On November 24, 2023,The Indian Cambridge School, a girls boarding school in Dehradun, celebrated Guru Nanak Ji’s 554th birthday with a special assembly. Let’s learn about the significance of this special day and how Cambrites honored it.
In the second week of November, The Indian Cambridge School, a girls boarding school in Dehradun, held a special assembly in honour of Guru Nanak’s birthday. Guru Nanak Jayanti, or Gurupurab, also known as Prakash Parv, is a celebration that marks the birth of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism. He is an eternal symbol of compassion, equality, and kindness. It is important to teach our girls about him so that we can foster a culture of understanding and compassion in our children.
In this blog post, we will tell you about Guru Nanak Ji, his teachings, the importance of sharing his teachings with our kids, and give you a glimpse of the celebrations at The Indian Cambridge School, one of the best all-girls boarding school in Dehradun.
Who was Guru Nanak Dev Ji?
Guru Nanak, the revered founder of Sikhism and the first of the ten Sikh Gurus, was born in 1469 in Talwandi village, Punjab, during a period of religious conflicts. Even from a young age, Nanak was known for his unwavering honesty and commitment to the truth. In 1487, Guru Nanak disappeared while bathing in a river, with only his clothes left on the riverbank. After three days, he reappeared and shared: “There is neither Hindu nor Muslim; there is one God and one human race. There is only God’s path, and I shall follow God’s path.”
In the following two decades, he spread God’s message throughout India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and the Middle East. As a result, his followers were known as “Sikhs,” which means “learners,” while they called Guru Nanak Ji their “Guru.” In 1524, Guru Nanak settled in Kartarpur for his remaining years, living by the principles he preached: the unity of humankind, selfless service, pursuit of social justice, and unwavering honesty. His profound beliefs form the bedrock of Sikhism. Guru Nanak Ji contributed 974 hymns to this holy text, Guru Granth Sahib.
Before his passing in 1539, a debate arose among his followers regarding his final rites—whether to cremate him in the Hindu tradition or bury him per Muslim customs. Guru Nanak settled the dispute, instructing Hindus to place flowers on his right side and Muslims on his left, and on whichever side the flowers remained fresh, that custom would be followed. After he passed away, he was covered with a sheet, and his followers put flowers on either side. The next day, when they came back, they saw fresh flowers on both sides, but beneath the sheet, there lay no body.
Why is it important to teach students about the significance of Guru Nanak Jayanti?
Teaching students about the teachings of Guru Nanak Ji is very important as it instills fundamental values crucial for their holistic development. Guru Nanak Ji opposed discrimination, especially stressing women’s equality. It’s crucial to prioritise fairness and respect for everyone, especially in today’s times.
His teachings on kindness, compassion, service to others, and the importance of contributing positively to society serve as guiding principles. By imparting these teachings, we nurture empathy, tolerance, and a sense of responsibility towards the community, society, and the world. Such education moulds children into empathetic, responsible individuals who uphold values that promote harmony, equality, and selfless service, contributing positively to the betterment of society.
Guru Nanak Jayanti Celebrations at The ICS, Girls Boarding School in Dehradun
At The Indian Cambridge School, Guru Nanak Devi Ji’s teachings are foundational to nurturing a compassionate and empowering environment among our female students. Rooted in values like ‘Ik Onkar’ (the unity of God), ‘Satnam’ (truthful living), ‘Seva’ (selfless service), ‘Vand Chakna’ (sharing resources), and ‘Sarbat da Bhala’ (promoting well-being), we empower our girls to embrace these timeless principles, shaping a brighter and more harmonious future.
If you are looking for a boarding school where your daughter will be empowered and supported to reach her full potential, then join The Indian Cambridge Family today. Explore how your daughter will be guided into becoming a globally responsible citizen. Join Indian Cambridge School, Dalanwala, and together let’s build a brighter tomorrow for your daughter.