05/11/2025
Today is ਸ਼੍ਰੀ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ ਦੇਵ ਜੀ birthday, a momentous occasion to honor and contemplate the profound wisdom of one of the greatest spiritual leaders and founders of Sikhism. Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s teachings continue to inspire millions with their timeless message of equality, devotion, and righteous living.
Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s core philosophy is wonderfully encapsulated in the principles of ਕੀਰਤ ਕਰੋ, ਵੰਡ ਚਕੋ, ਨਾਮ ਜਪੋ —which mean “earn an honest living,” “share with others,” and “remember and meditate on God’s name.” These three pillars serve as a guide for the spiritual and practical life of his followers.
The principle of ਕੀਰਤ ਕਰੋ teaches the importance of hard work and earning a livelihood through honest means without exploitation or deceit. It uplifts the dignity of labor and advocates for a life based on integrity and self-respect.
The second principle, ਵੰਡ ਚਕੋ , urges people to share not only material wealth but also love, compassion, and support with others in the community, particularly the needy. This cultivates social harmony, generosity, and removes greed and selfishness.
The final principle, ਨਾਮ ਜਪੋ , emphasizes constant remembrance and meditation on God’s name or divine qualities as a way to achieve spiritual clarity, inner peace, and resilience in life. This meditation energizes the soul and imbues one’s actions with divine purpose.
Central to Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s message is the concept of ਨਾਨਕ ਨਾਮ ਚੜਦੀ ਕਲਾ ॥ ਤੇਰੇ ਭਾਣੇ ਸਰਬੱਤ ਦਾ ਭਲਾ ॥ , which means living in a state of unbreakable optimism and spiritual high (Chardi Kala) while constantly wishing and praying for the welfare of all beings (Sarbatt da Bhalla). Chardi Kala is a state of rising spirits and enduring positivity despite life’s challenges, achieved by deep meditation and trust in divine will. Sarbatt da Bhalla promotes universal goodwill transcending barriers of religion, caste, or nationality.
He explains that Chardi Kala is akin to a heightened state of consciousness where one’s spiritual energy (often linked to the awakening of the Kundalini energy along the spine) rises and sustains a powerful, vibrant life force. This practice helps one meet hardships with courage and grace rather than despair or helplessness.
Notably, Guru Nanak Dev Ji was not only a spiritual master but also deeply connected with the land and its people as a farmer. His life exemplified the dignity of manual labor and harmony with nature. His appreciation for farming is a reminder that spiritual and physical work go hand in hand, and one must nurture both the body and spirit.
ਸ਼੍ਰੀ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ ਦੇਵ ਜੀ ਸਿਰਫ ਇੱਕ ਧਾਰਮਿਕ ਆਗੂ ਹੀ ਨਹੀਂ ਸਨ, ਸਗੋਂ ਉਹਨਾਂ ਨੇ ਜੀਵਨ ਦੇ ਅਸਲ ਮਤਲਬ ਨੂੰ ਸਿੱਖਾਇਆ। ਉਹਨਾਂ ਦੀ ਸਿੱਖਿਆ “ਕੀਰਤ ਕਰੋ, ਵੰਡ ਚਕੋ, ਨਾਮ ਜਪੋ” ਸਾਡੇ ਲਈ ਸੱਚੀ ਜਿੰਦਗੀ ਦਾ ਰਾਹ ਹੈ। ਚੜਦੀ ਕਲਾ ਵਿਚ ਰਹਿਣਾ ਤੇ ਸਭ ਦੀ ਭਲਾਈ ਦੀ ਕਮਾਨਾ ਉਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਦੇ ਪ੍ਰਮੁੱਖ ਸਿਦਾਂਤ ਹਨ। ਗੁਰੂ ਜੀ ਨੇ ਖੇਤੀਬਾੜੀ ਨਾਲ ਜੁੜੇ ਰਹਿ ਕੇ ਸਿਖਾਇਆ ਕਿ ਇਮਾਨਦਾਰੀ ਅਤੇ ਮਿਹਨਤ ਅਸੀਂ ਆਪਣੀ ਆਤਮਾ ਦੀ ਪੋਸ਼ਣ ਕਰਦੇ ਹਾਂ।
Progressive Engineer Forum extends warm and heartfelt greetings on the sacred occasion of ਸ਼੍ਰੀ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ ਦੇਵ ਜੀ ਦਾ ਗੁਰਪੁਰਬ. May his divine teachings of ਕੀਰਤ ਕਰੋ, ਵੰਡ ਚਕੋ, ਨਾਮ ਜਪੋ —honest living, sharing with others, and meditation on the divine—guide us all towards a life filled with truth, compassion, and spiritual strength. Let us celebrate this day by embracing his philosophy of ਨਾਨਕ ਨਾਮ ਚੜਦੀ ਕਲਾ ॥ ਤੇਰੇ ਭਾਣੇ ਸਰਬੱਤ ਦਾ ਭਲਾ ॥ , living in eternal optimism and praying for the welfare of all humanity.
Happy Gurpurab!
Dr Harinder Pal Singh Bedi
Chief Engineer
Department Of Water Resources
with
Ramandeep Bains
Davinder Singh
Navpreet Singh
Dr Rajinder Ghai
Satwinder Kang
Akash aggarwal
Tushar Goyal
Syam Verma
Amrinder Singh Pandher and others