Guru Nanak, also known as Baba Nanak, is the founder of Sikhism and is revered as the first of the ten Sikh Gurus. He was born in 1469 in a small village called Talwandi, now known as Nankana Sahib, in present-day Pakistan. From a young age, Guru Nanak showed a deep interest in spirituality and a strong sense of compassion towards others.

As a child, Guru Nanak was known to be a curious and introspective soul. He would often question the rituals and practices of the prevalent religions in his community, seeking a deeper understanding of the Divine. His parents were Hindu, and he was exposed to both Hindu and Muslim teachings, which greatly influenced his spiritual journey.

At the age of 16, Guru Nanak started working for a merchant, and during his travels, he met a spiritual teacher named Bhai Lalo, who had a profound impact on him. Bhai Lalo was a poor carpenter, but he lived a life of simplicity and contentment, which left a lasting impression on Guru Nanak. He realized that true spirituality was not about rituals and external appearances but about living a life of service, compassion, and equality.

At the age of 30, Guru Nanak had a life-changing experience. He disappeared into the river for three days and emerged with a divine revelation. He declared, "There is no Hindu, there is no Muslim," emphasizing the idea of oneness and equality of all beings. He also proclaimed, "There is only one God, and His name is Truth," rejecting the idea of multiple deities and emphasizing the importance of living a truthful and honest life.

After this experience, Guru Nanak began to spread his message of love, equality, and service to humanity. He traveled extensively, covering thousands of miles on foot, to spread his teachings. He also composed hymns and poems, which became the foundation of the Sikh scriptures, known as the Guru Granth Sahib.

Guru Nanak's teachings attracted a large following, and his disciples became known as Sikhs, meaning "disciples" or "students." He also established a community of followers, known as the sangat, which was based on the principles of equality and service to others. He also introduced the concept of langar, a free community kitchen, where people from all walks of life could come together and share a meal, breaking down social barriers.

Guru Nanak's teachings and principles formed the basis of Sikhism, a religion that emphasizes the importance of living a life of service, equality, and devotion to the Divine. His message of oneness and compassion continues to inspire millions of people around the world, making him not just the founder of Sikhism but a spiritual leader whose teachings are relevant even today.