New Delhi/Chandigarh, August 13, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Rajya Sabha MP Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal has urged the Centre to confer the country’s highest civilian honour, the Bharat Ratna, on Bhai Ghanaiya Ji, describing him as a timeless symbol of selfless service and compassion.
Raising the issue in the Rajya Sabha, Seechewal also demanded that Bhai Ghanaiya Ji’s birth anniversary on September 20 be observed at the national level so that his message of service, equality and human unity can inspire younger generations.
Seechewal said that while organisations such as the Red Cross are globally recognised for humanitarian service, Sikh history had provided a remarkable example of selfless service centuries ago.
Recalling Bhai Ghanaiya Ji’s service during the time of the Tenth Guru, Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, Seechewal said he would provide water to wounded soldiers on the battlefield without making any distinction between friend and foe.
When Guru Gobind Singh Ji summoned him and questioned him about the practice, Bhai Ghanaiya Ji explained that the Guru had taught him to see the Divine presence in every human being. He therefore saw the same divine form in everyone, Seechewal said.
Pleased with his response and devotion to humanitarian service, Guru Gobind Singh Ji provided Bhai Ghanaiya Ji with materials to treat and dress the wounds of injured soldiers, ensuring that no wounded person was denied care, Seechewal added.
He said Bhai Ghanaiya Ji’s legacy was not merely part of Sikh history but conveyed a universal message of compassion, equality, brotherhood and selfless service.
According to Seechewal, his life demonstrated the importance of serving humanity by rising above distinctions of religion, caste, affiliation and considerations of friend or foe.
He said honouring Bhai Ghanaiya Ji with the Bharat Ratna and observing his birth anniversary nationally would strengthen the values of service, harmony and human unity across the country.
FOLLOW NOW
