GNDU to create archive of literature on ninth Sikh Guru

Vice-chancellor of Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU), Prof Karamjeet Singh, today announced that the university is going to create a digital archive of all the literature related to the ninth Sikh Guru, Tegh Bahadur. Prof Karamjeet Singh, in his presidential address at the two-day national conference dedicated to the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur, said, "We will compile all primary sources related to Sikhism into a central digital archive, enabling scholars worldwide to access them." He emphasised that Sikhism imparts not just knowledge but also wisdom and self-confidence, freeing individuals from inner fears.

The two-day national conference is being held in the auditorium hall of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Study Centre in collaboration with the Department of Guru Nanak Studies and the Department of Political Science. The theme of the conference was 'Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji: Martyrdom and Moral Consciousness'. In the inaugural session of the conference, Prof Karamjit Singh, along with the keynote speaker, noted Sikh thinker and scholar, Prof Amarjit Singh Grewal, Prof Manjit Singh (former Jathedar, Sri Akal Takht Sahib), Prof Sarbjinder Singh (Vice-chancellor, Sunny Oberoi Vivek Sadan Futuristic University, Sri Anandpur Sahib), were the main speakers.

Prof Amarjit Singh Grewal emphasised that Guru Tegh Bahadur gave the slogan of "Baari Meet Saman". "He was the champion of rights for all, irrespective of their religion or faith. He is remembered for his poetry as much as for his sacrifice," he said.

Prof Manjit Singh (former Jathedar, Sri Akal Takht Sahib), said that there is a need to understand the secrets of the life of Guru Tegh Bahadur through the episodes mentioned in Sikh religious literature. "When Guru Sahib gives important messages like 'Harakh Sog Te Rahai Niaro' and 'Kanchan Mati Manai', he inspires to live a joyful life," he said.

Prof Sarbjinder Singh highlighted the uniqueness of the concept of martyrdom in Sikhism from the perspective of theology in the context of the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur. "He made us feel proud of the spirit with which Guru Sahib Ji himself attained martyrdom, only known in Sikhism. For this reason, we should be proud of our heritage and live our lives being aware and practicing the teachings of our Gurus."

Vice-chancellor Prof Karamjeet Singh said that in the era of technology, digitising the entire Sikh source texts related to the ninth Sikh Guru and announcing the Amritsar Declaration, which includes publication of the research papers of all the scholars who participated in this conference in book form, is a commitment towards creating awareness among the next generation.