Guru Nanak: His Life & Teachings

by Roopinder Singh

Guru Nanak, founder of the Sikh religion, declared that there was only one God and he travelled far and wide to spread the Word of God. In his own inimitable way, he used subtle persuasion, humour, sarcasm and even admonition to spread the message that everyone--the rich and the poor, man and woman--had equal status in His court. The book studies the life and teachings of Guru Nanak, as reflected in his compositions. It is profusely illustrated with reproductions of rare eighteenth century miniature paintings and line drawings, including a series from Janamsakhi that has never been published before.

96 pages, Hardcover

First published April 13, 2004

About the author

Roopinder Singh is a senior journalist, author, and chronicler whose work has shaped public understanding of Sikh history, culture, and contemporary life for decades.
His latest book, “Gurdwaras: Abodes of the Guru” (Gentry Press, 2025), was featured at the Frankfurt World Book Fair and has been released in various parts of the world, including the USA, Canada, and India. He was an editorial consultant for “Sikhs: The Story of Their Faith and Culture” (DK, 2023), and he edited the festschrift “An Inspiring Journey: Inderjit Kaur Sandhu” (Sahit Parkashan, 2021). Earlier, he wrote “Delhi ’84” (Sahit Parkashan, 2014) and co-authored “Sikh Heritage: Ethos and Relics” (Rupa, 2012). He was co-editor of the bilingual festschrift “Giani Gurdit Singh 2023–2007” (Sahit Parkashan, 2008). His “Guru Nanak Jiwan aur Sikshaian” was published by Rupa in 2007. It was a translation of “Guru Nanak: His Life and Teachings” (Rupa, 2004). Roopinder’s first book was “MIAF Arjan Singh DFC” (Rupa, 2002).
A graduate of St. Stephen’s College, University of Delhi, where he earned his BA (Hons) and MA degrees, he has spent over three and a half decades in journalism, serving in editorial roles in New York and Chandigarh, and retired in 2020 as Senior Associate Editor of The Tribune, Chandigarh. Roopinder has written extensively on international affairs, technology, Sikh history, and culture, and is widely respected for bringing balance, clarity, and depth to complex subjects.

Reviews

[Manish Bhojwani · Rating 5 out of 5]

This read is must for people who believe that religion can change way of living. This book gives clear concept of 'Sikh' religion which Guru Nanak ji himself propounded and established this great religion. This book tells the reader how Guru Nanak ji established this religion by facing insurmountable taboos of other religions. Teaching of japji i.e. pray to god but be involve in domestic responsibility was the focal point.

[Kathi Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enlightening

I found this book to be easy to read and informative. I think one mark of a good book is that it makes you want to read more by the author and on the topic. And I do! My gratitude to the author for his work on this book.