Celebrating Guru Nanak Dev ji’s life

The Papatoetoe War Memorial Library celebrated the Gurpurab of Guru Nanak Dev
ji on Saturday (November 12) with much devotion and enthusiasm.

Guru Nanak Dev ji, the founder of Sikhism, was born in the 15th century and is the
first of the ten Sikh Gurus. He gave three principles for Sikhism: Naam Japo –
Meditation; Wand Chako – Share your resources; Kirat Karo – Earn an honest living.
The event saw some 100 people in attendance. It had children and adults giving
speeches on Guru Nanak Dev ji and presentations on Guru Nanak Dev Ji's life
events.

The soulful and divine rendition of Shabads from Gurbani, along with (harmonium
and tabla) mesmerised one and all.

The principal and teachers of local Punjabi schools (Guru Tegh Bahadur Punjabi School and Dashmesh Darbar Punjabi school), Otara Papatoetoe Local Board
members and other community members were seen enjoying the event.

Sunita Vig of Papatoetoe War Memorial Library (30 Wallace Road, Papatoetoe) said,
"We usually do many events in our branch that represent various cultures and
communities. In the past, we have done Indian events like Diwali Mela and Vaisakhi
Mela, but it was the first time that we celebrated Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Gurpurab first
time. We should do these events regularly because they keep our cultural roots
alive. More so for the children as such events make them aware of their great
religion and rich heritage."

She added, “It was so fulfilling and heartening to see our Punjabi School kids paying
respect to Guru Nanak Dev Ji through Kirtan (Music) and other speeches covering
his life and teachings."

Vi Hausia, one of the Otara-Papatoetoe Local Board members who attended the
event, wrote about the event and his experience on his social media account.
He wrote, “ I attended an event at Papatoetoe Library, commemorating the legacy of
Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
Here are seven things I learned at the event:
1 - Guru Nanak Dev Ji founded Sikhism, the 4th largest religion in India.
2- He was born in the year 1469 in Pakistan.
3- Guru Nanak Championed Gender Equality
4- Guru Nanak promoted the oneness of mankind.
5- He was hailed for humbling the royalty and noblemen whilst elevating the poor.
6- He travelled tens of thousands of miles to spread God’s message of oneness and
purity
7- He invented 'Langar', translating as “communal kitchen";. Langar sees every
Gurdwara (Sikh temple) worldwide have an open kitchen that distributes free meals.
They do practice Langar at our Sikh Temples in Papatoetoe."

In the end, attendees were seen enjoying the Langar of samosas and jalebis.