Today someone forwarded me a link to a cool video which appears to be clay animation. This is the first animated video I have seen telling stories related to Guru Nanak (or any Guru for that matter). I am familiar with all the stories, but there was something nice about seeing it visually in the animation. 
I always hear about controversy of making a movie/animation about the Sikh Gurus. In my opinion I think it can be a great way to educate the youth about Sikhi. In this age of multi-media it is helpful to have these types of means for teaching children. As with anything…there is always room for mistakes, but with the right intentions and effort I think the positive benefits far outweigh any negative.
After a bit of searching around I found out that this animation is just part of a DVD on most of the major world religions. The DVD is titled "Religions of the World: Our World Faiths Animated". It is for sale on Amazon.com and other retailers. If you have a Netflix video rental account you can rent it too (I just added it to my rental queue).
"Illustrating brilliant renditions of different faiths and cultures around the world, this highly acclaimed animated series from the BBC captures the essence and basic tenets of eight religions—Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Sufism, Buddhism, Hinduism, Sikhism, and Confucianism. Each 15-minute segment (Buddhism and Hinduism are 30 minutes each) offers easy-to-grasp stories through soothing characters, pleasant and culturally significant music, and a mixture of cel animation, paintings, and Claymation. Though appropriate for all ages, this artistically valid series is a great way to capture the interest and enthusiasm of younger students. Grades 3 and up. Color. Total time: 150 minutes"
So, have a watch of the section on Guru Nanak and if you enjoy it get a copy of the DVD to learn more about all the other religions. My son Narayan enjoyed it. He knew must of the stories but loved watching it visually.
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great video; no surprises that it is a success with the kids!
on a lighter note - while Guru Nanak Dev Ji leads his entire life across the video, the ‘untouchable’ lady and her daughter don’t seem to get even a day older :)
wahe guru ji ka khalsa wahe guru ji ki fateh!
I luv my god!
wahe guru ji ka khalsa wahe guru ji ki fateh!
Yes I agree that’s a cool thing. I reckon someone should make something about Sikh women because we have a real rich heritage but most girls like I was are unaware of this.
It’s really a beautiful video and I would have loved it as a child. I really hope to have it for my children. WaheGuru!
I agree with Sarabjit singh hehehe the lady and her child does not get a day older. heheehe
WJKK
WJKF
This really is a marvellous creation and an honest attempt to take the message of Guru Nanak to the younger generations.
But this is what happens when we Sikhs will not turn to multimedia to propogate the message og our great Gurus. Their is great misrepresentation in this movie as far as Guru Nanak, Bebe Nanaki & other characters are concerned. But we can’t blame the creators for this as we ourselves have turned our back to this media and if some non-sikh will make such movies, the misrepresentaion is bound to be there.
First of all, Guru Nanak has been shown with shorned hair & clean-shavened even when he is well into his twenties, which is far from true as he himself had insturcted Mardana in thier childhood to keep unshorned hair. Moreover, it has always been tradition in India & for that matter even in Europe to keep long hair & uncut facial hair.This misrepresentaion may have adverse effect on young mnds & they may consider that they can continue as Sikhs without ‘Bana’.
Secondly, Bebe Nanaki has been shown wearing sari while traditional dress of punjab has always been ‘Salwar Kamiz’
Thirdly, we Sikhs have been opposing the idea of movies being made on Sikh Gurus with actors playing their parts, as we belive that nobody can be as pure & great as the Gurus to represent them on screen. Animation has provided us a way out & we can use this to great extent but I personally feel that we should use “Narration Technique” rather than using somebody as ‘Voice’ of Gurus.
Kindly share your thoughts on this.
Thanks,
Jatinder Pal Singh
>>>Animation has provided us a way out & we can use this to great extent but I personally feel that we should use “Narration Technique” rather than using somebody as ‘Voice’ of Gurus.
I’m 8 and i think the animation was fantastic.I didn’t learn anything new but it made it easier to understand.
Hi i’m Jatinder Sahi from Calgary.I liked your site.Animation was excellent.I have some interest in learning more about my religion.And your site made it easier for me.thanxxxxxxxxxx.
From the earlier comments, there seems to be a consensus, and I totally agree that using multimedia and animation is the best technique for Sikhs. However, I believe that voices of ‘Gurus’ would be more effective than narration, especially, it’s effect on young children. Voices are not visible but off course, they should be subject to screen tests and the best should be used.
wahe guru ji ka khalsa wahe guru ji ki fateh!
Me n hemzz r here checking the web itz slick n it rocks sikhzzz rule Luv Ruby x
P.s Henna n hemzz n Rubzz W.e.c 07
2 All ma sikhs wahe guru ji ka khalsa wahe guru ji ki fateh! n sfe
it is a wonderfull movie :) keep the good work up!!!
absolutely phenomenal