The Punjab Police has proposed that the birth anniversary (Gurpurab) of Sikhism founder Guru Nanak Dev be declared as ‘World Pedestrian Day’.

Why is Guru Nanak Dev considered the world’s most notable and revered pedestrian?

• The founder of Sikhism, Shri Guru Nanak Dev had traveled far and wide during the 15th and 16th centuries.
• It is believed that Nanak Dev, along with his companion Bhai Mardana, undertook most part of his journeys on foot.
• He aimed to spread the message of oneness and to break barriers across faiths by engaging in spiritual dialogues.

Places visited by him

• From Mecca to Haridwar, from Sylhet to Mount Kailash, Guru Nanak visited hundreds of interfaith sites related to Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism, and Jainism.
• His journeys are referred are also called udaasis. At some sites, gurdwaras were constructed to commemorate his visit.
• Later his travels were documented in texts called ‘janamsakhis’.
• These sites are now spread across nine nations as per current geographical divisions — India, Pakistan, Iran, Iraq, China (Tibet), Bangladesh, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan.

Motive behind Punjab Police’s proposal

• The idea is to spread awareness on road safety for pedestrians by introducing Guru Nanak Dev’s own life as an inspiration.
• The best results are achieved only when the community is mobilized for a cause.
• Walking is a universal form of travel. It is the best way which convey equality amongst all.

Try answering this PYQ:

Q. Consider the following Bhakti Saints:

1. Dadu Dayal
2. Guru Nanak
3. Tyagaraja

Who among the above was/were preaching when the Lodi dynasty fell and Babur took over? (CSP 2018)

(a) 1 and 3

(b) 2 only

(c) 2 and 3

(d) 1 and 2

 

Post your answers here.

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