Guru Nanak Dev Ji, born on April 15, 1469, in the small village of Rai Bhoi Ki Talwandi (now in Pakistan), set Sikhism’s wheels in motion late in the 15th century. Around 1499, after a profound vision following a river immersion near Sultanpur, Nanak emerged with a revolutionary message: there’s only One Creator, and every soul holds equal worth.

He didn’t just preach; he hit the road—traversing across South Asia and beyond, engaging kings and commoners alike, breaking through rigid social barriers. His verses, later enshrined in the Guru Granth Sahib, became the heart of Sikh worship. That single spark ignited a faith built on devotion, social justice and the radical idea that no human stands above another.

Fast-forward to today, and Guru Nanak’s legacy still runs deep—from the Golden Temple’s golden glow in Amritsar to vibrant Nagar Kirtans celebrated worldwide each Gurpurab. Modern Sikhs, whether in rural Punjab or bustling streets of Vancouver, carry forward his call for compassion, service and unity—proof that a 15th-century vision can still raise the bar for humanity everywhere.