By Bhupinder ‘Bo’ Singh
Introduction
In November 2025, we celebrated the 350th anniversary of the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, the ninth Sikh Guru. To commemorate that event Prof. Manjit Singh, Ex-Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, along with Dr. Onkar Singh have jointly produced a unique book titled “Prabh Ke Geet” on the Bani of Guru Ji. Where they have provided word by word meaning, including meaning of the entire Shabad plus its detailed elucidation. Even the title of the book is from the line of one of the 57 Saloks in the Bani. The uniqueness of the book is that on the back of the book cover, there is a QR code for linking to YouTube. By scanning the QR code one can listen to musical rendition of the Bani in the same musical scale (Raaga) as the composition of the bani. This distinctive feature enables reader to enjoy the singing of the Bani while s/he is reading about it. Currently the book is available in Gurmukhi, Hindi and English. There are plans to make the same book available in other leading languages.
Program
The US Book Launch took place on June 13, 2026, at Sikh Center of Gulf Coast, Houston, TX. The program started with the Welcome address and brief Introduction of the book. After the introduction, Prof. Manjit Singh shared with the audience the highlights of the book and it unique features. In his address Prof. Manjit Singh shared that we have categorized the Bani of Guru Tegh Bahadur as “Vairaghmai” which is translated as detachment from the world. The result and the connotation of “Vairaghmai” is taken in the negative sense, implication being not interested in life. He explained it is in reality it is a Life Affirming Bani, which talks about how to live an engaging, fulfilling and a successful life. The life should be purposeful, satisfying and full of bliss.
He also shared that this is the first time that the entire bani of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, 59 Shabads and 57 Saloks have been explained with word meanings and shabad meaning plus its elucidation in a book form. The entire project took three years to complete. He said that during the celebration of Martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, the Governor of Bihar had released this book at Patna Sahib.
The President of Sikh Center, Houston was requested to release this book formally. He asked Prof. Manjit Singh to join him. Then Prof. Singh asked that a representation from ladies and children should also be there. Thus this event became a unique book launch as well. The president of the Sikh Center thanked Prof. Manjit Singh and the audience for their participation. Then it was followed by a Questions and Answers session. The program concluded with refreshments.
