Leap Of Faith

" Doing Japji Sahib path at sunrise is the best way to start my day while spending a few moments to do rehraas sahib at sunset is just the perfect way to calm down after a long, hectic day," comments an enthusiastic Jonas Gompelmann, a German student on a student-exchange programme in India.

Jonas, who is in India under the Youth for Understanding (YFU) exchange programme, has taken to Sikhism after experiencing the rich heritage of the religion. Looking hand­ some in a turban, Jonas indeed makes for an unforgettable sight as he sits down to do 'path' and follow the other rituals. An international organisation, the national chapter of YFU has been involved with such programmes for a number of years. "There are quite a few countries now that are keen to explore India, its people, culture and family systems," informs Sukhbir Singh, regional director, North India. Countries from which most of these students come to India include Estonia, Belgium, Germany, America, France and Brazil. On the other hand, the outbound students from India mostly go for places such as America, Germany, France, Finland, Norway and Switzerland. "The authorities at YFU India use certain measures to decide on a few premium schools to whom they then present the programme," informs Singh.

Jonas, who credits his transformation to the strong influence of his host family, plans to carry back the teachings of the gurus to his home country. "When I go back, I'll make a special place in my house for Babaji, do path regularly and even continue wearing turban," says Jonas as he talks of his plans for the future. He explains how his host parents, "Mrs and Mr Kahlon" along with his host brother, all of them being amritdhari Sikhs, had an immense influence on him. Visiting a host of holy places like Harmandar Sahib in Amritsar, Hemkunt Sahib, Nanaksar Gurudwara near Ludhiana and many others had an impact on Jonas who has now stopped cutting his hair, wears a turban and vows never to smoke or drink, keeping in line with the dictates of the religion.

The fact that his host mother knew a lot about Sikh history and narrated the same to him also had an impact. "Earlier it was slightly difficult and cumbersome to tie a turban, but now I feel very confident and tie one myself," he quips. A student at the Saffron City School, Fatehgarh Sahib, Jonas says that he just doesn't do path for the sake of it but also understands what he reads. "I've procured translations of all the banis I recite and understand the meanings," he says. Talking of the reaction of his family, he explains how back home the family members ate tolerant of each others' beliefs and do not interfere much. "God is one. Find your own way to Him," is what his father said when he came to know of Jonas's transformation.

After all, religion is not about appearance but simply about how pure your heart is from within, philosophises Jonas as he sums up his feelings.



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