Rajnath Singh greets nation on Guru Harkishan Sahib Ji's Prakash Purab
Synopsis
Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh marked the Prakash Purab of Sri Guru Harkishan Sahib Ji, the eighth Sikh Guru, saluting his ideals of compassion, equality, and selfless service, and remembering him by his beloved title 'Bala Pritam'.
Key Takeaways
Rajnath Singh extended greetings on the Prakash Purab of Sri Guru Harkishan Sahib Ji , the eighth Guru of Sikhism, on 7 August 2026 .
The Guru is revered as 'Bala Pritam' — the beloved child — for his extraordinary compassion and service rendered at a very young age.
Singh highlighted the Guru's teachings on unity, equality, and selfless human service , transcending caste and social hierarchy.
Prakash Purab is one of the most significant observances in the Sikh religious calendar , marking a Guru's birth anniversary.
Indian political leaders routinely issue public tributes on major Gurpurabs , reflecting the Sikh community's deep presence in national life.
On the auspicious occasion of the Prakash Purab of Sri Guru Harkishan Sahib Ji, the eighth Guru of Sikhism, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh extended heartfelt greetings to the nation, invoking the Guru's timeless ideals of compassion, selfless service, and human equality.
In his message posted on Friday, 7 August 2026, Rajnath Singh recalled how Guru Harkishan Sahib Ji rose above caste distinctions, social hierarchy, and discrimination to show society a path of unity and selfless service — 'ekta, samarasta aur niswaarth manav seva' (unity, harmony, and selfless human service). He noted that the Guru is reverently remembered as 'Bala Pritam' — the beloved child — on account of his extraordinary compassion and spirit of service.
Who was 'Bala Pritam' — the child Guru who defied every boundary
Guru Harkishan Sahib Ji became the eighth Guru of Sikhism at the remarkably young age of five, and is venerated in Sikh tradition precisely for embodying grace and wisdom far beyond his years. The title 'Bala Pritam', meaning 'beloved child', reflects the deep affection the Sikh community holds for him. His life and ministry centred on serving the sick and the poor without regard for caste or creed — a radical act of equality in the social context of his time.
Prakash Purab and the tradition of political tribute
Prakash Purab — literally 'the festival of light' — is the annual Sikh observance marking the birth anniversary of a Guru. It is among the most significant dates in the Sikh religious calendar. Indian political leaders across party lines routinely mark major Gurpurabs with public messages, reflecting both the spiritual importance of these occasions and the deep presence of the Sikh community in India's national life. Rajnath Singh's message follows this established tradition, drawing on the Guru's teachings to underline values of love, service, equality, and human welfare.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Sri Guru Harkishan Sahib Ji?
Sri Guru Harkishan Sahib Ji is the eighth Guru of Sikhism, revered for his teachings on compassion, equality, and selfless service. He is affectionately known as 'Bala Pritam', meaning the beloved child, for the grace and wisdom he displayed at a very young age.
What is Prakash Purab?
Prakash Purab is the annual Sikh observance marking the birth anniversary of a Guru. The term means 'festival of light' and is one of the most significant dates in the Sikh religious calendar.
Why is Guru Harkishan Sahib Ji called Bala Pritam?
Guru Harkishan Sahib Ji is called 'Bala Pritam' — meaning 'beloved child' — because of the extraordinary compassion and spirit of service he demonstrated from a very young age, earning deep reverence across the Sikh community.
What did Rajnath Singh say on Guru Harkishan Sahib Ji's Prakash Purab?
Rajnath Singh saluted Guru Harkishan Sahib Ji for establishing an unparalleled ideal of compassion, service, humility, and humanity, and for showing society a path of unity and selfless service that transcended caste and social discrimination.
Do Indian politicians regularly mark Sikh Gurpurabs?
Yes. Indian political leaders across party lines routinely issue public messages on major Sikh Gurpurabs, reflecting both the spiritual significance of these occasions and the prominent role of the Sikh community in India's national life.
