Sardar Hari Singh Nalwa and Bibi Bano

Part 1

Part 2

During the times of Sher-e-Panjab, Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the Sikh Raaj (kingdom) stretched from the Sutlej River to Kabul (in Afghanistan). Raja Ranjit Singh's key general was Sardar Hari Singh Nalwa, who was a Rehatvan (strictly observant) Sikh of the Guru.

Once, when Hari Singh Nalwa had set up camp with his army in Jamrud in Afghanistan, a local Muslim woman called 'Bano' had watched the Sikhs set up camp. She found Hari Singh Nalwa very handsome and attractive, and had the thought that the commander of the Sikhs would be a fine man by which to have a child, hopefully a son.

One day, Bano came to see the General who was sitting in his tent. When his guards told him that he had a local woman who wished to see him, not knowing who this lady was or what she wanted, Hari Singh gave permission for her to enter his tent. Bano said, "I have heard of the Sikhs. You are remarkable people. I have been watching you from a distance. I am not married and have no children, but I desire to have a son who is like you."
 
Hari Singh, not understanding the motivation or intention of Bano said, "May Waheguru bless you that you may have a son with the qualities of a Sikh." Bano irritably said, "No I want to have a son with you Sardar Ji." Hari Singh Nalwa replied, "O sister! I am already married. I am sorry I cannot marry you or give you what you want."
 
Bano's eyes welled up with tears of disappointment. About to leave, she said, "I had heard your Guru Nanak was great and that no one leaves empty handed from Guru Nanak's House, but today I am being turned away without the wish of a son being fulfilled."
 
Hari Singh Nalwa, a true example of a Sikh of the Guru, replied, "It is true that no one goes empty handed from Guru Nanak's House. I cannot give you a son, but if you desire a son who is like me, then instead if you accept, from now on I will be your son, and I will consider you my mother." Bano was shocked and overwhelmed by Hari Singh Nalwa's sincerity, high moral character and faith in the Guru. She said, "I had heard that Sikhs of the Guru are great honorable people, but today I have witnessed it with my own eyes".

From that day on Hari Singh Nalwa addressed Begum Bano as "Maa" (Mother) and she addressed Hari Singh as "Putar" (Son).

Source: SikhiWiki, Youtube(part1) & Youtube(part2)

How God Answers our Prayers

Dr. Ahmed, a well-known cancer specialist, was once on his way to an important conference in another city where he was going to be granted an award in the field of medical research. He was very excited to attend the conference and was desperate to reach as soon as possible. He had worked long and hard on his research and felt his efforts deserved the award he was about to obtain.

However, two hours after the plane took off, the plane made an emergency landing at the nearest airport due to some technical snag. Afraid, that he wouldn't make it in time for the conference, Dr. Ahmed immediately went to the reception and found that next flight to the destination was after ten hours. The receptionist suggested him to rent a car and drive himself down to the conference city which was only four hours away.

Having no other choice, he agreed to the idea despite his hatred for driving long distances. Dr. Ahmed rented a car and started his journey. However, soon after he left, the weather suddenly changed and a heavy storm began. The pouring rain made it very difficult for him to see and he missed a turn he was supposed to take.

After two hours of driving, he was convinced he was lost. Driving in the heavy rain on a deserted road, feeling hungry and tired, he frantically began to look for any sign of civilization. After some time, he finally came across a small tattered house. Desperate, he got out of the car and knocked on the door. A beautiful lady opened the door. He explained the matter and asked her if he could use her telephone.

However, the lady told him that she doesn't have a phone or any electronic gadget but told the doctor that if could come inside till weather improves. Hungry, wet and exhausted, the doctor accepted her kind offer and walked in. The lady  gave him hot tea and something to eat. The lady told him that he can join her for prayers for which dr Ahmed smiled and said that he believe in hard work only and told her to continue with her prayers.

Sitting on the table and  sipping the tea, the doctor watched the woman in the dim light of candles as she prayed next to what appeared to be a small baby crib. Every time she finished a prayer, she would start another one. Feeling that the woman might be in need of help, the doctor seized the opportunity to speak as soon as she finished her prayers. The doctor asked her what exactly she wants from the God and inquired if God will ever listen or listen to her prayers. He further asked about the small child in the crib for whom she was apparently making a lot of prayers.

The lady gave a sad smile and said that the child in the crib is his son who is suffering from a rare type of cancer and there is only one doctor Ahmed who can cure him but she doesn't have money to afford his fee and moreover Dr Ahmed lives in another far off town. She said that God has not answered her prayer so far but said that God will create some way out one day and added that she will not allow her fears to overcome her faith.

Stunned and speechless Dr Ahmed was in tears which were rolling down his cheeks. He whispered, God is great and recollected sequence of events: there was malfunction in the plane, a thunderstorm hit, and he lost his way; and all of this happened because God did not just answered her prayer but also gave him a chance to come out of materialistic world and give some time to the poor helpless people who have nothing but rich prayers.

We should always remember five important steps in our daily life:
1)Ask  2)Believe  3)Receive  4)Faith  5)Giving

The Pursuit of Happiness

This will make your day! Worth a read!
Once a group of 500 people were attending a seminar. Suddenly the speaker stopped and decided to do a group activity. He started giving each person a balloon. Each person was then asked to write their name on it using a marker pen. Then all the balloons were collected and put in another room.
The people were then let into that room and asked to find the balloon which had their name written on it within 5 minutes. Everyone was frantically searching for their name, colliding with each other, pushing around others and there was utter chaos.

At the end of 5 minutes no one could find their own balloon. Then, the speaker asked each person to randomly collect a balloon and give it to the person whose name was written on it. Within minutes everyone had their own balloon.

The speaker then began, "This is happening in our lives. Everyone is frantically looking for happiness all around, not knowing where it is. Our happiness lies in the happiness of other people. Give them their happiness; you will get your own happiness. And this is the purpose of human life. The pursuit of happiness.

Source: The Logical Indian

Britain Does Owe Reparations

About the Oxford Union Society: The Union is the world's most prestigious debating society, with an unparalleled reputation for bringing international guests and speakers to Oxford. It has been established for 189 years, aiming to promote debate and discussion not just in Oxford University, but across the globe.

In the video the motion being discussed is "This house believes Britain owes reparations to her former colonies" with Dr Shashi Tharoor putting his points for the motion. He has covered some strong points. So have a look to know how Britain has affected India during her 200 years of rule over India.

Source: youtube

When you have a good heart

When you have a good heart: You help too much, you trust too much, you give too much, you love too much and it always seems like you’re the one who gets hurt the most. An example of such a person is who has a problem of saying NO straight away. These kind of people always end up helping others no matter what.

Since these people are available so easily, they are always taken for granted and their worth is next to nothing. If you feel associated with these things. You are probably one of those with a good heart. Now to deal with these things you can do two things, first is that you keep going this way and adapt yourself such that you are not affected by others even they treat you like nothing. The second way is to be bold and stand up for your self so that others may realize your real worth.

Pic Source: lessons learned in life

Lessons for Life #88

Very often people usually tells us what to do in our life and these include things like misguided opinions, criticism about our current situation among others. These things may make us angry. But always remember that if we respond to them then its a kind of acknowledging them which is a waste of our time.

The best way however is walking away from these kind of people and this is a part of standing up for yourself. We don't need to react to every person who looks at us. Sometimes its better to just let it go.

Pic Source: Change Your Thoughts Today

Lessons for Life #87

Lets start with a story..

Once 100 tiny frogs started a race to climb a 99 ft high tower. People gathered around to watch the race. As the race started people started saying: "These tiny creatures can never make it." After climbing 1/4th of tower, few frogs fell down. People kept saying and frogs kept falling. After climbing 3/4th of the tower, all frogs fell down except one. And finally that frog made it.

Guess what was the reason? "He was deaf and couldn't listen to the people."
Moral: "Dont let people distract your dreams".

So I guess short story explains it all. People will always talk about others and that too to demotivate them in any way possible. Just give in your best shot without thinking what others say or think about you.

Keep this thought with you and you will go a long way. :)

Make In India

Make in India’ is an initiative that was started back in September 2014 by the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi. The primary objective of this initiative is to create manufacturing firms within India to create more job opportunities and enhance the skills of the people of India across different sectors like automobile, aviation, biotechnology, defence manufacturing, mining, oil and gas, ports, railways, textile and much more. With this initiative, the Government of India hopes to bring in high-quality standards and minimise the impact on the environment.

Many companies are in support of the Make in India campaign. Companies from China like Alibaba and Xiaomi showed their full backing for the project. Alibaba Chairman said, “We are excited about India. We are excited about Make in India and Digital India.” Xiaomi President Lin Bin too, showed his support and stated, “We have some big plans for India. We fully support Make in India.”

In response to the Make in India call, The United Kingdom announced in January, about its campaign to forge collaborations with Indian companies. Dubbed as the ‘Great Collaboration’, it will be the first partnership between UK’s BP Petroleum company and India’s Reliance Industries Limited for developing and producing energy. The UK and the Indian Prime Ministers have already appreciated the financial ties between the two countries.

Many companies have started putting up manufacturing houses in India. Celkon, one of the leading cellphone players, is right now in the planning process of setting up its manufacturing firm in Medchal, Telangana. IT Minister, KT Rama Rao, said the manufacturing business unit will be set up within a few days after June and will begin with four production lines, and will eventually increase its capacity to higher levels.

Similarly, Foxconn Technology, who is one of the world’s largest contract makers of electronic products, is trying to develop 10-12 facilities in India, including factories by 2020. The Taiwan-based tech giant said that the company is in talks to manufacture Apple iPhones in India. This could lower the price on the world’s No.3 smartphone market where the US firm trails Samsung Electronics and local players.

Mercedes-Benz will be doubling its annual capacity in India to 20,000 units, thanks to the Make in India project. India will also be the first market to receive the GLA entry SUV outside of Germany.

“India is one of the focus markets for Mercedes-Benz internationally, and with the addition of a new plant, we are getting future ready,” said company India MD & CEO Eberhard Kern. The plant was inaugurated by Maharastra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and Union environment minister Prakash Javadekar. With the addition of the GLA SUV to the assembly line, the company now makes six models locally which include C-, E-, S-Class sedans and the ML- and GL-Class SUVs. The CLA entry sedan will be added to the local assembly list later this year while the A- and B-Class models come in after that.

On a smaller scale, Amity scientists have developed a 100% safe, pure and indigenous herbal colours with absolutely no synthetic or harmful additives, in a bid to contribute towards Modi’s ‘Make in India’ initiative. “The herbal colours indigenously produced at Amity, when used extensively in all the industries, will herald a revolution in the country, which is reeling under the pressure of products loaded with synthetic components and chemicals,” said Harsha Kharkwal, faculty at Amity University.

In February 2015, Huawei opened a new research and development (R&D) campus in Bengaluru. It had invested $170 million to establish the research and development centre. In February 2015, Hitachi said it was committed to the initiative. It said that it would raise its employees in India from 10,000 to 13,000, and it would try to boost its revenues from India from ¥100 billion in 2013 to ¥210 billion. It said that an auto component plant will be set up in Chennai in 2016.

This initiative looks very promising. It is understandable that many more companies will join in, soon.This can create a lot of job opportunities here in India and improve the economic well-being of its masses.

India is going over a lot of change. Pretty much like a new make-over. Let us see how the campaign shapes up in the future.

Source: igyaan.in

Power of "Mool Mantar"

Story of “General Ayub Khan, former President of Pakistan”

“I used to study at a place name Aibtabaad. I used to get the beatings from teacher (Maulvi) everyday as I was the weakest student of my class. One day I became determined that I will not go to school. Halfway to school there was a Gurdwara Sahib. I would go inside the Gurdwara Sahib to hide away. The Baba jee (main sevadaar) of the Gurdwara Sahib knew me very well."

He asked me
“O Yubeyaa! Isn’t it your school time? What are you doing here?”

I replied,
“I don’t want to go to school because the teacher scolds and beats me everyday. I can’t bear it any more. I don’t want to go to school.”

He took me under his lap and said me,
“Yubeyaa! I assure you, you will never ever get the beating from your teacher any more, but in return you will have to follow my instructions.” He told me that whenever I go to school I should just keep reciting this holy Mool mantar. I followed his instructions. I went to the school reciting the “Mool Mantar”.

It was the first day in my school when I was spared from the beatings and scoldings of the teacher. I followed it everyday. Whenever I used to go to school I used to recite this holy Kalaam (Word of God) and after that I was never beaten by any teacher in the school. Then exams arrived, so I went to the same Baba jee at the Gurdwara Sahib and said, “Baba jee, I want to get good marks in the exam, tell me what should I do?” The Baba jee replied ,”Never leave the Holy Word of Guru Nanak (referring to the Mool Mantar) you will reach any position you wish.”

It’s because of this Kalaam (Holy Word) of Guru Nanak Sahib that I have reached the position of president today. At Ayub Khan’s Home in Drawing Hall You can see On the wall “painting of the Mool Mantar (the opening verse of Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee) in Urdu and Panjabi”

Source: Daily Sikh Updates

Banda Singh Bahadur

Banda Singh Bahadur (born Lachman Dev, also known as Banda Bairagi, Banda Bahudar, Lachman Das and Madho Das (27 October 1670 – 9 June 1716, Delhi) was a Sikh military commander.

At age 15 he left home to become an ascetic, and was given the name ‘’Madho Das’’. He established a monastery at Nāndeḍ, on the bank of the river Godāvarī, where in September 1708 he was visited by, and became a disciple of, Guru Gobind Singh, who gave him the new name of Banda Singh Bahadur. Armed with the blessing and authority of Gobind Singh, he assembled a fighting force and led the struggle against the Mughal Empire. His first major action was the sack of the Mughal provincial capital, Samana, in November 1709. After establishing his authority in Punjab, Banda Singh Bahadur abolished the zamindari system, and granted property rights to the tillers of the land. He was captured by the Mughals and tortured to death in 1716.

The audio above describes the life of Banda Singh Bahadur in more detail. The audio is in Punjabi Language.

Source (Description): wiki/Banda_Singh_Bahadur

Don't give into Fear

Now if you know the fb page - "Singh Street Style", then you must be knowing Pardeep Singh Bahra. In one of his recent posts, he has this message for us. I liked his message and thought it is worth sharing.

Have a look and I'm sure you will like it too.
Till next time..

Source: Singh Street Style