Guru Nanak Dev University celebrates 56th foundation day; to introduce course on Sikhism

Guru Nanak Dev University celebrated its 56th foundation day, dedicating the occasion to the 350th shaheedi gurpurb of Guru Tegh Bahadur. Academicians, scholars, students and eminent personalities participated in day-long celebrations, which included a folklore exhibition, art exhibition and book fair as students from affiliated colleges of GNDU put up vibrant stalls, giving glimpse of traditional, rural Punjabi life.

Vice-Chancellor Karamjeet Singh presided over the academic lectures delivered by eminent scholars Brijpal Singh, former professor of economics, Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration; Kehar Singh, former professor, political science, Punjabi University, Patiala, and Suprit Pal Singh, head, business development & projects, PTESSA Industries, Indonesia.

In his address, Karamjeet Singh said that, “In one of its most visionary international initiatives, the GNDU has written to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, proposing that October 24, the UN Foundation Day, be globally observed as “The Day of Universal Conscience”. This proposal honours the moral legacy of Guru Tegh Bahadur and aims to promote a global culture rooted in conscience, dignity, human freedom and mutual respect.”

He also announced that from the next academic session a separate compulsory course on basic knowledge of Sikhism would be introduced for every student. He stated that the Department of Sikh Philosophy was being revived and certificate and diploma courses in Sikh music, Sikh theology and gurmat literature would soon be launched.

Brijpal Singh said that modern life reinforces ego, self-presentation and the desire for approval — traits that take us away from the path of Guru Nanak. He said that Guru Nanak was not only a historical figure, he was a living spiritual principle — a mantar — meant to be remembered, practised, felt and absorbed in daily life.

Kehar Singh got critical appraisal of two influential works on the Singh Sabha Movement that have shaped contemporary debates on Sikh identity and the Singh Sabha Movement. Suprit Pal Singh examined the key role of innovation, technology and research in shaping a sustainable and future-ready Punjab, with specific reference to the partnership of industry, society and university ecosystem.

A special kirtan darbar at the university gurdwara was organised followed by langar. A folklore exhibition was organized, in which students displayed traditional Punjabi kitchen, household items, looms and phulkaris and pakhis that form the core handicrafts heritage of the state.

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