GS Paper 1:
Topics Covered: Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.
Context:
Punjab Police has recently proposed that the birth anniversary (Gurpurab) of Sikhism founder Guru Nanak Dev be declared as ‘World Pedestrian Day’.
- A written proposal in this regard may be sent to the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways soon.
- This year Guru Nanak’s 552nd Gurpurab will be celebrated on November 19.
Why is Guru Nanak Dev considered the world’s most notable and revered pedestrian?
He travelled far and wide during the 15th and 16th centuries. It is believed that during those times, when early modes of transport were limited and were mostly restricted to boats, animals (horses, mules, camels, bullock carts), Guru Nanak Dev, along with his companion Bhai Mardana, undertook most part of his journeys on foot.
Places visited by Guru Nanak Dev:
From Mecca to Haridwar, from Sylhet to Mount Kailash, Guru Nanak visited hundreds of interfaith sites related to Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism, and Jainism throughout his journeys (also called udaasis).
- At some sites, gurdwaras were constructed to commemorate his visit.
- Later his travels were documented in texts called ‘janamsakhis’.
- These sites are now spread across nine nations as per current geographical divisions — India, Pakistan, Iran, Iraq, China (Tibet), Bangladesh, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan.
- It will highlight the government’s commitment towards “Right to walk” or pedestrian rights.
- A community which safeguards its pedestrian is treated as developed and contributes to sustainable development goals.
- Besides, on an average, at least a thousand pedestrian deaths are reported in Punjab alone each year. This move ensures their safety.
About Guru Nanak:
- He was born in Talvandi near Lahore.
- The most famous teachings attributed to Guru Nanak are that there is only one God, and that all human beings can have direct access to God with no need of ritualsor priests.
- His most radical social teachings denounced the caste system and taught that everyone is equal, regardless of caste or gender.
- He introduced the concept of god- that is ‘Vahiguru’, an entity that is shapeless, timeless, omnipresent and invisible. Other names for God in the Sikh faith are Akaal Purkh and Nirankar.
- Guru Granth Sahib, the holiest book of the Sikhs, contains 974 poetic hymns composed by Guru Nanak.
Insta Curious:
Have you heard about Kartarpur Sahib corridor? How is it related to Guru Nanak? Reference: read this.
Sources: Indian Express.
