India remained in abject slavery under despotic foreign rulers for nearly one thousand years, tenth Century A.D. to 1947.
In 1469 A.D. Guru Nanak founded Sikhism. As distinct from a mere religion, Sikhism is a unique movement a way of life, a society of Saint soldiers, specifically created to fight tyranny and aggression, restore basic human civil liberties and freedoms and to establish absolute fatherhood of God and brotherhood of man in: sharp contrast to the world of superstitions, ritualism, casteism and idolatry prevailing at that period of history.
This new faith preached earning of living with honest work, share this earning with needy fellow beings, uphold righteousness life of integrity, freedom for all, equal rights for all human beings irrespective of caste, birth high or low, sex or Position in society. Complete submission to the will of God, fearlessness, never to frighten any, and no compromise with tyrants and aggressors under any circumstances.
The task was a grim struggle, not only against the aggressors, but also for the oppressed who did not relish being liberated from servility of centuries.
This new faith fought its battles without any material resources, except the purity of life and upright moral character of its followers strengthened by the high principles mentioned in the preceding paragraphs and unflinching faith in God and ultimate victory for Truth.
Article extracted from this publication >> May 11, 1990
