Chandigarh, 11 March: Mehr Chand Mahajan DAV College for Women organised Chandigarh Sahitya Akademi sponsored one-day interdisciplinary national seminar on the theme ‘Contributions of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji to Indian Culture, Literature and Humanity’. The seminar brought together eminent academicians, scholars, and students to deliberate upon the enduring legacy of the ninth Sikh Guru and his profound contribution to Indian culture, literature, and the ideals of humanity.

The inaugural session was graced by distinguished personalities from academia and literary institutions. Dr. Sarbjit Singh, President, Punjabi Sahitya Akademi, Ludhiana, attended as the Special Guest. The programme commenced on an auspicious note with soulful shabad gayan from the bani of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji.

The keynote address was delivered by S. Jaswant Singh Zafar, Director, Language Department, Punjab, who reflected upon Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s greatness and egolessness through the example of his conduct when he was not offered the Gurugaddi after his father, Guru Hargobind Ji. Describing him as an icon of cultural protection, S. Zafar also highlighted Guru Ji’s widespread acceptability among the economic and political forces of his time. Referring to the episode of Pandit Kirpa Ram, he remarked that Guru Ji’s love and compassion accomplished what Aurangzeb’s sword could not.

In his presidential address, Dr. Manmohan, Chairman, Chandigarh Sahitya Akademi, emphasised the historical as well as contemporary relevance of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s martyrdom. He noted that the Guru’s struggle against injustice and tyranny should not be viewed solely through the lens of religion but also from economic and sociological perspectives.

Dr. Sarbjit Singh remarked that to understand Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s personality, one must first understand the Gurmat parampara of which he is an integral part. Calling his sacrifice for others a unique episode in history, and his bani a humanising force for the dehumanised, Dr. Singh stated that Guru Ji’s supreme sacrifice continues to inspire all humanity.

The academic session featured insightful deliberations by distinguished scholars, including Dr. Paramjit Kaur Sidhu, Associate Professor, Department of Punjabi, Panjab University, Chandigarh; Dr. Gurmel Singh, Associate Professor, Government College, Sector 11, Chandigarh; Dr. Baljeet Singh, Associate Professor, Post Graduate Government College, Sector 46, Chandigarh; Dr. Paramjit Singh, Associate Professor, Post Graduate Government College, Sector 11, Chandigarh; and Dr. Vinod Bishnoi, Assistant Professor, Department of Hindi, Panjab University, Chandigarh. The speakers reflected upon the historical, literary, and cultural significance of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s life and teachings and discussed their continued relevance in contemporary society.

The valedictory session was graced by Dr. Jaspal Kaur Kang, former Chairperson, Department of Guru Nanak Sikh Studies, Panjab University, Chandigarh, as the Chief Guest. The session was also graced by Dr. Anish Garg, Vice Chairman, Chandigarh Sahitya Akademi, and Dr. Subhash Bhasker, Secretary, Chandigarh Sahitya Akademi, as Special Guests. Dr. Jaspal Kaur Kang quoted from Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s bani to shed light on the greatness and distinguished sacrifice of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. Speaking on Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s ‘Abhay daan’ while protecting the Kashmiri pandits, Dr. Kang highlighted Guru Ji’s visionary leadership, and asserted that his martyrdom has multiple perspectives. The valedictory address was delivered by Dr. Gurpal Singh Sandhu, Academic Incharge, Department of Guru Nanak Sikh Studies, Panjab University, Chandigarh, who highlighted the universal values of courage, sacrifice, inclusivity and religious freedom exemplified by Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji.

Officiating Principal Ms. Neena Sharma asserted that the entire humanity bows before the great legacy of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji and his supreme sacrifice for the welfare of humanity. She emphasised that such academic engagements are crucial for reaffirming faith in Guru Ji’s teachings and recognising their enduring relevance in the contemporary world.