barublogJean Henry Dunant served the wounded soldiers of all three countries after the battle of Solferino in 1859. His ideas led to creating a voluntary organization known as the Red Cross in 1863.
Long before that, around 200 years before the Red Cross was born, The Dunant of India, Bhai Ghanaiya Ji had served wounded soldiers in battle.
Bhai Ghanaiya Ji, a disciple of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, initiated the concept of medical aid, offering drinking water and providing protection to the people without discrimination.
Non-discriminatory Service of Humanity
It was during the war of Sri Anandpur Sahib, Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji had assigned him to serve water to the wounded Sikh soldiers. He performed his duty diligently without making any distinction between Sikhs and non-Sikhs.
Some Sikh soldiers complained to Guru Gobind Singh Ji that Bhai Ghanaiya Ji had been providing water and care to the fallen enemy soldiers as well. Guru Gobind Singh summoned Bhai Ghanaiya and questioned him on the complaint.
He politely replied, “I see the divine glimpse of You in everyone fighting on the battlefield. Thus, by putting water in everyone’s mouth, irrespective of whether he is a Sikh or a Mughal.”
Guru Ji, pleased with the reply, blessed him, remarked that he had truly realized the Divine Mission of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, and gave him an ointment to treat the injured soldiers as well. This story is a befitting example of selfless service and a real precursor to the Red Cross.
Carrying forward the legacy
Taking a leaf out of the history created by Bhai Ghanaiya Ji and following the principles of the Gurmat laid down by all the Sikh Gurus, Akal Charitable Hospital has been ensuring the great endeavor of saving the lives of numerous patients by giving free treatment without looking into caste, creed, religion, and socio-economic background.
Also see
- Also read and download an article about this, written by renowned cricketer, Bishen Singh Bedi, from the Publications at Baru Sahib Website >> (click link)
- Know more about >> Akal Charitable Hospital, Baru Sahib
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