldiers closed in on him. As they pounced upon him, all at once, the Sahibzada become a martyr on the battlefield.

Guru Gobind Singh was watching closely from the top of the fortress the brave fight that his valiant son had put up against his adversaries. As he sacrificed his life, Guru ji shouted “Sat Sri Akal” from inside the fortress and bowed his head to the Almighty in thankfulness. On seeing his elder brother’s brave sacrifice on the battlefield, the younger brother, Sahibzada Jujhar Singh, just 15 years of age, came forward and beseeched his father to let him follow in the footsteps of his brother. The Guru blessed him too and sent five Sikhs with him. Sahibzada Jujhar Singh dashed out of the gate and challenged the Moghuls with the slogan “Sat Sri Akal”. Which reverberated all over. The Moghul soldiers were amazed, that Guru Gobind Singh had offered his second son also for sacrifice. The Moghuls advanced in full force. The Sahibzada and the five sikhs resisted with all their might. As the sun set, Sahibzada Jujhar Singh also attained martyrdom, Guru Gobind Singh again thanked God that he has repaid the debt.

Thereafter Guru Gobind Singh attached four letters to the arrows and aimed them at the Moghul Generals.

The first arrow struck at the belt of Khwaja Mahmud Ali. The Guru wrote to him “You have lost your honour both in the world and in your religion by taking an oath and then going back on it.” ”
The second arrow hit Wazir Khan’s horse. “He who swears and then does not abide by it will be thrown in the burning fire in hell”, wrote Guruji to him.
The third arrow pierced the turban of Zabardast Khan, the Nawab of Lahore . “He who swears by the holy Koran and then betrays will be burnt in the fire of hell. The time is not far off when our brave Singhs will create havoc for you and your kingdom”, warned the Guru.
In this letter attached to the fourth arrow which hit Ajmer Chand on his leg, the Guru ji wrote. God Almighty is our Protector and saviour.” Guru Gobind Singh then addressed his devotees in the fortress. “There is no other course left to us but to fight the enemy bravely. Each drop of blood shed by us will lay firm foundations for our community. Streams of blood of the Moghuls will flow like river as your comrades take revenge on them in due course. For his protection a devoted Sikh has full faith in God Almighty, his Guru , the Sada Sangat (Sikh congregation) and in himself. This conviction sustains him through thick and thin in all situations. We have to struggle and strive, accept the challenge and face the enemy, and never back out. We have to stick to our faith even at the cost of our lives.”

The ten Sikhs who were left in Chamkaur Sahib fortress requested the Guru that in view of the critical situation, he should leave the fort. They chose five beloveds(Panj Piaras) and passed a resolution that the Guru should leave the fortress the same night. The Guru and the disciple, all in one, bowed before their decision. He laid down one condition that while departing from the fortress, he will challenge the enemy and not escape stealthily.
Guru Gobind Singh decided to take some of his companions with him. He dressed Bhai Sangat Singh, whose face bore some resemblance to Guru Gobind Singh ji, in his own dress, put on the plume to his turban and seated him on the top of the roof where he has been sitting before. Just after mid night Guru Gobind Singh got on the roof of the fortress, blew his trumpet and came out of the gate. Standing on a mound outside, he shouted thrice: “The Guru has escaped!” As these words echoed in the quiet dark night, some of the Moghul soldiers were awakended suddenly. They rushed after the Guru post haste. The torch bearer led them in the darkness. Guru Gobind Singh aimed his arrow, the torch was put out and fell down. Unable to find their way further, the Moghul soldiers returned crest -fallen. Guru Gobind Singh has travelled a long distance by day break. The seven Sikhs who were left in the fortress were determined to sacrifice their lives. As the day broke, the Moghul soldiers launched an all-out attack. The brave Sikhs flung open the gate and rushed forward to face the enemy with their swords unsheathed. They shouted Sat Sri Akal and engaged the enemy in a grim final struggle. Innumerable Moghuls were slaughtered by them mercilessly before they became martyrs in the historic war of Chamkaur . One of the seven sikhs, who laid down their lives at Chamkaur, resembled Guru Gobind Singh and had a plum attached to his turban. The Moghuls thought that Guru Gobind Singh was also among the seven killed that morning. They conveyed the news to their Generals. But they were mistaken. Guru Gobind Singh had reached the ravine of Machhiwara after travelling on foot the whole night through wild jungles.

The fourty two brave Sikhs who laid down their lives in the battle are as follows :

Bhai Ratan Singh ji (Amritsar)
Bhai Manak Singh ji(Manakpura)
Bhai Manak Singh ji(Manak Doaba)
Bhai Kirpal Singh ji (Kartarpur Raviwala)
Bhai Dyal Singh ji (Ramdas)
Bhai Gurdas Singh ji (Amritsar)
Bhai Thakar Singh ji (Khara)
Bhai Prem Singh ji (Manimajra)
Bhai Hardas Singh ji(Gwallior)
Bhai Sango Singh ji (Machiwara)
Bhai Nihal Singh ji (Machiwara)
Bhai Gulab Singh ji (Machiwara)
Bhai Mehtab Singh ji (RoopNagar)
Bhai Kharak singh ji (RoopNagar)
Bhai Tek Singh ji (RoopNagar)
Bhai Tulsa Singh ji (RoopNagar)
Bhai Sehaj Singh ji (RoopNagar)
Bhai Charat Singh ji (RoopNagar)
Bhai Jhanda Singh ji (RoopNagar)
Bhai Sujaan Singh ji (Roop Nagar)
Bhai Ganda Singh ji (Peshawar)
Bhai Kirshan Singh ji (Peshawar)
Bhai Gurdit Singh ji (Peshawar)
Bhai Ranjit Singh ji (Bharatpur)
Bhai Narayan Singh ji (Bharatpur)
Bhai Jaimal Singh ji (Bharatpur)
Bhai Ganga Singh ji (Jwalamukhi)
Bhai Shar Singh ji (Alamgir)
Bhai Sardul Singh ji (Alamgir)
Bhai Sukha Singh ji (Alamgir)
Bhai Punjab Singh ji (Khandu)
Bhai Damdar Singh ji (Khandu)
B hai Bhagwan Singh ji (Khandu)
Bhai Saroop Singh ji (Kabul)
Bhai Jwala Singh ji (Kabul)
Bhai Sant Singh ji (Pothehar)
Bhai Aalan Singh ji
Bhai Sangat Singh ji
Bhai Madan Singh ji
Bhai Kotha Singh ji

After the Guruji with his family and a few hundred Sikhs had gone hardly a few miles towards Kiratpur Sahib, that they were attacked from behind treacherously. Guru planned for defense and assigned Bhai Udhay Singh with fifty Sikhs and Bhai Bachittar Singh with hundred Sikhs to hold Moghul army attack. Bhai Uday Singh killed Rustam Khan, the commander of the Moghul army thus halting the onslaught. On reaching river Sirsa, Guruji detailed one Sikh to take his mother and two younger sons Baba Zorawar Singh (eight years) and Baba Fateh Singh (six years) to Delhi, where they were to join Guru’s wife Mata Sundari ji. The Guru with forty Sikhs, five beloved ones and both elder Sahibzaade Baba Ajit Singh and Baba Jujhar Singh crossed over the Sirsa river. After crosssing Sirsa river, Guru Gobind Singh, along with Sahibzada Jujhar Singh and a few sikhs, proceeded further.

Guru Ji At Bhatta Sahib

Sahibzada Ajit Singh also joined them after some time. They headed towards the town of Ropar. The residents hesitated to offer them any place. They pointed towards a nearby brick kiln. Guruji and his soldiers rode to the kiln. When Guruji’s horse stepped on the burning hot the brick kiln, at once it cooled down. The workers got worried. They lifted one of the bricks to examine. They were taken aback. The brick was quite firm and fully made. They fell at Guruji’s feet and prayed for his blessings.

A beautiful Gurudwara ‘Bhatha Sahib’ stands on this spot as a monument to the miraculous act of Guru Gobind Singh’s horse. After crossing Sirsa, Mata Gujri ji and youngest Sahibzade spent night in the hut of Kumma Maashki (boatman). He used to be a Hindu and was known by the name Karma jheevar. He was forcibly converted as muslim but still he used to worship as per Hindu rituals. Mata ji had one mule carrying some important articles and ornaments. The Sikh accompanying them got separated from them due to floods and bad weather during darkness of night. Mata Gujri stayed in kumma’s hut for two days. A Brahmin lady by the name of Laxhhmi looked after them serving food and shelter. During that time Gangu Brahmin met them. Gangu used to serve the Guruji in the kitchen as a cook.

The Gurus enthused high spirit among the down trodden and dispirited people. This enabled them to resist the repression and oppression of mighty armies of Moghul Emperor. This could be seen from the events of Anandpur Sahib and Chamkaur Sahib battles. The army of Moghul Emperor included a million men in joint armies of Delhi Emperor, 22 Hill states, Government of Lahore and Sarhind. This combined army seized the Anandgarh fort where only a few thousand Sikhs were defending the fort. The siege continued for 7 months with daily skirmishes. The great Generals of Moghul army got weary and saw no end to the battle. They felt ashamed of themselves and felt their sense of pride injured, as they could not succeed to win the battle. So they tried to evolve a solution by proposing to Guru Gobind Singh that they were interested in a semblance of victory and that could be possible, if the guru and his Sikhs agreed to temporarily leave the fort and return later on, as and when they so desired. They assured a safe passage for escape by vowing on Muslim and Sikh holy books. This was an agreement to move Guruji out of Anandgarh fort.

In layman’s language the word “Baba” means an old aged person. Hence by looking at the heading of this story a common man might think that this must be a story of some old aged person. But this is not true. When the event of Chamkaur took place, Baba Ajit Singh and Baba Jujhar Singh were in there teens. Now the question is that if they were in their teens then why people used to call them Baba? The reason is that in Sikh society the word “Baba” is also used for the highly respected people. It simply means “the most honourable.” Hence all the Sikhs were used to call them Baba right from the very early child hood of the both the sons of Guru Gobind Singh.

Baba Ajit Singh

Baba Ajit Singh the eldest son of Guru Gobind Singh was born at Paonta Sahib(Himachal Pradesh, India) on January 7,1687 A.D. Right from the child hood he was being provided the very balanced education which included all aspects of a “saint-soldier.” He acquired perfection in the use of various weapons. He was the master of the bow and arrow and a great swordsman too. He showed the signs of his bravery by taking part in the wars at the very early age of his life. He was never afraid of any kind of danger or difficulty. Nothing could deter him from his path of duty.

Once a Brahmin came to the court of the Guru Gobind Singh and complained that some Pathans of Bassi had kidnapped his newly wed wife. By hearing his complaint , Baba Ajit Singh asked the permission of Guru Gobind Singh to help the Brahmin to recover his wife . With the contingent of few brave young Sikhs he attacked on Bassi’s pathans at midnight. He not just saved the Brshmin’s wife but also punished the wicked Pathan.

After few years , with the objective of killing or capturing Guru Gobind Singh, the joint forces of the Mughals and hill chiefs attacked Anand pur sahib and encircled the town. They did not allowed any food to be taken inside, in the hope of starving out the Guru Gobind Singh and his followers. One day during this siege, the Mughal army sent a messenger to the Guru to deliver the message that their army which has encircled Anand pur does not belong to the Hindu hill chiefs but infact this the army of great and mighty Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. The messenger further said that your few sikh would not be able to oppose it for long period and so they should just give up fighting and surrender to the mighty Mughals by embracing Islam. Baba Ajit Singh , who was standing near Guru Gobind Singh, was keenly listening to the messenger’s words, aroused his anger. He shouted at the messenger drawing his sword and said, “just mind your tongue, enough is enough and if you even tried to utter another word, I will cut off your head. I will cut you in to the pieces for daring to deliver such an insolent message to the Guru.”

The messenger started trembling and for the moment he lost his sense and voice. Some how, he managed o control him self and went away.

Baba Jujhar Singh

Baba Jujhar Singh the second son of Guru Gobind Singh was born in March 1689. He also got the same kind of education and training as his elder brother. He also accompanied Guru Gobind Singh to Chamkaur along with his elder brother. Baba Jujhar Singh was watching his brother fighting with the enemy. When Baba Ajit Singh fell in the bettle field and attained martyrdom . He immediately requested his father to let him go out with the next battalion to continue the struggle and blunt the sword of state terrorism. He requested with the same manner as his elder brother had done. He said,”let me go where my brother has gone. I am a Sikh of great Guru Nanak , and I will prove that — THE TRUTH IS STRONGER THAN GUN AND MILLION CAN BE DEFEATED BY ONE.

I will love to sacrifice my life for truth and I assure you that I will not show my back to the enemy.” The Guru was pleased to hear what his son said, he hugged him and kissed him on his fore head, gave him a sword and a shield pinned up a small crest on his turban and said “I am proud of you my son, go and fight, God will bless you , do not hesitate to hug the death.” This world is an temporary shelter for us, every body will have to return to his real home and those who accept this truth are remembered as the true sons of God. Though only fourteen year old , Baba Jujhar Singh was permitted by his father to sacrifice his life to protect the principles of Sikh faith. Along with other Sikhs, Baba Jujhar Singh put up a great defence like an experienced soldier as he had obtained a through training at Anand pur sahib.The Guru was very much satisfied with the fighting skill of Baba Jujhar Singh. Having resisted the wave of enemy soldiers for a long time, he followed his elder brother and became a martyr.

The Guru thanked the all mighty that his children attained the martyrdom before his own eyes. They sacrificed their lives so that other could live in peace and freedom.

The resistance offered by the the fearless and brave sons of the Guru and other Sikh soldiers was so great that the soldiers of enemy camp could not enter the fortress of Chamkaur during the day long battle. This unique and great sacrifices by the sons of Guru Gobind Singh would be remembered forever by the people who respect human rights and freedom to worship.

SGPC and Sikh clergy had been in the news in the past decade due to all the valid reasons, which were created by them due to their lack of will to solve socio religious problems. The main reason could be that slowly these religious institutions kept giving in to political exploitation by those who wanted them to use for their own vested interests for which politicians are popular. Whenever politics dictates the religion it loses its shine of religious effects and faith.
In the past centuries in India the religious heads used to advise the rulers to be just and compassionate towards public. The times changed when Chanakya started creating politics in the reign and the politics got mixed up with religion so that religious sentiments of the public could be exploited for benefits of a few who ruled them. Since then it has become a readymade tool in hands of politicians. The History witnessed some extraordinary rulers like Ashoka the great and Akbar who were secular and took care of their subjects and were aware to deal with politics and religion separately.

The results can be seen in present times as evidence spread around in India where so-called saints, sants, Babas and mahants grew like mushrooms, who have faces covered with religious masks but behind their masks they serve the ends of politicians. In fact internally they are hand in glove with politicians. These Babas have come out in open to serve these politicians to garner votes for them and their respective parties. In turn they gain respect and clout in decision making to maneuver the government set-ups. In other words they feel that they can influence political systems with their pious looking faces. The facts are otherwise as politicians play their own games. This dog chasing tail phenomenon is intriguing for common man who gets exploited. And this phenomenon is prevalent through out the world over. Being a conflict, it was responsible even to wage wars in the name of religion. Sikhism is no exception to fall prey to this effect.

The religious heads in Sikhism were forced due to political interferences to either tow a silent line or keep sweeping the problems under the carpet for decades, thinking that people have short memories and forget soon. But that boomerangs and after getting piled up the problems get multiplied. The problem of Dasam Granth being displayed alongside Guru Granth Sahib at Akal Takhats Hazur sahib and Patna sahib, which was objected to by prominent Sikhs and Sikh organizations/groups. The Jathedars ruled that till such time a decision is taken no one should raise the issue. But still prominent Sikh clerics like Prof. Darshan singh ex- jathedar of Akal Takhat Amritsar had been raising their voice at home and abroad as to why any or so called Granth should find a place adjacent to Guru Granth Sahib, which is the living Guru of Sikhs. The controversy has not died, as those who were supposed to find them did not find the solutions. The situation has resulted in excommunication of Prof.Darshan singh by Jathedars. But moderate Sikhs around the world have raised their voice against the action by Jathedars. Jathedar Akal takhat Giani Gurbachan Singh has now said(Ref.News Spokesman-4th Feb.2010) that if Prof. Darshan singh is ready to come to them , he may be excused. This shows that the decision of excommunicating Prof. by clergy was wrong which is felt now that it can be reconsidered/reviewed. Further action will bring more damage to the clergy as the situation may arise that other Sikhs excommunicated earlier may also approach for reconsideration.

Then another problem of Raag mala which is also many decades old is hanging for which the decision is that those who wish to read the Raag mala may do so or otherwise it can be skipped. Giani Gurdit singh a prominent scholar (Book ‘Mera Pind’ fame) had taken up the task of carrying out the research about Raag Mala. He wrote a book (MUDAWANI) of about 250 pages proving that Raag mala was written by a poet named Alam (a Brahmin turned Muslim) who had good knowledge of Raagas and had written a romantic booklet (KISSA) named Madhvanal kaamkandla. While Bhai Banno ji was carrying the first BIR compiled by Guru Arjan Dev ji, to Lahore from Amritsar for binding, he stopped over on the way and had inserted some chapters of Madhvanal Kaamkandla KISSA in the end after the Bhog of Guru Granth sahib. Many Sikh scholars have opined about this controversy but without any decisions by the religious heads that show lack of will.
The latest episode of such a mix up is by none else but SGPC who was asked by Punjab Haryana High court to submit the definition of Sehajdhari Sikh. Those who submitted the same in court bungled the definition. Whereas the expert committee who framed the definition says that it is not the same text, which they had approved. All over the world the Sikh organizations and sections got agitated and SGPC is now forced to get the affidavit back. The SGPC is in thick of this controversy and no one knows how this confusion will be sorted out as all those involved are raising doubtful fingers on each other. Some have resigned, some have been fired. Politicians are pulling strings to their own interests. This problem also may be put in cold store or side tracked due to lack of will in those who are supposed to address these problems.

Then there was issue of Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh who whipped the religious sentiments of Sikhs by donning an outfit like Guru Gobind Singh and offering Jaam-e-insan sherbet to his followers imitating Guru Gobind Singh’ Amrit ceremony. The case is in court after CBI probed with charges of rape and murder against the Sacha Sauda Chief. The SGPC and Sikh clergy is sitting and watching.

These were main issues, besides there were many more issues which met their slow death with out treatment.
Besides this SGPC had been continuously in the lurch for certain scandals too. As this religious body which is called the mini Parliament of Sikhs does not seem to be addressing the pile of problems as the pile is getting bigger and making SGPC weak. The downward trend is seen in Delhi Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee coming in to being as SGPC could not manage the Gurdwaras, which was its prime job as per Sikh Gurdwara act. Now Sikhs of Haryana are agitated to have their own Gurdwara Parbandhak committee. It also failed in propagating the tenets of Sikhism as the Sikh generation is shrinking by giving in the vices such as youth cutting hair and spreading the message of Gurus and Guru Granth Sahib.

May be these are effects of political interference in religion which has brought the situation to such a pass. Are the Sikhs waiting to get the situation from bad to worse before the actual realization when it might be too late to save the situation?

(GURCHARAN SINGH JAITO)