On August 24, 2025, the Indian Prime Minister extended greetings on the Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, calling it a source of eternal wisdom, compassion, and unity that continues to guide humanity.

Historical Background

• Prakash Purab (1604): Marks the commemoration of the first installation of the Sikh holy scripture, Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, revered as the eternal guide by the Sikh community.
  • The Guru Granth Sahib was formally inaugurated and ceremoniously opened at the Golden Temple, Amritsar, by Guru Arjan Dev Ji.
• Adi Granth Sahib: Known as the “first book”, it was the early compilation of Sikh scriptures by Guru Arjan Dev Ji (5th Sikh Guru) in 1604.

Evolution into Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

• Guru Gobind Singh’s Role: The 10th Guru added further sacred shabads between 1704–1706.
  • Compilation: First compiled by Guru Arjan Dev Ji (1604), later declared the eternal Guru by Guru Gobind Singh Ji (1708).
• 1708 Declaration: Before his departure, Guru Gobind Singh Ji declared the Adi Granth as the eternal Guru, renaming it Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and commanding Sikhs to regard it as their everlasting Guru.
• Inclusive Composition: Incorporated writings of 36 contributors including Kabir, Namdev, Ravi Das, and Sheikh Farid, bridging Bhakti, Sufi, and Sikh traditions.
• Content: 5,894 hymns across 31 ragas, authored by 36 contributors.
• Themes: Monotheism, ethical living, social justice, universal equality.
• Poetic and Musical Form: Written in ragas, enabling devotional singing for all.
• Philosophy and Teachings:
  • Oneness of God (Ik Onkar): Stresses monotheism and spiritual unity.
  • Naam Simran: Emphasizes constant remembrance of God’s name.
  • Seva (Service): Inspires altruism, humility, and compassion.
  • Equality: Rejects caste, gender, and class distinctions.
  • Universal Brotherhood: Promotes harmony, inclusivity, and peaceful coexistence.

Guru Granth Sahib Ji as a Catalyst of Social Equality and Reform

• Equality and Social Justice: Rejected caste hierarchy and discrimination; promoted equality before God.
• Community Service (Seva): Inspired institutions like Langar and Kar Seva, removing social barriers.
• Interfaith Inclusivity: Brought together voices of Bhakti saints and Sufi mystics, fostering pluralism.
• Moral and Civic Values: Advocated humility, compassion, and truthful living.
• Nation-building Role: Strengthened social solidarity during Mughal and colonial challenges.
• Subaltern Dimension: The Guru Granth Sahib Ji engaged deeply with subaltern classes—Dalits, peasants, artisans, and women. It rejected caste orthodoxy, uplifted marginalized groups, and institutionalized langar and seva, making it a text of social inclusion and justice.

Ethical Values Relevant for Contemporary Times

• Equality and Dignity: A reminder to uphold social justice, remove caste, gender, and class discrimination.
  • Explicitly rejects the caste system and discrimination. Its teachings align with constitutional values like Article 15 (Prohibition of discrimination).
• Service and Altruism: The concept of seva aligns with today’s emphasis on community service and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) ethics.
• Pluralism and Harmony: Promotes interfaith dialogue and tolerance in times of rising polarization.
• Simplicity and Truthful Living: Encourages integrity, honesty, and transparency in public and private life.
• Compassion and Humility: Offers ethical grounding for inclusive governance and human-centered development.
• Global Relevance: Strengthens universal values of peace, brotherhood, and coexistence, resonating with UN SDGs.

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