About
This year marks the 500th anniversary of Babar, the Mughal emperor’s invasion of South Asia, which led to the defeat of the Lodhi dynasty and the establishment of Mughal rule. Guru Nanak Sahib was staying at the home of his beloved Sikh, Bhai Lalo, when the invasion occurred, witnessing firsthand the devastation of war. Amidst the horrors of conquest, Guru Nanak Sahib revealed four sabads that directly addressed Babur’s invasion. These compositions, known as Babarvani, are deeply resonant and have historically been sung during times of hardship and conflict.

In Babarvani, Guru Nanak Sahib compels us to confront difficult truths, exploring themes of suffering, loss, corruption, responsibility, the fleeting nature of wealth, and justice. These sabads have profoundly shaped Sikh thought, influencing governance, societal duty, and ethical leadership perspectives. At the same time, they offer powerful insights into the consequences of losing one’s connection to IkOankar—both individually and collectively.

This course is open to participants of all backgrounds and provides an opportunity to engage critically and emotionally with Guru Nanak Sahib’s Bani. Together, we will reflect on the relevance of Babarvani, which was revealed 500 years ago in Eminabad, and its enduring message for us today.
Agenda
  • Week 1: Introduction to Babarvani and Sabad 1 – The Terror of Hindustan
  • Week 2: Sabad 2 – The Plight of Women in War
  • Week 3: Sabad 3 – The Corruption of Wealth
  • Week 4: Sabad 4 – The Speech of Truth
Presenters
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SikhRI Institute
SikhRI connects people with the teachings of Sikhi and strengthens the bonds of the Sikh community around the world by offering courses and seminars in a variety of mediums.
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Santbir Singh
Research Associate
Santbir Singh is a Research Associate with SikhRI. He is currently doing his Ph.D. in Sociology at York University. His graduate research focuses on Sikh activism and the inherent relationship between Sikhi and anarchism explored through historical and contemporary Sikh movements, such as the Kisān Morcha (Farmer’s Protests) of 2020-2021.

Santbir Singh has served as an educator and activist in the Sikh community for over two decades. He continues cultivating a deeper relationship with Sabad Guru while focusing on Sikh inspirations for social activism, feminism, and decolonization through a multifaceted critical analysis using different schools of thought and tradition.

Santbir Singh is a facilitator at Sidak and an alumnus of Sidak 2012. He lives on Wendat, Anishinabek, Haudenosaunee, Mississauga, Hiawatha, Alderville & Métis Territory on Williams Treaties land (colonially known as Toronto), Canada, with his wonderful wife, incredible children, and wild dog.
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