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Book offering English rendering of composition by Guru Arjan Dev set for release on Jan 14

Author, retired IAS officer KBS Sidhu, says the book bridges spiritual traditions irrespective of theistic or atheistic views, highlighting manifestations of Akal Purakh in familiar terms to foster inner peace universally

Author, retired IAS officer KBS Sidhu, also known for his blog KBS Chronicle, completed the project, starting in mid-April 2025Author, retired IAS officer KBS Sidhu, also known for his blog KBS Chronicle, completed the project, starting in mid-April 2025

A book offering an accessible English rendering of the sacred Sikh composition by Guru Arjan Dev, titled ‘Sukhmani Sahib: The Guru’s Pathway to Inner Peace – A Seeker’s Line-by-Line English Translation with Essence’, by blending line-by-line translation with personal reflections on each Pauri’s (verse) essence, will be released at Gurdwara Patshahi Dasvin in Chandigarh on January 14.

Author, retired IAS officer KBS Sidhu, also known for his blog KBS Chronicle, completed the project, starting in mid-April 2025, publishing one Pauri daily through his newsletter. He built upon open-source translations by prior scholars, adding intros to each ‘ashtpadi’ and concise “essences” for contemplation, all while emphasising his human limitations and seeking forgiveness for any errors.

Composed around 1602-03 at Ramsar Sarovar in Amritsar, Sukhmani Sahib’s 24 ashtpadis (192 pauris) now reach global seekers beyond Sikh boundaries, invoking universal names like Ram, Hari and Prabh for the formless creator.

Sidhu said, “This is not commercial; it’s getting printed at my own personal cost. I will also make the PDF of the book available free of cost.”

“Targeted at young Sikhs and Sikh diaspora youth weak in Gurmukhi, Sindhi Sikh communities revering Guru Nanak and Guru Arjan Dev, and even broader Hindu seekers, the book bridges spiritual traditions irrespective of theistic or atheistic views, highlighting manifestations of Akal Purakh in familiar terms to foster inner peace universally,” Sidhu said.

Asked why he worked on this project, Sidhu said, “After my retirement, I have been running KBS Chronicle. On it, I used to keep writing on various topics — sometimes on Sikh history, and scripture readings. I also shared my translation of some verses from Sukhmani Sahib. It drew positive feedback, with many readers encouraging me to work more on this. The readers kept saying that there are translations, but some of them are too literal. And because of this, you should translate.”

“I am not a trained scholar in Sikh or religious studies, in general. I have no claims of mastery or authority. What I offer is a seeker’s voice — a servant’s humble attempt to understand the depths of the divine wisdom encapsulated in these sacred lines,” he said.

Kamaldeep Singh Brar is a Principal Correspondent at The Indian Express, primarily covering Amritsar and the Majha region of Punjab. He is one of the publication's key reporters for stories involving the Akal Takht, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), and the sensitive socio-political issues of the border districts. Core Beats & Specializations Religious & Panthic Affairs: He has deep expertise in the internal workings of the Akal Takht and SGPC, frequently reporting on religious sentences (Tankhah), Panthic politics, and the influence of Sikh institutions. National Security & Crime: His reporting covers cross-border drug smuggling, drone activities from Pakistan, and the activities of radical groups. Regional Politics: He is the primary correspondent for the Majha belt, covering elections and political shifts in Amritsar, Tarn Taran, and Gurdaspur. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) His work in late 2025 has been centered on judicial developments, local body elections, and religious controversies: 1. Religious Politics & Akal Takht "Akal Takht pronounces religious sentences against former Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh" (Dec 8, 2025): Covering the historic decision to hold the former Jathedar guilty for granting a pardon to Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim in 2015. "YouTube suspends SGPC’s channel for a week over video on 1984 Army action" (Nov 20, 2025): Reporting on the digital friction between global tech platforms and Sikh religious bodies. "As AAP govt grants Amritsar holy tag, a look at its fraught demand" (Nov 28, 2025): An analytical piece on the long-standing demand for declaring Amritsar a "holy city" and its political implications. 2. Crime & National Security "Mostly Khalistanis on Amritpal’s hit list: Punjab govt to High Court" (Dec 16, 2025): Reporting on the state government's claims regarding jailed MP Amritpal Singh orchestrating activity from prison. "Punjab man with links to Pakistan’s ISI handlers killed in encounter" (Nov 20, 2025): Detailing a police operation in Amritsar involving "newly refurbished" firearms likely sent from across the border. "15 schools in Amritsar get bomb threat emails; police launch probe" (Dec 12, 2025): Covering the panic and police response to mass threats against educational institutions. 3. Political Analysis & Elections "AAP wins 12 of 15 zones in SAD stronghold Majitha" (Dec 19, 2025): Highlighting a significant shift in the 2025 rural elections where the Akali Dal lost its grip on a traditional fortress. "Tarn Taran bypoll: woman faces threats after complaining to CM Mann about drug menace" (Nov 9, 2025): A ground report on the personal risks faced by citizens speaking out against the illegal drug trade in border villages. "AAP wins Tarn Taran bypoll, but SAD finds silver lining" (Nov 14, 2025): Analyzing the 2025 assembly by-election results and the surprising performance of Independents backed by radical factions. 4. Human Interest "Two couples and a baby: Punjab drug addiction tragedy has new victims" (Nov 20, 2025): A tragic investigative piece about parents selling an infant to fund their addiction. "Kashmiri women artisans debut at Amritsar’s PITEX" (Dec 8, 2025): A feature on financial independence initiatives for rural women at the Punjab International Trade Expo. Signature Beat Kamaldeep is known for his nuanced understanding of border dynamics. His reporting often highlights the "drug crisis in the underprivileged localities" (like Muradpur in Tarn Taran, Nov 9, 2025), providing a voice to marginalized communities affected by addiction and administrative neglect. X (Twitter): @kamalsbrar ... Read More

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