Synopsis
GURDWARAS ARE CENTRAL TO THE SIKH ETHOS. IN THE PRESENCE OF THE GURU GRANTH SAHIB, SIKHS PRAY, LISTEN TO GURBANI, AND SEEK ITS MESSAGE. THE SPIRIT OF SIKHISM LIVES THROUGH THE RITES OF BANI, KIRTAN, KATHA, SEWA, AND LANGAR. GURDWARAS ARE TRULY ABODES OF THE GURU.
Gurdwaras are central to the Sikh ethos. In the presence of Guru Granth Sahib, Sikhs pray, listen to Gurbani, and strive to understand its message. The spirit of Sikhism is manifested through various rites and activities that take place in a Gurdwara—the recitation of Bani from Guru Granth Sahib, kirtan, katha, sewa, and langar. Gurdwaras are abodes of the Guru.
Guru Nanak Dev and his successor Gurus envisioned a life where spirituality and daily living coalesce seamlessly. They expected the Sikhs to embody moral conduct, earn an honest living, and share their rewards, all while maintaining a deep spiritual and ethical foundation.
Gurdwaras is a meticulously curated collection of 51 Sikh shrines from India and around the world, each selected for its unique impact on its community. It explores the profound connections between social reality and spiritual consciousness that these Sikh institutions represent. Roopinder Singh paints a vivid word picture of these spiritual sanctuaries, their history, and heritage. The exquisite paintings by Allan Quesada complement and enrich the text.
About the Author
Roopinder Singh is an experienced journalist and accomplished author with a deep passion for Sikh history, religion, and heritage. With a career spanning several decades, he has contributed as a journalist, writer, and photographer.
A graduate of St. Stephen’s College, University of Delhi, with a BA (Hons) and MA in Philosophy, he began his writing journey in school, crafting short stories that he initially shared within his family. His passion for storytelling led him to a career in journalism, working for over 36 years.
Roopinder served as a reporter-editor in New York and Chandigarh, and retired as Senior Associate Editor of The Tribune, Chandigarh, in 2020. Notably, he was on the editorial board for 20 years and launched the Internet Edition of The Tribune in 1998. He played a key role in the newspaper, overseeing weekly supplements, including the Sunday magazine, and serving as the book reviews editor.
Roopinder has been an editorial writer, feature writer, and columnist. He wrote his first article on computers for The Tribune in 1991, which led to his column Computer Chat, introducing readers to the emerging cyber world. He also headed Log In Tribune (2001–2004), a supplement on information technology. Over the years, he contributed hundreds of opinion pieces and articles to The Tribune, covering international affairs, information technology, and Sikh history and culture. His interviews and contributions to The Last Word column were particularly well-received. Roopinder continues to write for newspapers and magazines, including The Tribune, The Indian Express, and Taj magazine.
Allan Quesada is a talented illustrator with a rich background in architecture and a deep passion for ecclesiastical art. A graduate of the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, he earned his bachelor’s degree in architecture and spent over a decade honing his skills as an architect. During this time, he developed a keen understanding of perspective and refined his artistic abilities, which laid the foundation for his career as an illustrator.
Inspired by the works of Renaissance masters such as Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo, Allan’s art is defined by its realism and intricate details. His illustrations vividly capture the beauty and essence of architecture, with a particular focus on places of worship. His passion for ecclesiastical art dates back to his childhood, when his first drawing—a basilica—was created at the age of five. Over the years, his travels across the world provided opportunities to sketch places of worship, each imbued with the spirit and character of the structures he admires.
Primarily working with watercolour, Allan also employs mediums such as oil, pastel, ink, and acrylic to bring his creations to life. Among his notable achievements is the illustrated book, Simbahán, which celebrates Philippine churches.
Allan shares his creative journey and art expertise on his YouTube channel, Watercolors by Allan Jay Quesada. Beyond illustration, he is pursuing architectural photography and revisiting his passion for oil painting, showcasing his versatility as an artist.
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