The Bahadur Blog

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh. This week marked the death anniversary of Peer Buddhu Shah, and so I thought I would write this week's blog on his relationship with Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji Maharaj. Peer Buddhu Shah was born in 1647, in present-day Haryana. He was a simple and quiet man, who married Bibi Naseera at the age of 18. Bibi Naseera was the sister of Said Khan, a high ranking officer in the Mughal army. The exact way in which Peer Buddhu Shah first met Guru Gobind Singh Ji isn't certainly known, but it was recored that he called upon Guru Sahib in 1685, whilst travelling the hills close to the banks of the Yamuna river in Paonta. The Peer came to know that Guru Sahib was staying in Paonta and so he wished to visit him. He went to see Guru Sahib in a palanquin, as most emperors and kings would, to show their royalty and authority. However after the first meeting, the Peer would often return to see Guru Gobind Singh Ji and eventually he no longer came i

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh. This upcoming Tuesday (20/03), marks the 18th anniversary of the Chittisinghpura Massacre. This is an event which isn't widely known about within our diaspora and so I thought I would highlight the massacre in this week's blog. On the evening of March 20th 2000, a group of around 20 unidentified terrorists entered the small village of Chittisinghpura in Jammu and Kashmir. The terrorists were dressed in the uniform of the Indian Army and ordered all of the Sikhs, who had been celebrating Hola Mohalla, to be lined up outside of the village's Gurdwara. The group of terrorists opened fire, massacring 35 innocent Sikhs. There was only one survivor, Nanak Singh, whose son, Gurmeet Singh (16), and brother, Darbari Singh (30), were among the dead. A member of the Islamic Fundamentalist militant group, Lashkar-e-Toiba, confessed his group's involvement in the massacre. This was an organised and targeted attack, as Sikhs were spe

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh. This week's topic is women in Sikhi! As you may be aware, International Women's Day and Mother's Day was celebrated this week, but for us, everyday should be Women's Day, everyday should be Mother's Day. We should celebrate everyone , regardless of their gender, religion, sexual orientation, and we should celebrate each other everyday. However, I wanted to take this opportunity to reflect on some of the many remembered women in our itihaas. We can start right at the beginning: Bibi Nanaki Ji, the elder sister of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji and effectively the first Sikh. Bibi Ji was the first to recognise Maharaj's spiritual eminence and she protected him from the anger of their father. Mata Gujar Kaur Ji , the wife of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, the father of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji and the grandmother of the Chaar Sahibzade. Mata Ji was imprisoned in the Thanda Burj, along with Sahibzade Baba Zorawar Singh Ji and S

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh. This week's topic is Hola Mohalla, a festival which was established by Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji Maharaj. Hola Mohalla literally means 'mock fight' and the tradition is that on this day, the Khalsa gathers to demonstrate their martial skills in simulated battles. The day was established to remind us of valour and being prepared to defend at all times. It takes place at Anandpur Sahib, where Sikhs from around the world come to spectate and participate in the events. Most notably on show is the fearless fighting skills of the Nihangs, who remain distinct from others, dressed in their blue Bana. It is important that we all remember the concept of being Tyar Bar Tyar. Making sure that we are learning Gatka, and making sure that we know how to defend ourselves in difficult situations. Ensuring that we read Dasam Bani and contemplate on what we are reading, is key to improving our Nitnem. Hola Mohalla is a wonderful example of the E