This Religion and worldviews video supports teachers delivering a lesson on the origins and significance of the Gurmukhi script in the Sikh worldview. Children learn how, before its creation, sacred texts were written in languages like Sanskrit and Persian, which were not widely understood by ordinary people. Gurmukhi, meaning “from the Guru’s mouth”, was created in the sixteenth century by the second Sikh Guru to make teachings accessible. It allowed followers to read and understand the Guru Granth Sahib directly, helping them feel closer to Waheguru, or God.

This video is part of Kapow Primary’s Religion and worldviews resources – scripture. It prepares teachers to explain how Gurmukhi functions both as a religious and cultural script, linking Sikh communities to their faith, identity, and Punjabi heritage. Teachers are supported in highlighting how Gurmukhi is used in prayer, literature, music, and education, offering children insight into how script and language can connect deeply with personal belief and cultural tradition.

Religion and worldviews, key stage 2, Year 4, Does the language of scripture matter? Lesson 5: How important are translations of religious scripture?