Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi
Harmanpreet Singh, a 22-year old student living in Auckland, recently received international recognition for his efforts.
He was inside his house when Daejon Pahia, a five-year old boy was hit by a car while on his way to School.
Harmanpreet removed his turban and placed it under the boy’s head to avoid further bleeding.
Sikh Philosophy
He did what any human being should do. He immediately rushed to the spot and tried his best to assist. It was because of Harman’s actions that today he has earned respect from people across the globe.
He has provided an example of the philosophy of Sikh religion.
The third part of Sikh ‘Ardas’ has the quotation of ‘Maan Neeva Maat Unchi.’
The words ‘Neeva’ and ‘Unchi’ are puzzling when used together. ‘Neeva’ refers to low and ‘Uncha’ refers to high. The words ‘Maan’ and ‘Maat’ refer to the mind and ones way of thinking. The Ardas teaches us to keep our ego in control and our mind of simple and high thinking.
Five Items
The five ‘Kakkars’ (or five items of Sikh faith) are Kesh, Kangha, Kara, Kachera and Kirpan. ‘Kesh’ was prescribed by Guru Gobind Singh Sahib so that a Sikh’s identity remains distinct. A Sikh, as per guidance provided by the Guru, never cuts or trims their hair as an indication that their creation by the Guru is perfect.
The Turban
A Sikh wears a ‘Dastar’ or ‘Turban’ to protect his ‘Kesh’ (hair) and to guard the ‘Dasam Duaar’ (The Tenth Gate), a spiritual opening at the top of the head.
The Turban is also a constant reminder to every Sikh that he or she sits on a throne of consciousness. The actions displayed by Harman obey this principle that is deeply espoused in Sikhism.
The ‘Kara’ is an iron bangle that serves as a reminder to all Sikhs that their actions must always be as per the teachings of our Gurus. It also symbolises life as never ending and serves as a permanent bond to our community and to the world at large.
The Dagger
The ‘Kirpan’ is a short symbolic dagger that serves as a reminder to all Sikhs of their duty to come to the defence of those in need.
The teachings of our Gurus guide us that it is the duty of a true Sikh to help those who suffer unjustly, by whatever means available.
Harmanpreet’s actions have provided all of us with an example of how to follow and abide by the teachings of our Gurus, to place humanity above and beyond everything.
Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi has been a Member of Parliament on National List since November 2008. He is also Chairman of the Parliamentary Law & Order Select Committee. Another article on Harmanpreet Singh appears under Homelink.
