Tribute to Guru Nanak on his birthday

As an atheist, when asked I am always happy to describe myself as a "cultural" Sikh, one of the many aspects of my composite and complex sense of identity. This and a picture of a young Sikh offering water to a thirsty policeman are perfect example of how you do not have to necessarily believe in the supernatural aspects of your religious upbringing to take the many, many humanistic values of that religion as a source of inspiration. Let me explain.

My people, Punjabis, Sikh and Hindu, are marching to Delhi to protest at the enactment of legislation by a Hindutva BJP dominated by "banya" trader castes and totally in hock to big business, which farmers believe will reduce the value of their produce, force them into even greater debt and put them at the mercy of big business houses like the Ambanis, Adanis and others who bankroll this reactionary government. I will add that distrust and hatred of Delhi is a centuries old feature of Punjabi psyche and reflected in a great deal of our popular culture in the form of poetry and music. It was after all, the seat of Mughal power which tried many a time to wipe Sikhs off the face of the earth.

On the march to Delhi farmers have had to pass through the neighbouring state of Haryana which is the ruled by the BJP. The police there have been under orders to stop the marchers and resorted to beatings and use of water cannon in the middle of a bone chilling northern winter. Many of the marchers are also old and frail men and women. Despite the cruelty of the police what this shows is a key aspect of Sikhism that I imbibed as a child; care, compassion towards all, even they happen to be your enemies. We were told of the story of Bhai Kanhayia who would go about giving water and apply balm to the wounds of injured soldiers in the aftermath of battles with Mughal troops. Some Sikh soldiers complained to their leader, the 10th Guru Gobind Singh. The Guru summoned Bhai Kanhayia to explain his conduct. His answer has been seared into my memory since childhood; "Lord, following your own teaching, I see all humanity as one [Guru Gobind's biggest gift to us but one that we keep ignoring]. And in every face I see, I only see you." The Guru got up, blessed Bhai Kanhayia and told him to carry on the good work. And so, when we offer water and food to those who were earlier - and will no doubt do so again- beating the living day lights out of us, we reach deep into the humane and progressive values that some of the Gurus left as their legacy.