2019 - Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji | Commemorative Coin

The 7th commemorative coin of 2019 was released on the occasion of the 550th Prakash Purab of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji. The initial inscription read “550th Prakash Utsav of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji,” but it was later revised to “550th Prakash Purab of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji.”

Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the revered founder of Sikhism and the first of the ten Sikh Gurus, stands as one of the most influential spiritual figures in Indian and world history. Born in 1469 in Talwandi (now Nankana Sahib, Pakistan), Guru Nanak devoted his life to awakening humanity to the ideals of truth, righteousness and universal brotherhood. His teachings emerged as a powerful spiritual movement during a time of deep socio-religious turmoil, offering a path of compassion, equality and devotion to one Supreme Reality.

From an early age, Guru Nanak displayed an extraordinary inclination towards spirituality. He questioned blind rituals, social divisions and the rigid norms that divided society. Instead, he emphasized inner purity, ethical living and the remembrance of God’s Name—Naam Japna—as the essence of true worship. His message was not confined to any religion or sect; it spoke directly to the soul of humanity, transcending all boundaries.

Guru Nanak’s travels, known as Udasis, took him across India, Central Asia and the Middle East, where he engaged in profound dialogues with scholars, saints and common people. Through hymns, teaching and example, he conveyed his message of Ik Onkar—the oneness of God—and the unity of all creation. His verses, later compiled in the Guru Granth Sahib, continue to illuminate the spiritual path for millions, offering timeless wisdom on humility, service, meditation and righteous conduct.

One of his most transformative contributions was his rejection of discrimination based on caste, creed, gender or social status. He established the principles of Kirat Karni (earn an honest living), Vand Chhakna (share with others) and Seva (selfless service), which remain foundational pillars of Sikh philosophy. Through the institution of Langar, a community kitchen open to all, Guru Nanak embodied the ideal of equality in a simple yet revolutionary way.

In his later years, Guru Nanak founded the township of Kartarpur, where he lived with his followers and demonstrated a model of spiritual living rooted in community, devotion and equality. Here, he passed on the mantle of Guruship to Guru Angad Dev, ensuring the continuity of the spiritual mission he had initiated.

Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s life and teachings continue to inspire humanity even today. His vision of a just and compassionate world, free from prejudice and rooted in the remembrance of the Divine, resonates deeply in an era that seeks harmony and understanding. The celebration of his birth anniversary, Guru Nanak Gurpurab, reaffirms his enduring legacy—a legacy of light that guides countless individuals on the path of truth, humility and universal love.

Guru Nanak’s message remains timeless: that there is one God, and all human beings are equal. His life stands as a glowing testament to the transformative power of spiritual awakening and the enduring strength of compassion in shaping a better world.

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