Nawab Kapur Singh - Humble Servant Leader

Dadi**: Guddu beta, what do you think makes a true leader?

Guddu**: Someone strong? Someone who gives orders?

Dadi**: Many people think that, beta. But tonight I'll tell you about a leader who was chosen because he was doing the most humble work of all - waving a fan to cool down tired people!

Guddu**: A fan-waver became a leader?!

Dadi**: Not just any leader - he became the Nawab of the Sikhs! His name was Kapur Singh, and this happened during one of the darkest times in Sikh history.

Guddu**: What was happening?

Dadi**: This was around 1733, beta. The Mughal rulers had been hunting Sikhs for years. Thousands had been killed. The community was hiding in forests, moving from place to place, never safe. It was a time of terrible suffering.

Guddu**: That's so sad!

Dadi**: Then something surprising happened. The Mughal governor, Zakarya Khan, decided to make peace. He offered the Sikhs land, money, and a special title - "Nawab" - for their leader. But there was a problem.

Guddu**: What problem?

Dadi**: No Sikh wanted to accept the title! They were warriors who valued humility. Taking a fancy title and wealth felt wrong to them. They discussed and debated, but no one would step forward.

Guddu**: So what did they do?

Dadi**: While all this arguing was going on, there was a young Sikh named Kapur Singh who was quietly doing seva - selfless service. It was a hot summer day, and he was waving a large fan to cool down the tired Sangat - the gathered community.

Guddu**: Just waving a fan?

Dadi**: Just waving a fan, beta. He had actually been wounded in a recent battle. He was tired, he was injured. But instead of resting, he was serving others. Fanning them, bringing them comfort, asking nothing in return.

Guddu**: That's so nice of him!

Dadi**: The elders noticed this. Here was a man who didn't want titles or glory. He wasn't trying to be important. He was simply serving with love. And they realized: THIS is what a true leader looks like!

Guddu**: So they chose him?

Dadi**: They announced that Kapur Singh would be the Nawab! But when he heard this, he refused! "I am not worthy," he said. "Let me continue my humble service."

Guddu**: He said no to being a leader?!

Dadi**: He did. But the entire community insisted. They said, "We choose you BECAUSE you don't want power. Someone who runs toward power cannot be trusted. Someone who runs from it but accepts it for duty - that is a true leader."

Guddu**: So did he finally say yes?

Dadi**: He agreed, but with conditions. First, he placed the robe of honor at the feet of five revered Sikhs before wearing it himself - showing that he was servant to the community, not master over it. And second - this is the beautiful part - he asked that he not be relieved of his duty of serving in the horse stables!

Guddu**: Wait - even as a Nawab he wanted to clean stables?!

Dadi**: Even as a Nawab! He believed that serving animals, cleaning stables, doing humble work - these weren't things to escape FROM when you get power. These were things that KEPT you worthy of power.

Guddu**: That's amazing, Dadi!

Dadi**: Nawab Kapur Singh went on to lead the Sikhs through their darkest period. He organized them into fighting groups called Misls. He protected his people, fought bravely, but never forgot who he was - a servant first.

Guddu**: Dadi, I thought leaders were supposed to sit on fancy chairs and tell people what to do.

Dadi**: The world has many such leaders, beta. But the greatest leaders are those who serve. Think of Guru Nanak cooking for the poor. Think of Lord Ram eating Shabri's tasted berries. Think of Krishna driving Arjuna's chariot. Greatness is found in service.

Guddu**: So if I want to be a leader someday, I should start by helping others?

Dadi**: Exactly, beta! Don't chase titles. Don't chase fame. Simply serve. Help whoever needs help. Be the one waving the fan when others are tired. Be the one cleaning when others won't. That spirit - that selflessness - is what will make people trust you enough to follow you.

Guddu**: I'm going to help Mummy with dishes without being asked tomorrow!

Dadi**: Now THAT is the spirit of Nawab Kapur Singh! She will be very surprised. Goodnight, my little servant-leader!

Guddu**: Goodnight, Dadi!