Sundri –The First Novel by Bhai Vir Singh

‘Sundri’ came out in the year 1898 narrated and authored by Bhai Vir Singh who was himself known as a colossus of modern Punjabi Literature to help in reiterating and restoring the Sikh culture. Sundri was the first book authored by the man of principles, Padam Bhushan Bhai Vir Singhji which is based on a popular folk song and set in a time when the Sikhs were the witness and prey to the atrocities committed by the Nawabs to fulfill their selfish ends. They practiced annihilation of Sikhs and were lustful and tyrannical.

Sundri is more of a didactic approach with a purpose to remind every person who belongs to the Sikh religion, the fine points of Sikhism and its teachings and principles that are so rich spiritually and vivid. It inculcates in the young minds of how a Sikh blood is so aware of his rights and uses his sword to end any sort of tyranny and barbarism of any system that tries to rule unfairly, suppresses the innocent, go to all unacceptable measures prove his powers and strength.

Sundri taught that no individual of the Sikh community will ever stand, losing his self respect in the hands of any order which oppresses you and make you accept their terms. Any person of the Sikh religion has an immense belief in the teachings of his Guru and does what is told by his religious mentor. Even when he struggles and fights, a sense of Charity prevails within him. This sense of charity is shown to fellow people with similar beliefs, relatives of the oppressor and even to the oppressor. This is what his religion has taught him.

Sundri symbolically represents an era very difficult for the girls belonging to the Sikh community as they were abducted by the Nawabs and forced to persecution in the hands of the tyrannical rulers. Sundri was earlier addressed by the name Surasti and was subject to the atrocities committed by a Mughal official and was abducted. She later earned great respect from the Sikh community members, also known as ‘Jatha’ in Punjabi when she was baptized.

Authored by Bhai Vir Singhji it was an effort to awaken the masses with the story of Sundri and her transformation into a fighter for her rights and religion. Bhai Vir Singh, surcharged with the spirit to redeem the long forgotten glory, denied and not known by many, made use of his knowledge to write voluminous literature of didactic nature. He imbibed in minds, the practical aspect of Sikh religion. Sundri is about the struggle and awakening of a girl to fight for her rights and inculcate universal brotherhood in the minds of other people of common faith.

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Dhuppan Ate Va Varolian Da Ghosna Pattar – Punjabi

Dalip Singh has continued his legacy of portraying village culture with this Punjabi novel ‘Dhuppan ate Va Varolian Da Ghosna Pattar.’ Set in late 60’s, the novel starts with a village named ‘Husainpur.’ Written in first person, the early chapters deal with the life and times of the narrator and his friends at school. It also leads us to a phase when child marriage was very prevalent especially in ‘backward classes.’ The story which is divided in fifty one good chapters, in later parts, takes the narrative view of ‘Chandigarh City’ where our protagonist finds job and seeks to adjust in the hustle and bustle of urban life. In the end, after working for almost two years, he loses his job and returns to his village where his parents, only son and wife reside. He attempts to adjust among other villagers but only to return ‘Chandigarh.’

Initially titled ‘Hadd Beetiyan’ by the author, and renamed ‘Meri Jeewan Kahani’ by the publishers, this book contains within its pages the autobiography of the illustrious life of one of the most loved Punjabi author of 20th century, Prof Sahib Singh. Interpreter, historian, theologian, linguist, there were many robes adorned by Prof Singh in his life as a widely read writer.

He had started writing, what later became the first part of this book, in 1923 as notes of his memories. But the real push towards publishing his life story came in 1964 by the editor of a newspaper ‘Vartamaan’, who wanted to publish his life stories in the form of newspaper columns. Prof Sahib Singh managed to pen most of his inspirational life just before Parkinson’s snatched away his ability to write and from him towards the end of his life. Savor it at www.sikhbookclub.com

Guru Gobind Singh's Zafarnamah –English

 

Zafarnamah is a “Declaration of Victory” and so signifies the letter sent by the tenth Guru of the Sikh religion, Guru Gobind Singh Ji in the year 1705 to then Emperor of Republic of India Mughal ruler Aurangzeb. The letter is written in exquisite Persian verse which is composed of 111 verses. The transliteration of the text into Roman has been done by S. Gurjit Singh. When Guruji was in Dina he wrote the now very famous Zafarnamah (The letter of Declaration of Victory) to Aurangzeb with 111 excellent verses showing is love for his religion, the almighty and then the other subjected to Aurangzeb expressing Guru Gobind Ji’s disagreements, the shortcoming of the ruler Aurangzeb, the warning that the Sikhs can never be subdued in the condition where they will have to or forced to abolish the Khalsa principles which is so much deep into the roots and can in no way diminish. 

Zafarnamah is enclosed in Hikayats, Arabic stories depicting the history and life of great heroes who fought for their respective countries and it’s the primary Hikayat. Guru Gobind showed his excellence with 34 verses of Zafarnamah in praise of God, 20 describing the battle of Chamkaur, 15 verses reprimanding Aurangzeb for breaking an oath by him and by his agents, 36 refer to his shortcomings as a just ruler and his invitations to Guru Ji for discussions. He had also warned Aurangzeb about the resolve of the Khalsa not to rest till his evil empire is brought to an end (verses 78 and 79). Guru Ji has also written six verses (89 to 94) in praise of Aurangzeb, which shows that he was not against the individual or his religion but against his policy of oppression. 

The verses evoke the sense of moral victory Guru Gobind Singh felt even after losing all he had - his four sons, his mother, his soldiers - to the bloodthirsty killers sent by the Mughal emperor in violation of his pledge. Verse 22 of Zafarnamah encapsulates the poet-saint's search for justice: "When all has been tried, yet/ Justice is not in sight/It is then right to pick up the sword/It is then right to fight.", Said Navtej Sarna who has also penned the English translation of this literary genius Zafarnamah.

Sikh Sacred Music -Gurmat Sangeet English By Dr. Gurnam Singh

The Sangeet Shastra is derived from the rich heritage of Indian classical music based on ragas and from folk music traditions. ‘Gurmat’ means Guru’s point of view and the word ‘Sangeet’ means music in order to convey the message beautifully woven into different melodious ragas. ’Gurmat Sangeet’ is referred to as a ‘Bani’ (word) which is divine and is in verse form no less than poetry. ‘Keertan’ (devotional singing) as described in Sikh holy book Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is the best way to realize and reach to the lord. The Sikhs perform ‘Shabad Keertan’ which leads their way towards spiritual devotion for their Gurus and their religion. The e-book explains what Gurmat Sangeet is about with its referential form of writing giving prominence to the contribution made by Ten Gurus. The book tells about ‘Raag Prabandh’ (arrangement) in Gurmat Sangeet, the ‘Classical Singing Style’ and about the significance of ‘Folk Music’ towards brings together Gurmat Sangeet as a whole. 

The Sangeet Shastra is derived from the rich heritage of Indian classical music based on ragas and from folk music traditions. ‘Gurmat’ means Guru’s point of view and the word ‘Sangeet’ means music in order to convey the message beautifully woven into different melodious ragas. ’Gurmat Sangeet’ is referred to as a ‘Bani’ (word) which is divine and is in verse form no less than poetry. ‘Keertan’ (devotional singing) as described in Sikh holy book Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is the best way to realize and reach to the lord.

Gurmat Sangeet Sagar Punjabi By Harkirat Singh

This music book in Punjabi is for beginners in Gurbani Sangit learning and is especially helpful for those who want to learn this ‘Sangeet Shastra’ but are unable to find a mentor who can give accurate guidance. They can now learn ‘Gurbani Sangeet’ with the help of this book and also about various intricacies of Punjabi Gurmat Sangeet. 

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