Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, was born in 1469 in present-day Nankana Sahib (now in Punjab, Pakistan). Spreading the word of ‘ik-onkar’ (one god), he propagated a religion that encouraged people to live a life of harmony, humility and service. Service (or seva) forms a crucial act of devotion towards the Rab, motivating people to work towards the betterment of mankind by acts of selfless kindness. Guru Nanak also denounced ritualism, and discrimination against women and people from underprivileged backgrounds. Guru Nanak ventured on five udasis (travels propagating the teachings of the Guru) throughout his life, travelling mostly on foot, as far and wide as modern-day India and Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Arab countries including Mecca. After 1524, Guru Nanak settled in Kartarpur until his death in 1539.

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