ਗੁਰੂ ਗੋਬਿੰਦ ਸਿੰਘ ਜੀ ਦੇ ਗੁਰਪੁਰਬ ਦੇ ਮੌਕੇ ਤੇ ਗੈਰ-ਸਿੱਖਾਂ ਵਾਸਤੇ ਸੁਨੇਹਾ । Message to share with non-Sikhs on Gurpurb of Guru Gobind Singh Ji

Sikh Festival:  Birthday Celebration of Tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Jee

5^th January marks the celebration date for the birth of the Tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji. Born in 1666, in the face of oppression, Guru Gobind Singh Jee challenged authoritarian rulers with his message of unity and the right for people of all faiths and beliefs to live freely without fear of persecution and discrimination.

His legacy codifying Sikhs into a uniquely visible army of Saint-Soldiers, the Khalsa, which is dedicated to the service and protection of humanity, is a reminder for us all of our responsibilities as human beings towards one another, society, and the planet. Guru Gobind Singh Jee formalised the Sikh uniform, which made all baptised or committed disciples standout as a daily reminder of their spiritual commitment to God and social commitment to be forever in service of the most vulnerable in society, regardless of who they may be.

Guru Gobind Singh Jee dedicated his entire life serving the people and fighting against injustice. He led by example and showed exemplary courage. For the sake of his mission to protect and serve humanity from oppression, his whole family was sacrificed. His father was beheaded in 1675 whilst defending the human right of people of another faith to be able to live with dignity in the midst of persecution from the authorities. His two elder sons, aged 17 and 15 bravely died in a unparallelled historic battle on 23^rd December 1704, where the Emperor of India and his supporters with an army of 1 million surrounded and attacked 42 brave Sikhs. His younger sons, aged 6 and 9, were bricked alive and attained martyrdom on 26^th December 1704 for refusing to give up their faith and give into tyranny. His elderly mother was detained with his younger sons and also attained martyrdom for refusing to give up her faith.

His teachings will continue to inspire coming generations to stand up against injustice and treat human race as one and seek to look beyond labels of religion, colour, race and gender.