Greetings on the auspicious occasion of Prakash Parv on the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev JI also known as Guru Nanak Jayanti. Gurudwaras are decked up for the occassion.

This day brings very special memories to my mind, filling me with nostalgia. In those days, the Guru Nanak Jayanti procession used to travel from Gurudwara Sisganj Sahib, Chandi Chowk to Nanak Piao en-routed through Fatehpuri Church Mission Road.

Having been brought up in Old Delhi (Fatehpuri Church Mission Road), I have fond memories of Guru Nanak Jayanti. In those days (late 70’s) during my childhood, the procession used to go in front of our house. Since morning, the entire road would be decked up with glitters and garland, amplifiers would play the iconic martial song “bole so nihal, satsriakal…” Honestly, I still feel nostalgic whenever I hear the song. My ears have been set to this lovely song and I still now listen to this song. Today, it’s easy as you can tune into YouTube and listen. I really love the words and the feel of the tune that is martial yet so inspiring and divine.

Later, the procession was diverted to a different route and stopped going in front of our house but still today, even after so many years, I can feel the ‘nostalgia’ that takes me to my childhood days. Another, interesting that happened, on average the day would either overlap or cross with my birthday which made it more special as it used to be so devine around. Memories make me nostalgic.

As I grew up, I realized the depth and classical music background that all the Gurbani songs carry. Having brought up in a household where there was immense influx of music. I learnt to appreciate music. I listened to all the regional music since childhood. I am really grateful to God for giving such parents who infused the live for music, art, culture, cinema in me. Coming back to Gurbani songs, those were the days when special programme of Shabad Gurbani was aired on Doordarshan on Sunday early morning. That is how I fell in love with Gurbani songs.

I thank my parents for bringing me up in a truly secular atmosphere and always encouraging me in whatever I have done from celebrating Gurupurab to Eid to Christmas and even Budhha Jayanti (nothing big just observe these days playfully) but now I understand all these are so important to develop a different ‘perspective’ that helps to develop a secular outlook towards all religion.

All we need to understand no religion teaches wrong or hatred… It’s the so-called followers of respective religions who fail to convey the good things in their religion and end up making a religious mess.