Back to Sikhi – Bhai Manvir Singh, UK

In March 18th, 2001 we had the end of year prom. I didn’t really feel like going to be honest. I thought it would be all gore, and they would be drinking and smoking and not be my scene. But with persuasion and help I realised that I needed to represent the Sikhs, as I am the only singh in the whole school, and make sure people will remember me with my turban, and Sikhi. When I arrived at the prom, I came in my dad’s car (a normal Rover car). My other friends, and classmates came in stretched limos and hired cars. I felt embarrassed. But when I arrived and walked towards the year group. The year group and people around all cheered. People hugged me and came close to get photos taken and to tell me how great I look. I felt like Daler Mehndi (perhaps a bad example, but you know what I mean) arriving at a concert. I felt great and top of the world. I danced and had fun, but did not drink, smoke or do any other bad things. And the people I hanged around with, were generally not drinking or smoking either. At the end, people said they wanted photos with me. Girls and boys had photos taken with me, because I was wearing a pagh. 

Before every GCSE exam I did Ardaas, and prayed to Waheguru Ji that may Waheguru help and guide me as well as help me to remember what I have learnt and do best I can in the exam. I also said, ‘May I accept Your Will humbly’. I said ‘Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh’ before I opened every exam paper and thanked Waheguru Ji before and after the exam. I did this for each exam. I didn’t feel as nervous as others and I felt confident and ready because of this. 

According to my predictions, my own personal thoughts and family thoughts, I predicted I was going to get a few A’s, mostly B’s, but C’s and God forbid but I thought one D. When walking down my school road I held my head high and thought of Guru Ji and about Waheguru. Then I started also thinking about what I was going to say to my dad when I get my C’s and D’s because all parents want their children to make them proud. 

Arriving at school, I went to get my results, prayed and did Ardaas that obviously that I get good grades but also that whatever happens I will be grateful to Waheguru Ji. When I opened my packet I saw A’s. Three A*’s, eight A’s and one B. Also enclosed was a congratulations slip from the School Principal and a personal invitation to the Principal office. I went to her office and she congratulated me and said I came fourth in the year group (out of just less than 300 pupils). My photo would have come in the paper and I would have been offered tea and biscuits but I had come too late because I had to come in my lunch break from work. I felt on top of the world and felt that I had been bestowed with blessings from Guru Ji and that all I had was because of Waheguru Ji. 

I now feel closer to Waheguru. I know Waheguru is in me, around me, and everywhere and that the Lord is willing to guide me, help me and console me if I go to Waheguru. I am embarrassed to admit that I was a little afraid of the dark, once I had to cross our school field at 9.30 pm on a winters day. As you can imagine how dark it would be, however my path was lighted with the light of the moon and I knew Waheguru was with me, so I remembered Waheguru and felt safe. 

My story isn’t a really a big story. I am just ordinary person. Guru Nanak Ji says, ‘Hum Nehee Changey, Buraa Nehee Koye… I am not good, no one is bad (I see no-one higher or lower than me)’. Love everyone! It takes a bigger person to see over colour, caste and religion and see the soul of the person.