GNDU bid to digitise shabads, raags composed by Guru Tegh Bahadur, QR code to access them

In a first, GNDU’s VC Prof Karamjeet Singh has compiled a book based on hymns, shabads and teachings of the ninth Sikh Guru Tegh Bahadur. The book will have 13 chapters, featuring the English translation and a comprehensive summary of Guru Tegh Bahadur’s teachings and his bani. In a unique addition, the book will be accompanied by an audio archive of hymns, raags and shabads composed by Guru Tegh Bahadur, which can be accessed through a unique QR code. This is the first attempt by the university to digitize the hymns and raags composed by the ninth Sikh Guru and make them available to public. These raags are originally preserved in Guru Granth Sahib.

“The book will be unique as it combines technology and our manuscripts’ knowledge to decode the message of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib since we are celebrating the 350th martyrdom year of Guru Tegh Bahadur. He was known as ‘Hind Ki Chaadar’ or the Shield of India as he sacrificed his life to protect the freedom of religion and conscience. It is because of this immense honour and respect that his martyrdom is celebrated and its intent must reach the younger generation,” said Prof Karamjeet Singh, vice- chancellor, GNDU.

The book will have translations of 25 raags composed by Guru Tegh Bahadur, including the most celebrated and popularl one, known Raag Jaijavanti , along with shabad and shloks, composed by the Guru Saheb which have been performed by Hazoori Raagi Bhai Narinder Singh and his team. “We have recorded these shabads and they have been digitaized with a QR code. Anyone can access them using that QR code and listen to these raags and shabads in three languages — Gurmukhi, Hindi and English,” informed the VC.

The hymns and shabads are in Gurmukhi script as approved by Shiromani Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee and can be listened with Hindi and English translation. “It is a first of its kind attempt to digitize the musical legacy and Gurbani of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib and has been done to ensure that today’s generation gets connected with our Guru’s teachings and principles through their music. His bani was revolutionary, he taught the concept of Sehej or serenity. His bani reflects profound wisdom, inner peace and unshakeable faith in the divine. I believe that this is something that this generation needs to learn and discover,” said Prof Karamjeet Singh. The book is set for publication and will be released on November 25, marking the martyrdom day of the ninth Sikh Guru.

Apart from this, the university will host a series of events dedicated to the 350th martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur from November 10 till November 25. The university will host 20 internationally renowned Sikh scholars for a special commemorative lecture on Guru Tegh Bahdaur and his principles.