New Delhi, 14 September (H.S.): Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah on Monday paid tribute to Guru Ram Das, the fourth Guru of Sikhism, on the occasion of his Jyoti Jot Diwas.

Om Birla wrote on X, “On the occasion of the Jyoti Jot Diwas of Guru Ram Das, the fourth Guru of Sikhism, we offer our heartfelt respects to him. Through his life, he illuminated the path of seva (selfless service), simran (devotional remembrance) and humanity. The life of Guru Ram Das is a remarkable example of sacrifice, penance, service and devotion. By imparting to the sangat the message of love, equality and selfless service, he strengthened a spiritual tradition in which the welfare of all humanity remains paramount. The teachings of Guru Sahib continue to inspire us to serve humanity and strengthen love and harmony in society.”

Amit Shah said that by kindling the sacred light of service, devotion and social harmony, Guru Ram Das conveyed to everyone the message of love, unity and selfless service. By founding Amritsar and laying the foundation of Sri Harmandir Sahib, he enriched the spiritual heritage of Sikhism. His ideals will continue to inspire everyone to follow the path of service, harmony and public welfare.

It is noteworthy that Guru Ram Das, who was born in Lahore on September 24, 1534, served as the Guru of Sikhism from 1574 to 1581. He subsequently founded the city of Ramdaspur, which later came to be known as Amritsar and became a major spiritual centre of Sikhism. He composed several hymns and shabads for the Sri Guru Granth Sahib, with estimates placing his contribution at approximately 638 to 688 shabads. He also introduced the Masand system to strengthen the propagation and organisation of Sikhism.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar