Mafi Cha De -The Art of Living Together

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Māfī Chā De -The Art of Living Together

Two real brothers in their 80s sitting shoulder to shoulder while eating on the same cot

Two Sikh brothers in their mid-eighties sit on the same cot, sharing a simple meal and warm conversation. One can only imagine how many times, perhaps a hundred thousand, they must have forgotten and forgiven each other over a lifetime. Yet here they are, peaceful and content, enjoying each other’s company.

This simple scene reminds us of a profound truth: relationships survive not because people are perfect, but because they choose to forgive.

My grandmother Sdn Karam Devi Bhabhi ji with my Dad S Vasdev Singh and my mother Sdn Savitri Devi with sister Bhagwant in her lap  - 1946 Karachi

It takes me back to my grandmother Bhabhi ji in her Multani tone, who would gently remind us during moments of conflict:

“Have mercy and please forgive - Māfī chā de.”

At the time, her words felt unreasonable, especially when emotions were high. But once anger settled, forgiveness came easily, and the heart felt lighter.

Life demands tolerance, especially in close relationships, most of all between husband and wife. In today’s fast-paced world, we are so busy that we forget how to forgive.

Forgiveness is not weakness; it is wisdom.

Forgetting is not loss; it is freedom.

Have mercy. Forgive. Māfī chā de.

Encouraging English Outreach Program in Badbar

​It is encouraging and credible to see that students are still keenly interested in enhancing their language skills, even though this places an additional burden on top of their regular academic workload. Moreover, in villages, many children are also expected to contribute to household responsibilities to help their families make ends meet.

I sincerely appreciate the efforts of parents who truly understand the value of educating the next generation and who continue to support their children despite these challenges.

My comments would be incomplete if I did not place on record my heartfelt thanks to the teaching team, headed by Shikha ji, for their dedicated guidance and leadership of the expert team comprising Garima ji. Their commitment and efforts are truly commendable.

If possible, I would welcome the opportunity to share these sentiments over a cup of tea by inviting all parents and listening to their valuable feedback.

DhunAnand serves Snacks to Parbhat Pheri in Punjab

Local GTV channel covering the Parbhat Pheri in the early morning

​Prabhat Pheri, literally meaning “dawn rounds” or “morning procession,” is a cherished Sikh tradition of early-morning devotional walks held before sunrise. Groups of devotees, starting from a Gurdwara, move through neighborhoods singing shabads and chanting praises of Waheguru, spreading spiritual energy, positivity, and unity. Prabhat Pheris are especially organized to mark Gurpurabs and other Sikh festivals, with the belief that these sacred hymns purify the surroundings and deepen the community’s connection with the Divine.

GTV coverage encouraging youths and nextzen

Traditionally, this practice was largely limited to urban areas. However, about a decade ago, the tradition was meaningfully introduced in District Moga, Punjab, bringing this spiritual experience to rural communities as well.

Bhai Swarjit Singh introducing DhunAnand spirit of Sewa

Swarjit Singh ji helping day and ight.

On this occasion, Bhai Swarjit Singh of the DhunAnand Foundation actively participated in the Prabhat Pheri and also arranged hot tea and snacks for the Sangat. Bhai Swarjit Singh also performs Kirtan at Sri Harmandir Sahib, Amritsar. This thoughtful gesture was warmly appreciated by the participants and reflected the Foundation’s spirit of seva (selfless service) and community care.

Heritage Street Amritsar redeveloped Dec 2025

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Heritage Street, Amritsar

Heritage Street, Amritsar, was developed by the Government of Punjab and completed in 2016 to create a dignified and well-planned approach to Sri Darbar Sahib (Sri Harmandir Sahib). Extending from Town Hall to the main entrance of the shrine, this pedestrian-only corridor was designed to decongest the Old City and enhance the spiritual and visual experience for pilgrims and visitors.

Bhangra themed statues

The street blends traditional Punjabi architecture with modern urban design and features wide walkways, heritage-style façades, artistic lighting, and landscaped spaces. It also provides access to important landmarks such as Jallianwala Bagh, a national memorial of great historical significance.

Baba Banda Singh Bahadur

Earlier, the street featured bhangra-themed statues. Following objections from devotees and Sikh organisations—who felt the sacred route should reflect Sikh history and the legacy of martyrs—these statues were removed and shifted to the district administration complex. The beautification plan was then revised.

Sardar Hari Singh Nalua

The updated design includes statues of prominent Sikh warriors such as Baba Banda Singh Bahadur and Hari Singh Nalwa, now in the final stages of installation. The move has been widely welcomed by devotees as strengthening the spiritual and historical character of the heritage pathway, enhancing its dignity and connection to Sikh history.

Today, Heritage Street offers a serene, respectful, and culturally rich pathway that reflects the spiritual and historical essence of Amritsar while leading visitors toward Sri Harmandir Sahib.

Amrita Pritam - A Poet and A Genious

Amrita Pritam

Amrita Pritam was truly a genius.

During my growing years, my family and I waited every evening from 8:00 to 8:30 to listen to ‘Punjabi Program’ by Amrita Pritam on All India Radio, Delhi B. My mother Savitri Devi our beloved Biji, her devoted admirer, would leave everything and sit close to the radio. Soon, all of us were drawn in.

The program began with Punjabi news, followed by literature, poetry, and thoughtful reflections. While the main station, Delhi A, rarely catered to Punjabi language or listeners, Delhi B became our lifeline—carrying her unmistakable voice into Punjabi homes. One unforgettable day, one of my cousins Mrs Prem Wadhwa presented a Punjabi song during her famous Punjabi program. We simply remained glued to the radio that night.

Always dignified, often remembered in black attire, her presence was unforgettable. Despite personal hardships, including a failed marriage, she rose to become one of the greatest literary figures of our time, honored with the Padma Shri, Padma Vibhushan, and the highest national 1956 Sahitya Acadamy Award.

My mother Savitri Devi was her first admirer in our home; I became the second. Even today, poetry shared by Amrit Virji revives those evenings, echoing her voice and reminding me how deeply she shaped our love for language and literature.

THE WILL OF AMRITA PRITAM

Amrit Kaur married Pritam Singh at age 16 and changed her name to Amrita Pritam. The couple divorced in 1960.

Fully conscious and in good health,  I am writing today my will:

After my death

Ransack my room

Search each item

That is scattered

Unlocked

Everywhere in my house.

 

Donate my dreams

To all those women

Who between the confines of

The kitchen and the bedroom

Have lost their world

Have forgotten years ago

What it is to dream.

Scatter my laughter

Among the inmates of old-age homes

Whose children

Are lost

To the glittering cities of America.

There are some colours

Lying on my table

With them dye the sari of the girl

Whose border is edged

With the blood of her man

Who wrapped in the tricolor

Was laid to rest last evening.

Give my tears

To all the poets

Every drop

Will birth a poem

I promise.

My honour and my reputation

Are for the woman

Who prostitutes her body

So her daughter can get an education.

Make sure you catch the youth

Of the country, everyone

And inject them

With my indignation

They will need it

Come the revolution.

My ecstasy

Belongs to

That Sufi

Who

Abandoning everything

Has set off in search of God.

Finally,

What’s left

My envy

My greed

My anger

My lies

My selfishness

These

simply

Cremate with me...

Geet bakes Pizza at home

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Geet picks a slice from her freshly baked pizza.

Our beautiful younger granddaughter, Geet Kapoor 11, is tremendously talented. Along with her skills in handicrafts and painting, she has now begun learning cooking from Gama - her Dadi ma, just as her older sister Jania did a few years ago from her mom Shilpy and grandma.

Home made pizza just hot from our house oven.

Yesterday, she cooked, rather, she baked a pizza for all of us. And what a pizza it was! I had already finished my dinner and had no intention of taking even a single bite. But when I saw it… crisp, hot, and wonderfully inviting, topped with fresh vegetables, mushrooms, Olives and onions,  my mouth instantly watered.

I told myself I would not eat, but I couldn’t resist. I took one slice… and ended up eating the whole piece. It was that delicious.

Even our Bhalu wants to grab a bite

I still wanted more, but I restrained myself for the sake of my health. Everyone enjoyed it so much that she baked another one—this time for her dad as well.

I wish her all the very best. May she continue growing in her skills and bringing such joy to all of us with her wonderful talents.

Uchch Da Pir

I have always enjoyed pencil sketching as a hobby. After migrating to the USA and having more time in 1991, I first sketched a portrait of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, followed by one of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. Naturally, I felt inspired to complete the series by creating a sketch of Guru Gobind Singh Ji as well.

Guru Nanak Dev ji as sketched in 1991

While exploring different possibilities, I researched various historical references and artistic depictions. Eventually, I came to the conclusion that the most meaningful scene to sketch would be the moment when Guru Gobind Singh Ji escaped from the clutches of the Mughal forces at Machhiwara. This powerful and symbolic episode is described in the story reproduced below, and it formed the basis of my artistic interpretation.

Guru Teg Bahadur ji sketched in Mar 1993

Sakhi of Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s Escape Through Machhiwara

Amid the harsh and bitter days of Poh, a difficult and turbulent period in Sikh history, a well-known sakhi describes the escape of Dasam Paatshah, Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, after the battle of Chamkaur (1705). While some consider portions of this narrative exaggerated or embellished, others uphold it as a cherished testament to Guru Sahib’s grace and the loyalty he inspired in people of all backgrounds. The story continues to be told because of its deep emotional and spiritual resonance for many Sikhs.

According to the tradition, after fiercely resisting the Mughal onslaught at Chamkaur Sahib, Guru Gobind Singh Ji withdrew into the dense forests of Machhiwara. There, his steadfast companions—Bhai Daya Singh, Bhai Dharam Singh, and Bhai Man Singh—managed to rejoin him while Mughal patrols scoured the region in pursuit.

At Machhiwara lived Gulaba, an elderly masand and devoted follower of Guru Sahib. Recognizing the danger, he quietly sheltered the Guru and his companions in his humble home. But within days, reports came that Mughal soldiers were going door to door searching for the Guru. Gulaba realized that, however deep his devotion, his home could no longer guarantee safety. A daring plan needed to be made.

At this moment, two Pathan brothers of Machhiwara—Ghani Khan and Nabi Khan—entered the scene. They were horse dealers by trade and admirers of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, whom they had previously met at Anandpur Sahib while supplying high-quality horses. When they heard that the Guru was hidden nearby and in grave danger, they immediately came forward to offer their loyalty and service.

Together, Gulaba, the Pathan brothers, and the Sikh companions formulated a plan to smuggle Guru Sahib out before Mughal forces could close in. A devout old woman, who had been weaving a blue cloak with the hope of gifting it to Guru Sahib someday, offered the garment—blue being the colour traditionally associated with Muslim saints.

Guru Gobind Singh Ji was dressed in these blue robes, appearing as a Muslim holy man, and placed inside a palanquin with heavy curtains shielding the interior from curious eyes. The brothers Ghani Khan and Nabi Khan took the front poles of the palanquin, while Bhai Dharam Singh lifted the rear. Bhai Daya Singh respectfully waved a chaur sahib, as would be done for a revered pir.

Whenever stopped by Mughal patrols, the bearers would declare, “Uchch da Pir!”—the holy man of Uchch, a historic centre of Muslim spirituality in southwest Punjab. The soldiers, hearing the name, would bow in reverence and let the group pass unquestioned.

Thus protected by the devotion of Sikhs and Muslims alike, Guru Gobind Singh Ji was safely escorted through Machhiwara and onward to Nehar/Hehrari near Raikot. There, another group of Sikhs took charge. Before parting, Guru Sahib blessed Ghani Khan and Nabi Khan and issued a hukamnama, praising their service and affectionately calling them “as sons to me.”

For generations, the brothers’ descendants revered this hukamnama as their most precious possession, even after the family migrated to Pakistan during the Partition of 1947. Their ancestral house in Machhiwara now stands as Gurdwara Uchch Da Pir, also known as Gurdwara Ghani Khan Nabi Khan, commemorating this episode.

A translated excerpt from the hukamnama reads:

“Let the Sikhs know that Ghani Khan and Nabi Khan are as sons to me.

They have saved me.

Whoever serves them shall be blessed.

Service rendered to them is service rendered unto me.”

Whether interpreted as literal history or spiritual narrative, the sakhi remains a powerful reminder of the loyalty, unity, and divine grace that marked Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s difficult journey through Machhiwara.