The other day, I went to the Gurdwara Sahib as usual. After doing parikrama, I sat down for a moment of reflection. That’s when I noticed something that truly touched my heart.

A young boy was running around inside the Gurdwara. He was full of energy—exploring every corner, making a bit of noise, even playing with the tabla. At one point, he tried to peek at the Guru Granth Sahib Ji with innocent curiosity. My first reaction was what most of us usually think: "Why isn’t someone stopping him?"

His parents were sitting quietly in one corner, doing their paath with full concentration. They weren’t scolding him, stopping him, or calling him back. It felt unusual… because we’re so used to seeing parents shush their children in the Gurdwara.

Once their paath was done, I politely asked them, “When your child was touching the shastars and running around, why didn’t you stop him?”

Their reply left me speechless.

“Why should we stop him? This is how he will learn. Let him touch, let him explore. That’s how he’ll grow curious. Today he’s touching the shastars… tomorrow, he’ll ask why they’re here, what they mean. That’s where it begins.”

They walked away calmly, but their words stayed with me.

Let Curiosity Lead to Connection

As Punjabi parents, we often feel pressure to keep our children disciplined—especially in sacred spaces like Gurdwaras. But what if, instead of stopping them, we guided their curiosity?

Children learn not just by sitting still, but by experiencing their environment. Letting a child respectfully observe the Guru Granth Sahib Ji, touch the shastars, or play the tabla isn’t disrespect—it’s engagement. It’s a doorway to spiritual learning.

The Start of a Sikh Child’s Journey

Think about it—how else will a child learn about our Sikh history, our values, our Gurus? Not just through books, but by feeling connected. By letting them see, touch, and ask.

• Why is the Guru Granth Sahib Ji covered with a rumala?

• What is a kirpan doing here?

• Who was Baba Deep Singh Ji?

These questions will only come when we allow our children to experience the beauty of our faith firsthand.

How We Can Support This as Parents

- Instead of scolding, explain.
-Instead of pulling them away, sit with them and share stories.
-Take them to Gurdwara regularly and let them explore in a safe and respectful way.
-Answer their questions—even the small ones.
-Encourage love, not fear, when it comes to spirituality.

Planting the Seeds of Sikhi Early

The young child I saw that day was not being naughty—he was beginning his Sikh journey in the most natural way possible. Through play. Through exploration. Through love.

Let’s remember: our children are the future of Sikhism. And their journey starts with us—at home, in the Gurdwara, and in our everyday actions.