My First Podcast

How It All Began: The Night My Mother Opened the Treasure of Sakhis

It was a chilly winter night — the kind that wraps you in silence, with the faint scent of cold air and the vibes of Christmas everywhere. For many, December brings carols and celebration.
But for us Sikhs… December feels different.

It’s a month that carries stories — of courage, of sacrifice, of truth. It’s a month that reminds us of who we are, where we come from, and why the word Khalsa still echoes strength through generations.

Even as a child, I remember thinking — does anyone else know these stories? Coming back to it, if you have listened to my episode, literally as a kid, I used to sleep thinking that nobody knew about our history!

But that belief became the seed of what I do today.
Let me take you back to where it all started.

The Nights of Stories and Warmth

Every night, after dinner, when the world outside grew quieter and the stars peeked through the misty dark sky, my mother would open what I called “the treasure of stories”. However, it would actually be a book related to Sikh History.

It wasn’t gold or jewels — it was something far more valuable. It was a new story—a Sakhi.

For those who might not know, Sakhi means a factual story — a sacred account of Sikh history that carries a lesson, a message, a glimpse of divine truth.

This was our small ritual every night. My mom would spread a small carpet, and my younger sibling and I would sit close to her. The room would be warm with the soft yellow glow of the heater (because winter), and as she began to read in Punjabi, her voice would turn our small home into another world for me!

We were too young to understand every word, but we could feel the emotion. The way she explained each story, patiently translating it into words our little hearts could grasp — that was where faith began to take root.

I remember imagining Guru Nanak Dev Ji walking by the riverside, the gentle rhythm of Bhai Mardana Ji’s rabab echoing through the air. I would close my eyes and keep on wondering — what must that sound have felt like? What peace must have filled those who listened?
For several years, every December in our home meant cozy blankets, warm food, and the comforting sound of stories about Guru Gobind Singh Ji and the Chaar Sahibzade.
Yes, there were movie nights too — the kind filled with laughter, snacks, and the sparkle of Christmas lights outside. We enjoyed the festive cheer, but our parents made sure that, amidst the joy of the season, we never forgot the roots of our faith.

They taught us to cherish Sikh history, to feel pride in our identity, and equally, to respect other religions and their celebrations. That balance — between faith and openness — became one of the most beautiful lessons of my childhood.

But those nights were more than just stories before bed. They were our heritage being whispered into our souls — teaching us resilience, love, and the strength that comes from faith. Even in the coldest winters, those stories reminded us that belief can keep the heart warm.

Realizing the Silence

Fast forward 20 years — I found myself talking to cousins, friends, even other Sikhs around me.
And to my surprise, many of them didn’t know much of these sakhis. Not the way we had known them — through warmth, wonder, and feeling.

That’s when something stirred within me. I personally believe it was divine will.
That it was Waheguru ji’s gentle nudge saying, “It’s time to share the treasure again.”

During the pandemic, when the world slowed down and podcasts began to bloom, I felt an inner calling. I wanted everyone to know how Sikhism began — not just as a religion, but as a way of life. I wanted to remind the world that the struggles may look different today, but the essence remains the same:
Gurbani is still the guiding light, and the answers are still there — waiting quietly, in His words.

From One Listener to Another

So this is what began the Sikh History Sakhi podcast. Each episode of this podcast is a reflection of those winter nights — a bridge between our history and your heart.

If you’ve ever wondered what keeps us strong, what made us Khalsa, or how to align your life with Gurbani, then maybe this space is for you.

And perhaps tonight, as you sip your tea or wrap yourself in a blanket, you’ll remember —
Every faith begins with a story, and sometimes, all it takes to find your roots again…
is to listen with an open heart…..

If this story reminded you of your childhood, share it with someone who would love to reconnect with our Sikh roots.
You can also listen to the episodes on the Sikh History Sakhi Podcast.