INTACH seeks to revive Amritsar’s literary history with lecture on Guru Nanak’s ‘Oneness’

The Amritsar chapter of INTACH organised an inspiring lecture titled “Guru Nanak: An Embodiment of Oneness” at Virsa Vihar, delivered by globally acclaimed author and historian Amardeep Singh. The event saw enthusiasts, scholars and school students getting an insight into Amardeep’s impressive body of work on Guru Nanak’s spiritual journey across the sub-continent and universal philosophy of Eka (Oneness).

Amardeep Singh is the man behind a 24-episode docu-series titled, “Allegory: A Tapestry of Guru Nanak’s Travels”. The series documents the extensive journeys of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, across nine countries and numerous multi-faith sites during the 16th century. The docu-series aims to showcase the universal message of peace and fellowship that Guru Nanak spread during his travels.

Following it up with pictorial books and verses that chronicle and archive significant Sikh religious and historic places, mapping across sub-continent, Amandeep Singh shared his initiation into his documentation.

Amardeep Singh, joined by his wife Vaninder Kaur, was recognised for their 16-year journey producing five impactful documentaries at significant personal expense. “My purpose was to challenge the notion that Sikh traditions and identity should be confined to Punjab, highlighting the presence of Nanak Panth and Sikh Panth followers across India, many of whom may have never visited Punjab,” said Amardeep.

He stressed upon the need to unite these communities under Guru Nanak’s universal principle of Eka. His docu-series, said Amardeep, addresses the fact that Guru Nanak’s travels were initially documented through oral narratives and later in Janamsakhis (historical accounts), and how some of these sites have become inaccessible or forgotten due to divisions and geographical changes.

Bibi Inderjeet Kaur, president of Pingalwara, was the chief guest on the occasion while noted theatre personality Kewal Dhaliwal attended as the special guest.

INTACH convener Gagandeep Singh Virk emphasised the event’s goal of reviving Amritsar’s literary culture. “The work, focused on preserving and sharing Guru Nanak Dev’s enlightening journey and its impact on several communities across the world, is a study that we must all undergo. Amardeep has done remarkably good work for our generations to know,” he said.

Bibi Inderjeet Kaur lauded Amardeep Singh’s efforts, attributing his monumental achievements to divine blessings, stating, “His work is a testament to the Guru’s grace, enabling one individual to accomplish such extraordinary feats.” Kewal Dhaliwal said that Amardeep Singh’s unparalleled insights into Guru Nanak’s philosophy of Eka are commendable, which promotes unity and inclusivity.”