This spirit of secularism imbibed from the Gurus was responsible for the establishment of the first secular state in the Punjab under Maharaja Ranjit Singh. The “lion of the Punjab” offered posts of responsibility to people of all faiths and nationalities, on the basis of merit, although he himself was a staunch Sikh.The ideals of universal brother hood and service inspired Bhai Kanhaiya for whom both thirsty enemy soldiers and Sikhs were God’s children and this conduct of the Gursikh was so highly appreciated by Guru Gobind Singh that he advised Bhai Kanhaiya to give first aid as well to the wounded of both sides. Thus Kanhaiya was a true precursor of Henri Dunant, founder of the Red Cross.
Article extracted from this publication >> November 10, 1989
