Pind Babe Nanak Da: A replica of village where Guru was born
SULTANPUR LODHI: The Punjab government set up a a seven-member committee in August to finalise a concept note on setting up a ‘Pind Babe Nanak Da’ heritage museum at Sultanpur Lodhi.
The ‘Pind Babe Nanak Da’ will be the replica of Rai-Bhoi-Di-Talwandi, the village where Guru Nanak was born in 1469 (now in Pakistan). Rai Bullar was a rich landlord.
As per the draft of the committee’s concept note, that has joint director, tourism and cultural affairs, Lakhmir Singh as its convener, the outer facade will be a 400-year-old heritage village, built of mud. Inside, it will be equipped with modern technology, depicting Guru Nanak’s life between 1469 and 1539.
Professor, Sarbjinder Singh, head, department of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Studies, Punjabi University, Patiala, who is a member of the committee, said, “The new village will have 13 ‘Pattiyan’ (Mohallas) as Rai Bhoi Di Talwandi village had 13 Pattiyan. These would join at the point, where Guru Nanak held his dialogue.”
SIKH PHILOSOPHY TO BE HIGHLIGHTED IN FOUR PHASES
Former MP Tarlochan Singh, a member of the concept committee, said the four phases of Guru Nanak’s life will be showcased.
These are Nankana Sahib, Sultanpur Lodhi, four divine journeys and Kartarpur Sahib. Guru Nanak’s preaching, dialogue and practice would be highlighted.
In the Nankana phase, the plan is to depict the condition under the rule of the invaders and how Guru Nanak’s birth brought a new lease of life to the prevailing environment of the day.
The Sultanpur Lodhi phase will depict the Mool Mantra.
Elaborating, Tarlochan, former chairperson of the National Minorities Commission, added, “After marriage, Guru Nanak came to Sultanpur Lodhi, where he gave light to the world by giving the concept of the Mool Mantra and Ik Onkar (God is one).”
The third phase, of the four Udasis (divine journeys), would be highlighted through the dialogue concept that Guru Nanak started against rituals and conflicts.
Udasis are all about the dialogue. Tarlochan added that Guru Nanak gave practical shape to his concept, Kirat Karo, Naam Japo and Vandh Chako in Kartarpur, which is the fourth phase.
Guru Nanak lived in Kartarpur for 20 years and gave real shape to Sikh philosophy.
“We will develop a unique village, which would be a mixture of religion and heritage. The committee will submit its final concept in a couple of weeks. Then, the design work will begin. Later, the project report will go to union government as it is also funding it,” convener of the committee, Lakhmir added.