Jaipur Literary Festival , 20nd January 2023
By Harsimran kaur
Nikki, the author of latest book, “Poems from the Sikh Tradition – Guru Nanak” rejoices of been able to compile some highly inspirational and monumental poetic pieces inscribed by Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism.
She is ebullient and eager to talk about Sikh tradition and its holy book, “The Guru Granth Sahib”. The staccato of the hymn ‘Aape Rasiya Aap Ras’reverberates its positive energy in the entire hall. As the ambrosial poetry ends, Nikki expatiates that the verses in Guru Granth Sahib not only include ‘Classical Raag’ but local languages too are a part of the sacred book. Each author is named and acknowledged. Despite different authors, there is certain consistency of message.
Guru Nanak as a Poet:
More than being a traveller or expounding the tenants of Sikhism, Guru Nanak calls himself a poet. The essence of his poetry lies in his observations of life. Whether it was the invasion of Babar and the devastation causes by him or about Hindu women committing Sati or Muslim women subjected to desiccation of veils being ripped apart, Guru Nanak is forthright to give all these nuances a poetic form. He records them poignantly including the conversations he has with the divine.
He is a poet and speaks for all of us. He wanted a direct connection with the infinite. ‘Raag’ is the brilliant emotion and colours of the symphony.
Being a Revolutionary Thinker:
Nikki further adds that Guru Nanak did not see the difference between the scared and the secular. He always questioned and to question is very important.
On Women:
He grew up with his sisters. He was against Sati. Anything inhuman was intolerant to him. In his theology, God can be both male and female. He praises the mother, sister and women in general. Women occupy a lot of prestige in his ‘Bani’.
He said what is wrong with the blotched garment when people suck blood of others.
Nikki so ardently praises his poetry which is also about nature. Everything premeditates with the infinite one.
The discussion ends with the ‘Japji’ and ‘Aarti’ which talk about Nanak’s poetic vision of nature.