2+ day, 49+ min ago (1306+ words) Terming it as "clearly an act of indiscipline, the top court described him as a "misfit" for the armed forces, backing the Army's decision to terminate his service in 2021. The dismissal has led to a lot of debate, especially on social media, about the religious freedom of military personnel. It has also led to communal polarisation, with many erroneously perceiving it as a 'Hindu vs Christian' issue. But there are some aspects of military life that can be understood by only those who don the uniform. One such activity revolves around the religious parades that are conducted within the unit. An officer is expected to partake in all activities that are conducted within the religious place, be it a Mandir (Hindu temple), Masjid (Islamic mosque), Gurudwara (Sikh temple) or Girijaghar (Christian church), irrespective of his/her own religion. If that…...

6+ day, 5+ hour ago (435+ words) As Sikhs around the globe and in India are ready to commemorate Guru Tegh Bahadur's 350th Martyrdom Anniversary, I remember the Salok from Guru Tegh Bahadur's Baani: "" " " " " " " " " "" (One who does not frighten anyone, and who is not afraid of anyone else.) Its meaning in contemporary times, especially in the current political environment, is urgent. There is a strong need to understand Guru Tegh Bahadur and his supreme sacrifice for human rights, freedom of self-expression, and the right to practise one's own religion. Guru Tegh Bahadur, the Ninth Sikh Guru, was the son of the Sixth Guru, Guru Hargobind Sahib, and the father of the Tenth Guru, Guru Gobind Singh. He spent his life teaching compassion, religious harmony, and spirituality. Guru Tegh Bahadur was born in Amritsar in 1621. He received his education and training under Guru Hargobind. In 1635, he fought in the…...

3+ week, 4+ day ago (734+ words) People often ask, "Why do you call Guru Nanak Dev Ji "Baba Nanak?" Because our connection with him is not just of a follower to a Guru, but of a child to a loving father. He is the one who enlightened the world, laid the foundation of Sikhism, and proved that love, humility and truth are stronger than fear, power or violence. We dont call him "Baba Nanak" out of habit'we call him that out of affection. In most Punjabi homes, his picture'white beard, saffron robe, eyes closed in peace'felt like family. As a child, I even thought he was my own grandfather, until my nana ji said, "This is our first Guru." That day, a bond was formed'one that led me to Japji Sahib and to the first truth of life: Kartarpur and Sultanpur Lodhi are not just physical…...