Chardi Kala lives in all of us! It is a call to rise, serve, and live with joy, even through pain. In today’s world, nurturing this light isn’t just an aspirational virtue—it’s a responsibility we carry, both for ourselves and for future generations.
Rooted in Sikhi, Chardi Kala is often translated as eternal optimism or rising spirit, but it is more than just a feeling. It is a conscious choice to live joyfully with resilience and compassion, especially in the face of adversity. It shapes how we show up in our lives, through seva, spirit, and a deep sense of responsibility. This principle has shaped my journey, from medicine to entrepreneurship to community service. No matter the setting, I see Chardi Kala as a foundational and powerful daily prescription we have been given to care for our mind, body, and soul.
Principles rooted in Sikhi can inspire our wellness practices and align well with modern longevity science. These include waking up at amritvela (before dawn), serving others through seva (selfless service), and being tyaar bar tyaar (ever-ready) for whatever life may bring.
To begin incorporating this into our lives, we must first look inward. Are we in the right frame of mind? Are we practicing mindfulness? Whether through meditation, journaling, or quiet reflection, we must make space to reset the foundation of our mental resilience. Fortunately, we do not have to do this alone. As social beings, we are strengthened by connection with our families, friends, and support networks - our sangat. In the world of medicine, more than ever before, social factors like this are being recognized as having dramatic impacts on long-term health outcomes and factor into the holistic well-being of a person.
To live in Chardi Kala, we must also honor the body we have. Health is not just about living longer, but also living stronger - with energy, mobility, and clarity throughout our lives. Daily movement, a balanced diet with enough protein, strength training at least three times per week, and regular restful sleep form the foundation of lifelong vitality. Especially as we age, these habits improve bone density, brain function, and metabolism and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. Needless to say, when the physical body aches, it becomes much more difficult to embody Chardi Kala how we may want to!
At its core, for many, Chardi Kala is a spiritual state. It is a steadiness that allows us to carry light in the midst of darkness. Perhaps no one embodied this more powerfully than Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji. Despite immense personal loss, including the martyrdom of his four sons, he never surrendered his vision or spirit. He wrote the Zafarnama, a declaration of truth, resilience, and divine strength that continues to inspire generations. His life teaches us that Chardi Kala is not about avoiding pain. It is about rising above it through fearless love, selfless service, and a deep connection to the Divine. When we apply this spirit to our physical health, mental resilience, and spiritual practice, we can begin to embody Chardi Kala in our daily lives.
Throughout my work in medicine, entrepreneurship, and community service, there have been times when the path was difficult or unclear. There will be more, but Chardi Kala means continuing forward with purpose and aligning our ambitions with something much greater than ourselves. This belief has shaped my work, from building health-focused ventures to leading initiatives like the One Blood For Life Foundation. I have seen how small acts of service and mentorship can ripple outward, creating stronger and more united communities. When we show up with intention and humility, today’s obstacles can become tomorrow’s launchpad.
WRITER BIO: Dr. Joban Singh Bal is a UBC Family Medicine Resident Physician and the President and Founder of the One Blood For Life Foundation.
