US scholars get knowledge of Sikh history

Amritsar, June 14

A two-day international seminar on ‘History of Sikhism-Nationalism and Partition’ on Thursday commenced at Khalsa College for Women (KCW) in which Fulbright scholars from Metropolitan State University, Denver, USA, participated and discussed vital issues regarding the origin of Sikhism and division of India and Pakistan.

A team of 15 academicians from the US, headed by Dr Andrew Muldoon, Professor of History; James Aubrey, Professor of English; and Dr Akbarali Thobhani, Executive Director, Office of International Studies; spoke and asked questions about the various aspects of history. The seminar was inaugurated by Khalsa College Charitable Society secretary Rajinder Mohan Singh Chhina who termed the Sikh history as unique.

“The history of Sikhs needs a lot of intensive research as it is the youngest religion of the world. The history is full of upheavals and needs focused study to unravel truths,” he said. He introduced the Sikhs as fearless, courageous, brave and a martial race.

The keynote address was delivered by Prof Dr Prithipal Singh Kapur, a historian and former Pro Vice Chancellor of Guru Nanak Dev University. He highlighted the basic tenets of Sikh philosophy and the practical approach of Sikh religion, which teaches to maintain a balance between the worldly and spiritual life to achieve salvation.

He briefed the audience about the life and philosophy of 10 Sikh Gurus. He also informed about Guru Hargobind Singh, the sixth Guru of Sikhs. “He was the first Sikh Guru who wore two sword of Miri and Piri, upholding the central concept of Sikh religion to live both worldly and spiritual life,” he said. He answered the queries of the foreign academicians. — TNS