Guru Purnima 2026

I think Gurus are slightly different from teachers. Those who teach us – subject, matter , conduct, discipline etc are teachers and merit all our respect. But a Guru goes slightly beyond direct teaching. Guruji ( Nirmal Singh baba), Neem Karauli baba and others who cease to exist but still inspire devotion and dedication amongst the followers who probably never met them in person. Even living gurus like Swami Premanand, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Sadguru, Shankaracharyas, heads of Nirankari and Radhasoami groups, saints, pirs – all invoke feeling of faith abd devotion from the followers who might not have seen them in person or have had any direct interaction. 

I see myself unfit to be in any of the above categories- either a Guru or a teacher. I have neither been a specialist in any subject, teaching seekers of knowledge in that subject nor given any general gyan or awareness to anyone ! However, on every Guru Purnima, several of my close friends, former colleagues and other acquaintances shower me with their love and affection for which I can only express my gratitude. 

I also bow to all those living and ceasing to exist who influenced me in my formative as well as later years to make me a slightly better person than what I would  have been in their absence from my life.

Happy Guru Purnima.