Yesterday Sikhs celebrated the birth of the seventh Guru of the Sikhs, Guru Har Rai Sahib Ji.

Guru Har Rai Sahib became the Guru at the age of 14. He was not only a spiritual Guru, he was also a great military leader, environmentalist and physician. As a military leader, he led an army of 2,200 soldiers. As an environmentalist, he maintained a veterinary clinic and nature reserves. As a physician, he set up a free hospital at Kiratpur Sahib in Punjab and promoted herbal remedies. As a Guru, he promoted respect for freedom, respect for your surroundings and above all respect for integrity. As an example of integrity, he broke ties with his son who purposely misrepresented the Guru’s teachings in the royal court of the time.

In today’s fast paced world, I believe these diminishing qualities of integrity and respect are so important to hold on to. My grandfather taught me that a legacy is left by not what you achieve, but how you make others around you feel. He was re-emphasising what Guru Har Rai Sahib taught his disciples. When my daughter was born 12 years ago, we named her Har Rai Kaur in celebration of the seventh Guru’s inspirational life.”