The Power of Janam Sakhis — Interview with Prof. Harpal Singh Pannu
An interview with Professor Harpal Singh Pannu, a renowned Sikh historian and writer, hosted on the Aadv talk show. Prof. Pannu shares his journey from a humble childhood — where his mother taught him to revere the sacred letters (akhar) of Gurbani — to becoming one of the most beloved storytellers of Sikh history. He explains the power of Janam Sakhis (life stories of Guru Nanak Dev Ji), how they remain alive by giving new meaning in every age, and why miracles and myths within them should not be rejected outright but understood as powerful, subtle teachings. He also discusses the distinct styles of Guru Granth Sahib and Dasam Granth, how the Tenth Guru reshaped the nature of Vedic avatars for Gurmat purposes, and why Guru Nanak's teachings align with theistic tradition. The conversation covers his celebrated books — including works on Bhai Mardana, Baba Banda Singh Bahadur, and Maharaja Ranjit Singh — and his belief that sakhis heal the wounded heart and strengthen the soul, bringing peace to body and mind.
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Interview Details: Prof. Harpal Singh Pannu — The Power of Janam Sakhis (Aadv Talk Show)
Guest: Professor Harpal Singh Pannu — renowned Sikh historian, writer, and beloved storyteller of Sikh history and sakhis (sacred narratives)
Key topics covered:
1. A childhood rooted in reverence for Gurbani
Born to illiterate parents, his mother could read printed Gurmukhi and had Japji Sahib memorized. She taught him that akhar (sacred letters) are precious — instilling deep adab (respect) for Gurbani. She illustrated this through the story of Bhai Maha Singh and the 40 Sikhs of Muktsar, who signed a letter disowning the Guru and later gave their lives to take it back — a powerful lesson in the value of words and faith.
2. How he fell in love with Janam Sakhis
As a young boy he discovered Bhai Bala Ji's Janam Sakhi wrapped in a cloth in his mother's trunk. He began reading the captivating stories to children, then adults gathered too — and a lifelong bond with the Janam Sakhi tradition was born.
3. The living power of sakhis
A sakhi stays alive when it expands and gives new meaning in every age. He gives examples — the Sudama story (Krishna only embraces those who come of their own free will, not pushed by others), and Japanese philosopher Kakuzo Okakura's Book of Tea — showing how myth carries subtle, powerful teachings. His message: don't dismiss miracles and myths outright; they are subtle instruments of wisdom.
4. Guru Granth Sahib vs Dasam Granth
Guru Granth Sahib speaks of the Nirankar (formless Akal Purakh); Dasam Granth portrays the Sakaar (manifested) Akal Purakh — how the Divine acts in history. The Tenth Guru retold the Vedic avatar stories from a Gurmat perspective, reshaping their nature (as the Buddha did before him) so Sikhs wouldn't be misled — 'the poetry of politics,' warning the Khalsa that former allies may turn into adversaries.
5. Why Buddha and Jain traditions aren't referenced in Gurbani
They belong to the anisvarvadi (non-theistic) tradition, while Gurmat shares the theistic ground with the Vedic tradition — hence the countless references to Dhru, Prahlad, Ram, and Ravan.
6. His writing journey
An English professor once told him he must read the world's classics before writing. He didn't write until age 50. A trip to Pakistan revealed new research on Rai Bular Khan and Bhai Mardana, inspiring his first article. His acclaimed books include works on Bhai Mardana, Baba Banda Singh Bahadur, and Maharaja Ranjit Singh — always presenting a balanced, respectful portrait (he cites the inscription at Darbar Sahib where Ranjit Singh calls himself 'sevak' of the Guru).
7. Sakhis as healing
Sakhis act as balm on wounds and strengthen the soul — when the spirit is healthy, the body follows. In his childhood, a sakhi of Bhai Lalo was told to bring down a fever.
Core message: 'ਜਿਨ ਪ੍ਰੇਮ ਕੀਓ ਤਿਨ ਹੀ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਪਾਇਆ' — those who love, find God. True religion teaches love, not fighting.
This summary is based on the Aadv Talk Show interview. Wah.guru shares it for reflection and discovery and does not independently verify every historical or theological interpretation presented.