Faith, Struggle and Punjab’s Spirit:
In a deeply engaging conversation on the Rishika Show, Baba Gulab Singh Ji explores the meaning of sadhana, simran and bhagti, and how spiritual practice can transform the human mind. He speaks about keeping the mind in Chardi Kala, developing compassion and seeing the Divine in every person and every part of life. The conversation also touches upon Punjab’s growing drug crisis, the need for guidance among the youth, Sikh history, the struggles of the community and the importance of remembering figures such as Bibi Bimal Kaur Khalsa and Bhai Jaswant Singh Khalra. His message remains simple: begin with devotion, keep the mind clean and let compassion guide your actions.
The Journey Within: Faith, Compassion and Chardi Kala:
For Baba Gulab Singh Ji, spirituality does not begin with complicated rituals. It begins with something much simpler, sitting down and remembering the Divine.
During his conversation with Rishika Kaushal, he explains that sadhana, simran and bhagti gradually transform the state of the mind. The purpose is to bring the mind into Chardi Kala, a state where neither extreme happiness nor sorrow can completely disturb one’s inner balance. As the mind becomes calmer and cleaner, hatred, jealousy and negativity begin to disappear, making space for humility and compassion.
He thinks that compassion is one of the most evident indicators of true spiritual development. When an individual cultivates daya, they struggle to purposely harm someone else. Rather, they start recognizing the Divine in all things from nourishment and drink to those who assist or lead them.
Baba Gulab Singh Ji also makes spirituality accessible to everyone. According to him, there is no single complicated formula for devotion. A person can read Bani, repeat Waheguru, Ram Ram or Allah Allah according to their faith. The important thing is simply to begin. Once someone starts sitting in devotion, he believes, the path gradually unfolds on its own.
The conversation then moves towards Punjab’s youth and the growing problem of substance abuse. Baba Gulab Singh Ji expresses concern over the increasing influence of drugs on the younger generation and stresses the importance of sangat, spiritual guidance and positive values. He also questions the tendency to reduce Punjab to the image of a “drug-ridden state”, reminding listeners of the courage and resilience repeatedly displayed by Punjabi youth.
An additional significant aspect of the discussion centres on Sikh history. Discussing Satluj, he emphasizes the hardships faced by Sikhs and the sacrifices during challenging times, underscoring the importance of younger generations understanding their community’s history. The conversation highlights individuals like Bibi Bimal Kaur Khalsa and Bhai Jaswant Singh Khalra, whose narratives symbolize perseverance, bravery, and selflessness.
The conversation also reflects on Baba Gulab Singh Ji’s recent Europe tour, where large gatherings of the Sikh sangat took place across Spain, Italy and Greece. He expresses gratitude for the love and respect shown by the sangat, describing the tour as a deeply meaningful experience.
In the end, his message returns to the same idea: transformation starts in the mind. Regardless of whether it’s about combating negativity, mentoring the young, or fortifying a community, the path begins with commitment, contemplation, and empathy.
References:
- Primary Source: Rishika Show — Interview with Baba Gulab Singh Ji.
- YouTube: Rishika Show — Baba Gulab Singh Ji interview/video.
- Author/ Writer: Aarchi Verma