Preface To 'Glory Of Sikhism' By Dr. R.M. Chopra

From my young age, I have been an ardent admirer of the Sikh Gurus. I have been immensely inspired by the religious rationale and social system of sikhism. It was in fact, my revered father, late Dr. Hira Lall Chopra, himself an erudite scholar of Sikh history and admirer of Sikhism, who first inculcated in me an interest in Sikh Gurus and Sikh Scriptures which later on blossomed in me a keen desire to learn more about it. In the course of my studies, I was, occasionally, prompted to write articles on Sikhism, the Sikh gurus and their teachings and some of the martyrs.

In the utterrances and hymns of the Gurus and other saints enshrined in Sri Guru Granth Sahib, I find a treasure­trove of divine knowledge and spiritual realization of a very high order. These teachings provide a balm to the troubled souls instil a longing to follow the path of simplicity, sincerity and righteousness. They also expound the practical way anishing passion, anger, greed, attachment, conceit and in from our lives and teach us how to lead a normal life of righteousness and truthfulness and achieve the real happiness and have communion with the Supreme Reality, the ultimate objective of one's life.

The collection of articles in this book is by no means an exhaustive study, but only a humble attempt by me to give an insight into the prominent features of Sikhism and Sikh history to the general reader and throw some light on the glorious achievements of this most virile and enterprising community. I have always found a lot of solace, inspiration and moral strength from the Sikh history, profound teachings. I can only hope that this book will enable many others to derive the same benefits.

About The Author Of 'Glory Of Sikhism'

Mr. Ravindra Mohan Chopra, M.A., LL.B., was born on 14th January, 1934, at Hafizabad, District Gujranwala, West Pun­jab. He is a worthy son inheriting literary disposition from his talented father, the late Dr. Hira Lall Chopra, M.A., (Punjab), D. Litt (Teheran).

Mr. Chopra had a brilliant academic career throughout culminating in his getting First-Gass First in M.A., in Islamic History & Culture, from Calcutta University in 1956. His love for things Punjabi and fondness for Punjabiyat is proverbial. He is a prolific writer and has contributed many articles in Indian and foreign journals on topics of general interest. He has authored three learned works, The Legacy of the Punjab, The Punjab and Bengal and Great Sufi Poets of the Punjab. His writing is free-flowing, deeply absorbing, eminently readable and a voyage of learning; it brings elegance, ease and sweetness.