Today, the 556th Prakash Purab of the First Patishahi, Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, is being celebrated across the world with traditional reverence and enthusiasm. Even in today's times, the path and teachings shown by Him are fully meaningful. Guru Nanak Dev Ji emphasized the philosophy of equality, social justice, selfless service, and respect for all beings. He explained to humanity the fundamental duties: Kirat Karo (earn honestly), Naam Japo (meditate on the Name), and Vand Chhako (share with others). 
The teaching of living a true and pure life is found in the Bani composed by Guru Ji. He refuted the prevalent rituals of that era and stressed the need to understand the Creator and Nature. He rejected the religious fanaticism, hypocrisy, and casteism prevalent in His time and strongly opposed them. He educated people on respecting the female class. At that time, the condition of women was pitiable. To give women equality and a place of honor in society, Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji raised His voice.

So kyun manda aakheeye jit jammehi raajan

The meaning of these words uttered by Guru Ji is that the woman who gives birth to kings, heroes, saints, and incarnations is worthy of respect, not to be called evil or bad. At that time, this was a revolutionary voice that Guru Ji raised for the freedom of the female class. If we speak of history, during the Vedic period, women had an honorable position in society. After the Vedic era, conditions gradually changed. 
In the Manusmriti, the state of women became deplorable. A woman lived under the supervision of her father in childhood, under her brothers after her father's death, under her husband after marriage, and under her son after her husband's death. At that time, evil practices like killing newborn girls, child marriage, and the Sati system were prevalent in society. Thus, Guru Ji raised an important voice for women in society.
Guru Nanak Dev Ji understood the importance of honest labor and propagated it. Guru Ji inspired respect for all religions. This thinking is the basis for world peace in the present era. Through Sangat (congregation) and Pangat (community kitchen), selfless service is extremely essential for universal brotherhood and goodwill; for this purpose, Guru Ji gave the message of tolerance, mutual respect, and peace in society. Guru Ji undertook travels to various places in the world, known as His four Udasis (journeys). The main objective of these Udasis was to challenge social evils, blind beliefs, and discriminations like casteism. 
The Sakhi (stories) related to Guru Ji's life extensively mention His generous and compassionate nature. In His childhood, the 'Sacha Sauda' (True Bargain), in which He used the money given by His father to start a business to feed hungry sadhus (ascetics). While working in the Modi Khana (storehouse) in Sultanpur, He distributed His earnings among the poor. From a young age, He demonstrated His generosity and commitment to service. Similarly, on occasions, Guru Ji conveyed the message of the omnipresence of the Divine.
Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, upon visiting the Sri Jagannath Puri temple, explained the continuous Aarti (devotional ritual) occurring throughout the entire universe. The Divine does not need the Aarti performed by humans. Today, although we have made significant progress in every field. With the spread of science, humanity is living a comfortable life. But there has been a decline in moral values. 
In today's fast-paced life, humans have become self-centered, in such times, the Bani of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji can become the ultimate support of life. By following His teachings and instructions, we can give better shape to our family and society. So, on this sacred Purab, let us all pledge to walk on the path shown by Guru Ji. Heartfelt congratulations to all on the Prakash Purab.

 -Davinder Kumar