Students from over 130 Akal Academies across five states (Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh) compete each year in both girl’s and boy’s categories. The teams compete in two stages at the regional and zonal levels, and the winners advance to the third and final leg of the tournament held at Akal Academy Baru Sahib.
In this year’s tournament, for the very first time, Gatka (the traditional Sikh martial art) was introduced in the competition. Along with Gatka, students competed in 3 other sports -Basketball, Football and Hockey.
Gatka, saw participation from 7 teams — Dhugga Kalan (PB), Kamalpur (PB), NawanQuilla (PB), Bhunsla (HR), Dumdama Sahib (PB), and Baru Sahib (HP).
Basketball welcomed 6 academies — Akal Academy Muktsar Sahib (PB), Bhai Desa (PB), Chunni Kalan (PB), Gomti (UP), Kauriwara (PB) and Baru Sahib (HP).
Football brought together 7 teams — Akal Academy Manawan (PB), Jaga Ram Tirath (PB), Tibber (PB), FatehgarhChanna (PB), Padampur (RJ), Gomti (UP) and Baru Sahib (HP).
Hockey featured 7 teams — Manawan (PB), Kauriwara (PB), ChakMander (PB), Kamalpur (PB), FatehgarhChanna (PB), Dadehar Sahib (PB) and Baru Sahib (HP).
The winning and participating teams were felicitated by Babaji Dr. Davinder Singh Ji, President of The Kalgidhar Society and Dr. Neelam Kaur, Advisor – Health & Education, The Kalgidhar Society.
The celebration began with the Shabad “Dum Na BirthaJaye”, filling the atmosphere with gratitude and grace.Students presented a meaningful play about a monk and four birds - a crow, swan, parrot and peacock, each wishing to be someone else.
Their journey revealed a beautiful message: true happiness comes from embracing who we are, without comparison, for each of us is uniquely created by the Divine.
The celebration also featured an engaging Musical Quiz on classical string instruments, followed by a graceful Kathak dance performance and an adorable puppet show, where students narrated their story through handcrafted puppets, adding colour and rhythm to the day.
This World Kindness Day, let’s sow seeds of compassion, the essence of true education.
> ਧਰਮ ਹੇਤ ਸਾਕਾ ਜਿਨਿ ਕੀਆ ॥
> ਸੀਸੁ ਦੀਆ ਪਰੁ ਸਿਰਰੁ ਨ ਦੀਆ ॥
>
> Dharam het saakaa jin keeaa ||
> Sees dheeaa par sirar na dheeaa ||
>
> For the sake of Dharma, Guru Sahib sacrificed himself.
> Gave his head but not his principles.
>
>
> Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji, the 9th Guru Nanak (9th Sikh Guru Sahib), is revered as “Hind Di Chadar”—the Shield of India. Guru Sahib’s supreme sacrifice in 1675 remains one of humanity’s greatest acts of courage, compassion and commitment to protecting the rights of others.
>
> In 1675, during the oppressive rule of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, the Kashmiri Pandit community faced severe religious persecution and the threat of forced conversion. With no refuge left, they turned to Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji at Anandpur Sahib, seeking protection and guidance.
>
> Recognising the severity of their suffering, Guru Sahib made a historic decision that changed the course of India’s spiritual and human rights landscape. Guru Sahib declared that if the Mughal emperor could convert him, the spiritual guide of millions, then the entire community would accept conversion. If not, the tyranny must stop.
>
> This powerful stand was not for the Kashmiri Pandits alone; it was for the universal right of every human being to practise their faith freely.
>
> Guru Sahib, along with three devoted Sikhs - Bhai Mati Das Ji, Bhai Sati Das Ji and Bhai Dayala Ji, left from Anandpur Sahib and offered themselves for arrest at Agra, after which they were taken to Delhi. The beloved Sikhs faced severe torture but remained unshaken in their faith.
>
> In November 1675, Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji attained martyrdom in Chandni Chowk, giving His life so that others could follow their faith with freedom and dignity.
>
> After the martyrdom, the Sacred Sheesh (holy head) of Guru Sahib was carried from Delhi to Anandpur Sahib by Bhai Jaita Ji (later Bhai Jiwan Singh Ji). Wherever Bhai Sahab Ji stopped on the way, Gurdwaras, known as Gurdwara Sri Seesh Ganj Sahib , stand today in remembrance. The Sacred Sheesh was cremated at Anandpur Sahib in the presence of Guru Gobind Singh Ji.
>
> The Sacred body of Guru Sahib was cremated by Bhai Lakhi Shah Banjara Ji, who set fire to his own house to perform the cremation safely.
>
> Witnessing this profound injustice, Guru Gobind Singh Ji urged the Sikhs to prepare themselves, a message that later led to the creation of the Khalsa Panth, a disciplined spiritual force to stand against oppression and protect righteousness.
>
> This unparalleled sacrifice of Guru Sahib marked a turning point in Indian history:
>
> * It defended freedom of belief.
> * It challenged religious persecution.
> * It established the Sikh community as protectors of human rights.
>
> Three and a half centuries later, Guru Sahib’s message remains eternal - Stand for truth. Protect the oppressed. Uphold human dignity at all costs.
>
Glimpses of Prakash Purab of Sahib Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji at Baru Sahib.
The Prakash Purab of Pehli Patshahi, Sahib Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, was observed with devotion through a week-long series of events, including PrabhatPheris, Nagar Kirtan, and the Bhog of Sri Sehaj Path. The Sangat of Baru Sahib, including students of Akal Academy and Eternal University, along with teaching and non-teaching staff and devotees, participated with deep love and reverence.
Satgur Nanak Pragatia,
MitiDund Jag Chanan Hoya.
On the sacred occasion of the 556th Prakash Purab of the Founder of Sikhism, DhanDhan Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji Maharaj, a Nagar Kirtan commenced from Baru Sahib, continuing the long-standing tradition of devotion and unity.
The Sangat of Baru Sahib, including students of Akal Academy and Eternal University, along with teaching, non-teaching staff and devotees, participated with deep love and reverence, singing Shabads in remembrance of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
Upholding the age-old tradition, the motorlessPalki Sahib of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji was respectfully pulled by the devotees, a beautiful reminder of Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s timeless teaching of humility, selfless service and hard work while staying spiritually grounded.