Jan-March 2006 - Institute of Sikh Studies

90ABSTRACTS OF SIKH STUDIES : JAN-MARCH 2006 / 537-38 NSSometimes, he used tonga for transportation to and fro work, butmore often he walked. Women in the neighbourhood would tell theirchildren to pay respect to him by touching his feet. He blessed themand always had pocketful of tid bits like dry fruit for such occasionsto give them lovingly.He left us a good collection of books. When we grew up, wevoraciously went through these with our young appetite for the writtenword. It is amazing to list the variety of subjects and authors. Extractfrom Guru Granth Sahib & its translation, discussion on banis, itsgrammar, Sikh history (Twarikh Guru Khalsa, Gubilas Patshai 6th &10th etc., Shamsher Khalsa, other biographies of Gurus including PuratanJanam Sakhi, Bale wali Janam Sakhi, books on Maharaja Ranjit Singh &his generals etc.). Books on poetry, magazines like Phulwari, PreetLari, Ruhani, Ohanodra, Fateh, Hans, etc. Books on other religionssuch as Hindu Mythology, Vedas, Puranas, Bible, Satyarath Prakashof Swami Dayanand - almost all in Punjabi Gurmukhi Script werealso available. The authors included persons like Bhai Kahn Singh ofNabha, Giani Dit Singh, Bhai Vir Singh, Prof Puran Singh, Hira SinghDard, Prem Singh Hoti, Gurbaksh Singh Preet Lari, Akali Kaur Singh,Dhani Ram Chatrik, S S Charan Singh Shahid and many more. Thisshows his deep involvement in Sikh life and culture, and even otherreligious and diverse topics concerning spiritual and religious life.Another side of his personality was reflected in the design of hiskothi. The main building had a facade like a traditional Sikh palacewith chhajha and small gumtis. The approach to it was over what heused to call a “hilly bridge” a wide short road lined by brick wallsunder which water flowed serving the garden. In those days, this areawas served by canal water and a watercourse flowed through the suburb.The concept of garden was purely Indian. It meant variety of treesand plants with a water tank in the midst. The trees were so thick thatto us children it gave the impression of a forest. Birds like crows,parrots, sparrows, brown chattering birds, robins, shyamas, bulbulsetc., made their nests in the trees. The variety of trees and plants wasamazing. I have counted 35 to 40 types of fruit and flowering treesand creepers in the garden. Nobody can believe as at present, sincethese have disappeared; because of closure of the watercourse, besideslack of attention.