EYE-CATCHER

Japuji Sahib: Prayer of the Soul

By Ranjodh Singh.

Wisdom Collection, Ludhiana. Pages 96. Rs 995.

Japuji Sahib: Prayer of the Soul

JAPUJI Sahib remains Guru Nanak Dev’s most popular composition which has a unique position in the minds of millions of Sikhs as well as the world at large. It holds a special attraction for scholars and devotees, and has been translated into many languages. The author gives the meaning of the text in both Gurmukhi as well as English. An accomplished photographer, he has chosen images on which the text is transcribed with care to appropriately reflect the thoughts expressed in the stanzas on which the text is printed. Paintings by artists like Sobha Singh, Kirpal Singh, GS Sohan Singh and Jarnail Singh have also been used to illustrate the volume. The lavishly printed coffee-table book, the royalties of which go to a charity, will find a place on many a book shelf.

—   Roopinder Singh

This write-up was published in The Tribune on June 26, 2011

The Valiant Ones: A journey into the mesmerizing world of the Sikhs

By Gurbir Singh and Gagandeep Kaur

Kesar Media and Lahore Books. Pages 158. Rs 3,000.

The Valiant Ones: A journey into the mesmerizing world of the Sikhs

The Nihangs always attract the eye. Their colourful attires, displays of traditional and not-so-traditional weapons and distinctive lifestyle set them apart. Rich in photographs, the book takes readers into the world of which they see only glimpses from time to time.

The beats of innocent ecstasy

While the pictures make it a visual delight, there is also information on Sikh history and principles, the contribution of women, the daily routine of Nihangs, their weapons and turban, important festivals and how the Nihangs are facing challenges of the modern society. The section on the words that enrich their interaction with each other will certainly enhance the vocabulary of Punjabis who have heard the terms but do not know their significance.

- Roopinder Singh

A Nihang Singh demonstrating his equestrian skills

The article was published on June 19, 2011 in the Spectrum section of The Tribune.