‘Guru Nanak’s teachings can guide us in our everyday life’

A special virtual assembly was conducted on November 18 on the auspicious occasion of Guru Nanak Jayanti, also known as Gurupurab. Guru Nanak Jayanti is one of the most auspicious festivals in Sikhism and is celebrated globally with much fervour and gaiety. This year, the festival marks the 552^nd birth anniversary of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism and the first of the ten Sikh gurus.

The assembly commenced with a soulful rendering of the iconic Sikh prayer “Ek Onkar”. Nistha Bhatia, student of class 11 beautifully explained the meaning of the prayer to all students. This was followed by the recitation of the Gayantri mantra, daily news, thought for the day and the school pledge.

Class four student, Gurnoor Kaur and class nine students Kartika Bhatia and Harjas Kaur melodiously sang the shabads (holy hymns): ‘Kal Tarang Guru Nanak aaya’,‘Saans saans simron Gobind’ and ‘Das teri ki binti’. Their performance had a therapeutic effect on teachers and students alike.

It was followed by a presentation given by Anmol Bansal and Harshpreet Kaur, students of class 11 and 9 respectively. They explained the historical significance of the festival. Harshpreet also narrated several of Guru Nanak’s teachings and suggested ways in which students could embody them in their day-to-day life.

Class ten student Meherpreet Kaur chanted some of Guru Nanak’s dohas (couplets) andexplained their meaning to the audience. She sang the doha: ‘Gaaviye Suniye mani rakhiye bhao, dukhu parhari sukhu ghari lai jaayi’ meaning sing and listen and let your mind be filled with love, your pain shall be sent far away and happiness shall come to your home.

Kindergarten students of the school also participated in Gururpurab celebrations by watching a video on the life of Guru Nanak. Students enjoyed reciting some of the Mool Mantras and Shabads. They were dressed in Indian ethnic attire and had their heads covered in accordance with the Sikh religious customs.

Students were given a virtual tour of the Golden Temple in Amritsar. They got to learn about the concept of ‘Sewa’ done by the devotees in the Gurudwara. They saw the preparation for ‘Guru ka langer’ (Feast of the Guru). They also learnt about the concept of Nagar Kirtan (processional singing of holy hymns).

The objective of the celebration was to inculcate a feeling of respect towards all religions and practicing the concept of unity in diversity. Principal, Mrs. Deepika Arora addressed the students on the pious occasion and advised them to become the best versions of themselves by following the teachings of Guru Nanak Devji. The principal concluded the ceremony by giving her best wishes to all the students and staff alike on the happy occasion of Gurupurab.

“On the auspicious occasion of Gurupurab may we truly take up the values that Guru Nanak preached and practiced to make our life and the world a better place. May lights, love, joy and peace be with us. Happy Gurupurab!”

Principal, ms Deepika Arora, Apeejay Svran Global SCHOOL