I enquired about the route to Golden Temple with a Sardarji while I was on my way to my very first visit to Amritsar. While he explained the route with unmatched enthusiasm, he asked that he resided close to the temple and if he could join us. Overwhelmed with his behavior, we joyously invited him. While he sat next to me in the front row of our car, he took out the Royal Stag’s bottle and placed it on the dashboard. The sight of that bottle, left my mother (a conservative south Indian Housewife) visibly shocked. And I could clearly feel the look on her red face in the rear view mirror. Well, the act was already done; it would be rude now to ask him to step out. Pretty soon, he found out we were planning to return to Chandigarh immediately after “darshan”. As soon as we reached near Golden Temple, this man hopped off the car in a jiffy leaving his bottle behind. While we wondered what is happening, he returned with two other guys with a couple of plates of hot samosas. “These are the best samosas you can have”, he exclaimed. Spell bound with his gesture, and being less of talkers ourselves, we chose to enjoy the delicious samosas. Before they were over, he reappeared with some jalebies and continued to insist us to stay over and leave for Chandigarh next morning. Obviously, we didn’t change our plans but we thanked him for his warmth and hospitality. This man left a lasting impression on the hospitality offered in the area. Not to forget, the humble Sikhs doing the selfless seva at Gurudwara irrespective of their economic background. As much I relate Gucci, Ferrari, Bullet (read “Bullt”), Prada, Armani, Tandoori Chicken, Paranthe, Lassi, Patiala Peg with the state, I think they are synonymous with bold, courageous, hospitable, warm, considerate and many such warming words. I am certain the roots trace back to the teachings of a Guru who has instilled such values among the masses and continues to inspire the generations. On this Gurupurab, we pray that we all are blessed with the teachings of great teachers from our past to learn humility and love and that we could live our lives with honesty and courage bestowed to us over generations. Gurupurab di saareya nu lakh lakh vadhaiya.
Posted on: Sun, 17 Nov 2013 14:17:56 +0000