Amritsar’s heritage, music discussed on Day 4 of literature fest

Amritsar, February 24

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The rich architectural heritage of Amritsar needs no introduction for its citizens, especially the younger generation. This was stated by experts from the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), who addressed a special session, “Sifti Da Ghar”, on the city’s heritage and history at the ongoing Amritsar Literature Festival at Khalsa College.

The panel included Major General Balwinder Singh, state convener, INTACH Punjab, economist Dr Prem Maan, Dr Sarabjit Singh Mann and Gagandeep Singh. They briefed the audience on the history and relevance of some of the most iconic architectural marvels of Punjab.

“Amritsar is very rich in terms of heritage, tangible and intangible. Sri Harmandir Sahib, which conveys the message of universality, Sri Durgiana Temple and Sri Valmiki Temple testify to the antiquity of this place. The sundial in the court of Golden temple shows our scientific thinking. The editing of Guru Granth Sahib shows that our literary tradition is rich and unmatched,” said Major General Balwinder Singh.

He added: “Dhani Ram Chatrik and Gurbaksh Singh Preetlari are the symbols of our modern consciousness. Madan Lal Dhingra, Udham Singh and Sohan Singh Bhakna have been the heroes of our freedom struggle.”

Khalsa College principal Dr Mehal Singh said in terms of architecture, the glory of Amritsar’s heritage can be witnessed in Darbar Sahib, the foundation stone of which was laid by a fakir of another sect.

“The name of this college also comes in terms of architectural heritage. The red colour of its bricks is a symbol of blood flowing in the human body. At the time of its establishment, it was simultaneously called Dua Khana, Dawa Khana and Gyan Khana, which means that the foundation stone of the dispensary, Gurdwara Sahib and the college was laid at the same time when the Khalsa College was established,” the principal said.

He added: “The college has been established on the site of Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib’s first battle with the Mughals and the rooms are designed in such a way that they are cool in summer and warm in winter.” In another session, called “Zindagi di baat paaide kahani’, storyteller Waryam Singh Sandhu spoke about the human sensibilities in the context of Punjabi stories.

He said: “During the partition of 1947, the humanity was lost. A good man became an animal but even then some people saved humanity from shame.” He gave the example of his and Mahinder Singh Sarna’s stories and said the feelings buried in hearts due to external circumstances would come to the fore many times.

Dedicated to the memory of Kavishar Joga Singh Jogi, ‘Kabar jindhi di jeeve hu’ programme was held, in which the audience enjoyed the charm of Kavishari, a form of poetry with musical recitation.