Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, was born on April 15, 1469 in the village of Talwandi, now known as Nankana Sahib, in present-day Pakistan. He was born into a Hindu family and was named Nanak after his father, Mehta Kalu, who was a patwari (accountant) in the local revenue office. His mother, Mata Tripta, was a devout woman who instilled in him a deep spiritual inclination from a young age.

Nanak's birthplace, Talwandi, was a bustling town with a diverse population of Hindus and Muslims. It was also a center of trade and commerce, which exposed Nanak to different cultures and religions. He received a basic education in Hindi, Sanskrit, and Persian, and showed a keen interest in spirituality and philosophy.

At the age of 16, Nanak was sent to live with his sister, Nanaki, in Sultanpur, where he worked in the court of Nawab Daulat Khan Lodi. It was during this time that he met and married Mata Sulakhni, and they had two sons, Sri Chand and Lakhmi Das. Despite his responsibilities as a family man and a job at the court, Nanak continued to search for spiritual truth and spent long hours in meditation.

It was in 1499, at the age of 30, that Nanak had a life-changing experience. He disappeared into the river for three days and emerged with a divine revelation, proclaiming, "There is no Hindu, there is no Muslim." He had a vision of God and was filled with a deep sense of unity and oneness with the divine. This experience marked the beginning of his spiritual journey and his mission to spread the message of love, equality, and truth.

Nanak traveled extensively, covering thousands of miles on foot, to spread his teachings and engage in meaningful discussions with people of different faiths. He emphasized the importance of living a simple and honest life, rejecting superstitions and rituals, and treating all human beings with respect and compassion. He also composed beautiful hymns, known as Gurbani, which are still recited by Sikhs today.

Guru Nanak's teachings and principles laid the foundation for Sikhism, a religion that emphasizes the importance of living a moral and ethical life, serving others, and remembering God in everything we do. Today, Nanak's birthplace, Nankana Sahib, is a holy site for Sikhs, and his legacy continues to inspire millions of people around the world.