A Mission to My Village
My trip to India had a clear and determined purpose. I had resolved not to leave my ancestral village until the measurement, demarcation, and reclamation of our land were fully completed. Whatever time it took, I was prepared to stay.
After arriving in Delhi on the 6th, we set out for Punjab early the next morning at 6:00 a.m. Before beginning this important mission, we felt it was only appropriate to seek the blessings of the Guru.
We stopped at Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib, bowed our heads in prayer, and sought strength and guidance for the challenging days ahead. With faith in our hearts and determination in our minds, we then proceeded towards Punjab, ready to face whatever lay before us.
Pilgrimage During My Mission
We reached our village, Badbar, by the evening, and the next day I began my mission of getting our land measured, demarcated, and reclaimed. Since the revenue offices remained closed on Saturdays and Sundays, we decided to devote those days to visiting nearby Gurdwaras and seeking the Guru’s blessings.
Our first visit was to Gurdwara Mastuana Sahib, a place we have been visiting for decades. It holds a special place in our hearts, as we have always offered the first share of our harvest there in gratitude.
Fatehgarh Sahib
On another weekend, we travelled to Sri Fatehgarh Sahib. Standing at the sacred place where the younger Sahibzadas were bricked alive was a deeply emotional experience. We sat quietly for nearly twenty minutes, immersed in the soulful kirtan being sung by the ragis. After partaking of the Guru’s langar, we returned, carrying with us a profound sense of peace despite the scorching summer heat.
The following Sunday, we travelled to Takht Sri Damdama Sahib (Guru Ki Kashi) at Bathinda. This was my second visit. I fondly remembered my earlier trip when Brigadier General Kirat Singh had personally taken me there for darshan. After paying our respects, we enjoyed a pleasant lunch before returning.
Another memorable visit was to Langowal, where the Raja of Patiala had established a historic Gurdwara. It was fascinating to see the original earthen chulhas (clay stoves) where food was once prepared for the people. Our sincere thanks to Master Avnish Kumar, who graciously guided us around the Gurdwara and shared its rich history.
We also visited Gurdwara Sri Dukhniwaran Sahib in Patiala after meeting our dear relatives, Bhapa Ji and Bhabhi Ji. Although the weather was intensely hot, the spiritual comfort of the Gurdwara made the journey worthwhile.
Badbar Singh Sabha Gurdwara
Before concluding our stay in Punjab, we visited the Gurdwaras in our own village of Badbar. It was heartening to see how beautifully maintained they were and how actively the villagers participated in religious life. Their devotion and care for these sacred places filled us with pride.
Finally, before returning to Delhi, we made our customary visit to our most beloved Gurdwara Bangla Sahib. Every visit there is special, but this one was particularly emotional. As we entered, we heard the continuous rendition of “Jo Maange Thakur Apne Te…” sung by our son, Shivpreet Singh. Hearing his voice resonate through the sacred precincts of Bangla Sahib filled our hearts with gratitude and emotion. It was a deeply nostalgic moment and a fitting conclusion to our journey.
With our final prayers at Bangla Sahib, we offered our thanks to Guru Nanak Sahib for guiding us throughout this challenging yet fulfilling trip. It was the perfect spiritual conclusion to a mission that had begun with determination and ended with gratitude.
