Lecture dwells on Punjab’s secular nationalist tradition

Patiala, September 21

The Department of Punjab Historical Studies, Punjabi University, Patiala, organised the 12th Dr Ganda Singh Memorial Lecture at the Senate Hall here today.

Prof Mridula Mukherjee, Centre for Historical Studies, JNU, New Delhi, who was the key speaker delivered her lecture on the theme ‘The Secular Nationalist Tradition in Punjab’.

Prof Mukherjee described that while the slogan ‘Pagri Sambal Jatta’ was the origin of the secular nationalist tradition in Punjab, the Ghadar Movement, Akali Movement, Babbar Akali Movement, Civil Disobedience Movement and Quit India Movement added sting to the operation of creating awareness among people residing in urban and rural areas.

She highlighted that it created national consciousness and contributed strongly to the struggle for freedom of the country among people of Punjab, who directly or indirectly participated in these movements.

Prof BS Ghuman, in his presidential address, said Prof Mukherjee has, in a very refined manner, connected herself to the spirit of Dr Ganda Singh in the context of rich heritage that Punjab enjoyed in terms of secular nationalist tradition. — TNS