Follow Guru Granth Sahib to eradicate intolerance: Experts

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, March 15

A one-day national seminar on Sikh Vision of Multi-Cultural Society was held at Gujranwala Guru Nanak Khalsa College. The seminar was organised by the PG Department of Punjabi and Gurmat Sabha and sponsored by the College Development Council, Panjab University, Chandigarh.

The programme commenced with Shabad Gaayan and Principal Dr Arvinder Singh welcomed the chief guest, guests of honour and other delegates.

Dr SP Singh, former Vice-Chancellor, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, and General Secretary, Gujranwala Khalsa Educational Council, shared his views on the theme of the seminar. He said the preaching of Guru Granth Sahib must be followed to eradicate the evil of religious intolerance and to create peace and harmony in the world.

In the inaugural address, Dr Indra Nath Choudhary, Chief Editor, Ministry of Human Resource Development, apprised the gathering of the impact of multi-culturalism and emphasised on the principles of Guru Nanak Dev that one must be egoless.

Dr Balwant Singh Dhillon, former founder director, Centre for Studies on Guru Granth Sahib, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, said "India is a multi-religious, multi-cultural and multi-lingual society and Punjab has been very rich state to have all at one place."

He quoted Guru Gobind Singh's quote "Maanas Ki Jaat Sabhae Ekei Pehchanbo" to emphasise on the importance of considering all human beings as one and nurture the principle of humanity.

Dr Sanjay Kumar, Director, Centre for Developing Study, shared his survey report on tolerance of Sikh people in the society.

Dr Neshat Quaiser, Head, Department of Sociology, Jamia Milia Islamia University, New Delhi, also emphaised on equality, brotherhood and humanity by referring the principles and preaching of Sikh Gurus and their Baani.

Dr Jagbir Singh, former Head, Department of Punjabi, Delhi University, enlightened the audience on the significant contribution of Sikh Guru Sahebaan in bringing the people of almost all religion, race, caste and creed together and spreading the message of humanity.

Students of Gurmt Gyan Missionary College participated in the seminar and shared their views from the perspective of modern young generation. Dr Manish Kumar, Assistant Professor, Punjabi Department, Gujranwala Guru Nanak Khalsa College, presented his paper. President, Gujranwala Khalsa Educational Council, Gursharan Singh Narula; Secretary Bhagwant Singh and members of the council Kuljit Singh, Hardeep Singh and Sandeep Singh were also present on the occasion.

Prof Prithipal Singh Kapur, former Pro Vice-Chancellor, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, spoke about comparative religious studies with respect to multi-cultural society and globalisation.